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Politically Erect

Ten years ago, a marriage burnt out – that of retired firefighter Jim and ex-wife Lori. Fearing upsetting his deeply religious mother Ida, Jim convinced Lori to keep the divorce a secret, going so far as to host Thanksgiving dinner together every year for the last decade. On the morning of this year’s Thanksgiving dinner, Lori faces Jim with an ultimatum: either he will tell his mother about the divorce, or she will. Meanwhile, Jim’s and Lori’s kids are keeping secrets of their own. Jen just failed out of college, and Eric has come to a startling realization regarding his sexuality – he can’t discuss politics of any kind without getting a hard-on. The heat turns up when Lori invites two of her co-workers to the dinner: one the man she replaced Jim with, the other a clueless red herring for Jim. Despite its title, this farce is more about family than politics.

Cast: 
Jim 50-59, Male edit delete A retired firefighter/paramedic, fifty-something. Separated from LORI due to an incident relating to his PTSD. Despite their tenuous relationship, he still has feelings for her. Eric’s and Jen’s father. Can be played by: Age: 40s, 50s, 60s Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Male Lori 45-49, Female edit delete Late forties. Here to tell JIM’s mom about the divorce. Can be played by: Age: Any age Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Female Eric 21/22, Male edit delete 21/22. In his senior year of college. Here to tell his family that he’s poli-sexual. Can be played by: Age: Teens, 20s Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Male Jen 19/20, Female edit delete Eric’s younger sister, 19/20. A sophomore in college. College has been a liberating experience. She has come out as a hyper-liberal, self-described “raging feminist.” Here to share that she failed out of school. Can be played by: Age: Teens, 20s Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Female DAVID (B) 45-49, AMAB or trans-male in casting. edit delete Late forties. LORI’s coworker. One of two suspects as to the man LORI is currently dating. Blissfully unaware of the situation. Wearing goggles on his forehead for some reason. Can be played by: Age: Any age Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Any gender DAVID (A) 45-49, Male edit delete Late forties. LORI’s coworker. One of two suspects as to the man LORI is currently dating. Can be played by: Age: Any age Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Male Ida 65+, Female edit delete Eric’s younger sister, 19/20. A sophomore in college. College has been a liberating experience… she has come out as a hyper-liberal, self-described “raging feminist.” Here to share that she failed out of school. Can be played by: Age: 50s, 60s, 70s+ Race/Ethnicity: Any race/ethnicity Gender: Female
Script: