Bee-luther-hatchee

Bee-luther-hatchee by Thomas Gibbons

(1)
Productions (64)
Drama
|
90 - 110 minutes
3 W, 2 M,  (5-8 actors possible: 3-5 W, 2-3 M)
Content Notes: Adult language
Set: Various locations suggested: an editor's office in New York, an old-age home, a hotel room, a kitchen

Shelita Burns, an African-American editor, publishes Bee-luther-hatchee, the autobiography of a reclusive 72-year-old black woman named Libby Price. Shelita has never met Libby, and when the book wins a prestigious award she decides to deliver it to her in person. To her profound shock, the actual author of the book is a white man named Sean Leonard. Furious and resentful, Shelita accuses Sean of perpetrating a hoax, while he defends the book as a truthful work of imagination. Their confrontation, played out on the edge of the racial divide, builds to a jarring act of violence. Read More

Pricing Information

Min. Performance Fee* $85
Standard Edition $13.99
Stage Manager Edition $24.99
Archival Video License $150

*The per performance fee begins at $85. Your per performance fee will be provided during the ordering process.


Playscripts is pleased to offer an Archival Video License for an additional $150 for full-length plays and $75 for one-act plays.

Play Details

Shelita Burns, an African-American editor, publishes Bee-luther-hatchee, the autobiography of a reclusive 72-year-old black woman named Libby Price. Shelita has never met Libby, and when the book wins a prestigious award she decides to deliver it to her in person. To her profound shock, the actual author of the book is a white man named Sean Leonard. Furious and resentful, Shelita accuses Sean of perpetrating a hoax, while he defends the book as a truthful work of imagination. Their confrontation, played out on the edge of the racial divide, builds to a jarring act of violence.

(This is the first part of a trilogy. See also Permanent Collection and A House With No Walls.)

  • Drama
  • |
  • 90 - 110 minutes
  • 3 W, 2 M,  (5-8 actors possible: 3-5 W, 2-3 M)
  • Content Notes: Adult language
  • Set: Various locations suggested: an editor's office in New York, an old-age home, a hotel room, a kitchen
  • Standard Edition ISBN: 978-1-62384-269-7

Published Reviews

"A powerful, provocative piece of theatrical writing. You want to run down the street twisting people's arms to see it."

Linda Eisenstein, Cleveland Plain Dealer

"An artful, intelligent and fascinating mystery exploring the nature of art, the boundaries of race and the ownership of personal history...honest and engrossing theatre, the kind that forces you to think what you would say as you're waiting in suspense for the next reply."

Kansas City infoZine

"In our world of hot-button topics and uncivil discourse, it's rare that you get to hear an eloquent, complex argument where the sides are so evenly matched that you keep changing your mind about who's "right." It's even more unusual to see such an argument laid out in a contemporary drama with well-rounded characters who are more than authorial mouthpieces. The combination makes Thomas Gibbons' Bee-luther-hatchee...a powerful, provocative piece of theatrical writing. You want to run down the street twisting people's arms to see it... Poetic and subtle, asking penetrating questions without simple answers...one of the best plays of the season. It deserves a large audience."

Linda Eisenstein, Cleveland Plain Dealer

"A brilliant, thought-provoking piece of theatre ... one of the most satisfying evenings of theatre one could ever hope for... The Thomas Gibbons script is right on the mark. For one of the most thought-provoking evenings you'll ever spend in the theatre, don't miss Bee-Luther-Hatchee."

Steve Allen, KFUO-FM (St. Louis)

"Thomas Gibbons' play shoots into linguistic high gear. The plot takes a stunning turn as the characters address themselves to the play's real subject: the question of identity, of how we know who anybody really is. Or even if we do ... the play offers plenty to think about, lacing reason with passion."

Judith Newmark, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

"The compelling drama takes you on a journey that leads not to resolution, but to a springboard for discussion... Powerful without being obvious, this bittersweet story will leave you in thought long after the curtain comes down."

Nick Dussault, Boston Metro

"This is a beautiful play; one that is so distinctly American in its dealing with the issues of race and prejudice, of outrage and good intentions, and, of course, the craft of writing, the world of publishing and the baggage of celebrity. I commend Mr. Gibbons (a white Northerner) for tackling all of these subjects in so simple and direct a manner, his two major accomplishments being his refusal to settle for a neat ending and in his creation of Shelita herself: an attractive, intelligent woman but also a flawed, vulnerable human being who, in the end, sees the world in black and white as all too many of us do."

Carl A. Rossi, Theater Mirror

"Playwright Thomas Gibbons' words breathe life into a drama that is bound to leave the audience thinking about it well after the curtain falls."

L.A. Watts Times

"Gibbons poses lots of intriguing questions (and no easy answers) in this fascinating literary puzzle about race, identity and the perplexing problems that can come with success."

Sacramento News & Review

"Thomas Gibbons' Bee-luther-hatchee weaves its spell slowly, although it is obvious from the play's evocative first line that a fine, thoughtful writer is at work."

Chicago Sun-Times

"At its most literal, Bee-luther-hatchee is a play about words and about the myriad meanings behind words... This script -- which at its most ambitious is nothing less than a deconstruction of race relations -- has set for itself a huge task. Although some viewers may be frustrated by its refusal to offer clear-cut answers, at least Gibbons cannot be faulted for not having asked the questions. Bee-luther-hatchee is informed by the sincerity of conscience."

Dennis Brown, Riverfront Times (St. Louis)

Production History

NOV 11, 2023 - NOV 11, 2023
Yellowhammer Theatre Group
Selma, AL United States
Yellowhammer Theatre Group Selma, AL United States
MAR 10, 2022 - MAR 20, 2022
impact theatre atlanta
Hapeville, GA United States
impact theatre atlanta Hapeville, GA United States
FEB 24, 2022 - FEB 26, 2022
BASCS
Hackensack, NJ United States
BASCS Hackensack, NJ United States
FEB 05, 2021 - FEB 14, 2021
Emerson Theater Collaborative
Sedona, AZ United States
Emerson Theater Collaborative Sedona, AZ United States
FEB 02, 2019 - FEB 10, 2019
Loma Linda University
Loma Linda, CA United States
Loma Linda University Loma Linda, CA United States
NOV 29, 2018 - DEC 09, 2018
North Springs Charter High School
Sandy Springs, GA United States
North Springs Charter High School Sandy Springs, GA United States
NOV 08, 2018 - NOV 18, 2018
Cal Poly Pomona University
Pomona, CA United States
Cal Poly Pomona University Pomona, CA United States
OCT 27, 2018 - NOV 04, 2018
La Sierra University
Riverside, CA United States
La Sierra University Riverside, CA United States
OCT 05, 2018 - OCT 28, 2018
California State University Fullerton
Fullerton, CA United States
California State University Fullerton Fullerton, CA United States
FEB 23, 2017 - FEB 26, 2017
Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO United States
Northwest Missouri State University Maryville, MO United States
JAN 13, 2017 - FEB 18, 2017
Sierra Madre Playhouse
Sierra Madre, CA United States
Sierra Madre Playhouse Sierra Madre, CA United States
JAN 13, 2017 - FEB 18, 2017
Sierra Madre Playhouse
Sierra Madre, CA United States
Sierra Madre Playhouse Sierra Madre, CA United States
OCT 26, 2015 - OCT 29, 2015
Washington County High School Theatre
Sandersville, GA United States
Washington County High School Theatre Sandersville, GA United States
MAR 20, 2015 - MAR 29, 2015
Women Of Words
Martinez, CA United States
Women Of Words Martinez, CA United States
MAR 03, 2015 - MAR 03, 2015
Caltech Playreaders
Pasadena, CA United States
Caltech Playreaders Pasadena, CA United States
OCT 18, 2014 - OCT 24, 2014
Metter High School
Metter, GA United States
Metter High School Metter, GA United States
JAN 24, 2014 - FEB 09, 2014
The Stagecrafters
Philadelphia, PA United States
The Stagecrafters Philadelphia, PA United States
DEC 09, 2013 - DEC 09, 2013
Theatre Horizon
Norristown, PA United States
Theatre Horizon Norristown, PA United States
APR 19, 2013 - APR 27, 2013
Department Of Theatre
Milwaukee, WI United States
Department Of Theatre Milwaukee, WI United States
OCT 26, 2010 - NOV 13, 2010
Dublin High School
Dublin, GA United States
Dublin High School Dublin, GA United States
FEB 11, 2009 - FEB 14, 2009
Glenbard East High School
Lombard, IL United States
Glenbard East High School Lombard, IL United States
NOV 07, 2008 - NOV 22, 2008
Caribbean Community Theater
Christiansted, VI United States
Caribbean Community Theater Christiansted, VI United States
OCT 03, 2008 - OCT 18, 2008
Allens Lane Art Center
Philadelphia, PA United States
Allens Lane Art Center Philadelphia, PA United States
JUL 25, 2008 - AUG 23, 2008
Celebration Arts
Sacrmento, CA United States
Celebration Arts Sacrmento, CA United States
MAY 20, 2008 - MAY 20, 2008
Atlantic High School
Port Orange, FL United States
Atlantic High School Port Orange, FL United States
APR 04, 2008 - MAY 04, 2008
Modern Muse Theatre Company
Denver, CO United States
Modern Muse Theatre Company Denver, CO United States
MAR 03, 2008 - MAR 03, 2008
Geva Theatre Center
Rochester, NY United States
Geva Theatre Center Rochester, NY United States
MAR 01, 2008 - MAR 15, 2008
Music & Theatre
APO, AP United States
Music & Theatre APO, AP United States
JAN 30, 2008 - FEB 17, 2008
Stamford Theatre Works
Stamford, CT United States
Stamford Theatre Works Stamford, CT United States
NOV 09, 2007 - NOV 19, 2007
Los Medanos College
Pittsburg, CA United States
Los Medanos College Pittsburg, CA United States
FEB 22, 2007 - MAR 11, 2007
Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, Etc., Inc.
Bulverde, TX United States
Spotlight Theatre & Arts Group, Etc., Inc. Bulverde, TX United States
FEB 09, 2007 - FEB 10, 2007
Northwest School Of The Arts
Charlotte, NC United States
Northwest School Of The Arts Charlotte, NC United States
NOV 02, 2006 - NOV 12, 2006
Illinois Repertory Theatre
Urbana, IL United States
Illinois Repertory Theatre Urbana, IL United States
JUN 30, 2006 - JUL 01, 2006
Greenville Little Theatre
Greenville, SC United States
Greenville Little Theatre Greenville, SC United States
JAN 13, 2006 - JAN 14, 2006
The North Street Playhouse
Onancock, VA United States
The North Street Playhouse Onancock, VA United States
JUL 14, 2005 - JUL 24, 2005
New Century Theatre
Northampton, MA United States
New Century Theatre Northampton, MA United States
JUN 08, 2005 - JUN 12, 2005
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas
Las Vegas, NV United States
University Of Nevada, Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV United States
MAY 06, 2005 - MAY 22, 2005
Jubilee Theatre
Ft. Worth, TX United States
Jubilee Theatre Ft. Worth, TX United States
APR 15, 2005 - APR 15, 2005
Life Esteem Center
Harrisburg, PA United States
Life Esteem Center Harrisburg, PA United States
APR 08, 2005 - APR 23, 2005
Theatre Memphis
Memphis, TN United States
Theatre Memphis Memphis, TN United States
FEB 19, 2005 - FEB 19, 2005
Flint Youth Theatre
Flint, MI United States
Flint Youth Theatre Flint, MI United States
JAN 28, 2005 - FEB 12, 2005
Open Door Repertory Company
Oak Park, IL United States
Open Door Repertory Company Oak Park, IL United States
NOV 04, 2004 - NOV 14, 2004
Long Beach City College
Long Beach, CA United States
Long Beach City College Long Beach, CA United States
OCT 27, 2004 - OCT 30, 2004
Charles Gilpin Players
Prairie View, TX United States
Charles Gilpin Players Prairie View, TX United States
JUL 08, 2004 - JUL 24, 2004
Florida Studio Theatre
Sarasota, FL United States
Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota, FL United States
MAY 07, 2004 - MAY 23, 2004
Mira Theatre Guild
Vallejo, CA United States
Mira Theatre Guild Vallejo, CA United States
MAR 12, 2004 - APR 04, 2004
Karamu Performing Arts Theater
Cleveland, OH United States
Karamu Performing Arts Theater Cleveland, OH United States
FEB 04, 2004 - FEB 15, 2004
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts
Ithaca, NY United States
Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts Ithaca, NY United States
OCT 30, 2003 - NOV 22, 2003
ITheatre Collaborative
Phoenix, AZ United States
ITheatre Collaborative Phoenix, AZ United States
MAR 12, 2003 - APR 04, 2004
Blue Heron Theatre
New York, NY United States
Blue Heron Theatre New York, NY United States
FEB 20, 2003 - MAR 09, 2003
Borderlands Theater
Tucson, AZ United States
Borderlands Theater Tucson, AZ United States
SEP 13, 2002 - OCT 05, 2002
Zeitgeist Stage Co.
Boston, MA United States
Zeitgeist Stage Co. Boston, MA United States
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO United States
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis St. Louis, MO United States
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
Unicorn Theatre
Kansas City, MO United States
Unicorn Theatre Kansas City, MO United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Zachary Scott Theatre Center
Austin, TX United States
Zachary Scott Theatre Center Austin, TX United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Florida Stage
Palm Beach, FL United States
Florida Stage Palm Beach, FL United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Meadow Brook Theatre
Rochester, MI United States
Meadow Brook Theatre Rochester, MI United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Actors Express
Atlanta, GA United States
Actors Express Atlanta, GA United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Next Act Theatre
Milwaukee, WI United States
Next Act Theatre Milwaukee, WI United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Theatre of the First Amendment
Fairfax, VA United States
Theatre of the First Amendment Fairfax, VA United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Northlight Theatre
Chicago, IL United States
Northlight Theatre Chicago, IL United States
JAN 01, 2000 - DEC 31, 2000
Mixed Blood Theatre
Minneapolis, MN United States
Mixed Blood Theatre Minneapolis, MN United States
JUN 01, 1999 - DEC 31, 1999
Robey Theatre
Burbank, CA United States
Robey Theatre Burbank, CA United States
JAN 01, 1999 - JUN 01, 1999
InterAct Theatre
Philadelphia, PA United States
InterAct Theatre Philadelphia, PA United States
No upcoming productions.
JAN 13, 2017 - FEB 18, 2017
Sierra Madre Playhouse
Sierra Madre, CA United States
Sierra Madre Playhouse Sierra Madre, CA United States
DEC 09, 2013 - DEC 09, 2013
Theatre Horizon
Norristown, PA United States
Theatre Horizon Norristown, PA United States
MAR 03, 2008 - MAR 03, 2008
Geva Theatre Center
Rochester, NY United States
Geva Theatre Center Rochester, NY United States
JAN 30, 2008 - FEB 17, 2008
Stamford Theatre Works
Stamford, CT United States
Stamford Theatre Works Stamford, CT United States
JUL 14, 2005 - JUL 24, 2005
New Century Theatre
Northampton, MA United States
New Century Theatre Northampton, MA United States
MAY 06, 2005 - MAY 22, 2005
Jubilee Theatre
Ft. Worth, TX United States
Jubilee Theatre Ft. Worth, TX United States
JUL 08, 2004 - JUL 24, 2004
Florida Studio Theatre
Sarasota, FL United States
Florida Studio Theatre Sarasota, FL United States
MAR 12, 2004 - APR 04, 2004
Karamu Performing Arts Theater
Cleveland, OH United States
Karamu Performing Arts Theater Cleveland, OH United States
MAR 12, 2003 - APR 04, 2004
Blue Heron Theatre
New York, NY United States
Blue Heron Theatre New York, NY United States
FEB 20, 2003 - MAR 09, 2003
Borderlands Theater
Tucson, AZ United States
Borderlands Theater Tucson, AZ United States
SEP 13, 2002 - OCT 05, 2002
Zeitgeist Stage Co.
Boston, MA United States
Zeitgeist Stage Co. Boston, MA United States
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis
St. Louis, MO United States
Repertory Theatre of St. Louis St. Louis, MO United States
JAN 01, 2003 - DEC 31, 2003
Unicorn Theatre
Kansas City, MO United States
Unicorn Theatre Kansas City, MO United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Zachary Scott Theatre Center
Austin, TX United States
Zachary Scott Theatre Center Austin, TX United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Florida Stage
Palm Beach, FL United States
Florida Stage Palm Beach, FL United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Meadow Brook Theatre
Rochester, MI United States
Meadow Brook Theatre Rochester, MI United States
JAN 01, 2002 - DEC 31, 2002
Actors Express
Atlanta, GA United States
Actors Express Atlanta, GA United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Next Act Theatre
Milwaukee, WI United States
Next Act Theatre Milwaukee, WI United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Theatre of the First Amendment
Fairfax, VA United States
Theatre of the First Amendment Fairfax, VA United States
JAN 01, 2001 - DEC 31, 2001
Northlight Theatre
Chicago, IL United States
Northlight Theatre Chicago, IL United States
JAN 01, 2000 - DEC 31, 2000
Mixed Blood Theatre
Minneapolis, MN United States
Mixed Blood Theatre Minneapolis, MN United States
JUN 01, 1999 - DEC 31, 1999
Robey Theatre
Burbank, CA United States
Robey Theatre Burbank, CA United States
JAN 01, 1999 - JUN 01, 1999
InterAct Theatre
Philadelphia, PA United States
InterAct Theatre Philadelphia, PA United States

Awards (2)

Addison Award 2002 (Best of Boston Theater)

Barrie and Bernice Stavis Playwriting Award