The Violet Hour: A Play

by Richard Greenberg

Book Overview

In this new play by the Tony Award-winning playwright of Take Me Out, a fledgling (and upper-class) World War I-era publisher is trying to decide which work to choose as his imprint's first title. He has two manuscripts but lacks the funds to publish both. His difficult decision--whether to publish his lover's memoir or the novel written by his best friend--is further complicated by the arrival of a mysterious machine that produces pages...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0571211844
• ISBN13: 9780571211845
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Farrar, Strauss & Giroux-3pl
• Length: 144 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Great Condition, on time, good price.

just like new, as advertised and less expensive (even after shipping) than any other store.

Entertaining & oddly stirring.

This was one of those scripts I just up and ordered blindly, not really having any clue what to expect. I had a passing familiarity with Richard Greenberg as a playwright, but I was unprepared for this script. It is delightfully fun, the characters are witty and likable despite their faults and in the end hits you with a surprising heart. I only have one caveat - the role of Gidger is clearly written for a specific actor. Some might say that is the mark of a good writer, to be able to write in that actors voice so vividly - others might find it distracting and daunting if you are an actor hoping to put your own stamp on that character. Personally, I was fine with it, but it is something to take into account. The Violet Hour is a true pleasure!

Great Contemporary Play

Richard Greenberg at his best- He is the American playwright of the decade!

A Gorgeous Read . . .

The Violet Hour reads like a novel, forcing one to turn page after page, racing to the end of the play. As the production assistant on the Manhattan Theatre Club staging of the show, I've lived with the text for a long time. Ever since I first read the script, I've been advising my friends to buy it as soon as it is published.John Pace Seavering, a wealthy Princeton graduate, wishes to become a publisher. He must decide between two manuscripts for his first venture: his best friend from college's sprawling masterpiece, or his older black lover's compelling memoir. Suddenly a machine arrives at his office . . . spewing out pages from academic books of the future, detailing the devistating results of his choice. What will his decision be? Can he alter the future? How can he use his power at all, in the face of the alleged facts?This play soars on the page, and I highly recommend it.