Love in Reserve
by Eric Mansfield
Army wife Kate faces the toughest night of her life after learning of an attack at Camp Freedom, the Iraqi base camp where her new husband, Ray, is deployed. Unable to get information of whether Ray is dead or alive, Kate cries herself to sleep fearing the worst only to be visited three times by visions of Ray – a past, present, and (possible) future version of the man she loves. Through these interactions, the audience learns how they fell in love, the unique challenges of being a military couple and how overwhelming it is to be separated during war. This love story crescendos with sharp feelings, dramatic moments, and even some comedic levity all while draped in the constant uncertainty of whether Ray is already dead. Clues to Ray’s fate will keep the audience guessing until the play’s emotional climax, which delivers a new appreciation and admiration for military couples.
- Cast Size: 2M 1W
- Running Time: 90+ minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 per performance
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About the Playwright
Eric Mansfield is a professional playwright and Emmy Award-Winning TV journalist based in Ohio, and he is a proud member of the Dramatist Guild and United States Veterans Arts Alliance (USVAA). Eric received the “Best New Play by a Local Playwright” Award in 2021 from the Cleveland Critics Circle for his military love story, LOVE IN RESERVE, which debuted as an Equity production at Rubber City Theatre in Akron, OH. He was also named the recipient of the 2022 Arts Alive Award for the Emerging Artist by Summit Artspace in Akron, Ohio. Recent premieres include WHITESVILLE at the Akron Civic Theatre, THE CONFESSION at Cleveland Convergence Continuum, and THE BOARD at Salem State University. www.ericmansfieldwrites.com.
ALSO BY ERIC MANSFIELD
- LOCKDOWN
As a sign in the set says, “Toughest Job in the Military–Army Wife.” This play sears the emotions with the turmoil of an army wife back home who has heard her husband’s unit in Iraq has been attacked. Unable to contact him, she can only communicate with the parts of him that exist in her dreams, her memories, her hopes, and her fears. The two characters who tell this story are wonderful opportunities for actors to carry an audience into a world of sacrifice too often left unacknowledged. Wonderful needful work.
Review Love in Reserve.