Andrew Biss

Leah's Gals Andrew Biss

A tale of greed, lust, drugs, and... Capodimonte? Loosely based on Shakespeare's masterpiece King Lear, Leah's Gals offers a decidedly down-home, Deep South take on the Bard's searing tragedy. But don't let the Pabst Blue Ribbon, double-wide trailers and Virginia Slims fool you - despite its dark humor, Leah's Gals is every bit as harrowing in its portrayal of familial greed, treachery and unbridled cruelty. As the play begins, Leah's just won the lottery in what she proclaims as "The biggest single, one-time cash haul in this here dirt-poor, shitty state's history!" But, rather than living the high life, Leah decides to split the winnings among her three daughters, asking only for a deathbed-style declaration of love in return. When her youngest daughter, Patina, scoffs at the idea, Leah disowns her with vitriolic fury. Bestowing instead the prize money upon her two eldest daughters, her dreams of a pampered retirement in the arms of her offspring for herself and her close companion, Pearl, seem guaranteed. Things soon turn sour, however, as long-held grievances and newfound wealth lead to internecine violence, treachery and death. Greed, lust, drugs, and Capodimonte combust in this low-rent, Southern fried twist on a literary classic!