In the late 1960s, Annie Ford and Elwood Morris classically meet and fall-in-love at their annual high school dance. Annie is from a strict and traditional white family, while Elwood, his brother, and aunt are the only Native Americans living in their rural Wisconsin town. The two families intertwine as tension mounts over Annie and Elwood’s relationship, intergenerational trauma, and unforeseeable tragedy. Based on the true story of the playwright's paternal grandparents.

CHARACTERS (7)

Annie Ford: 15-18. Female. Non-Native.

To the outside world, Annie seems to have it all together. She is the kind, calm, and composed girl-next-door. But the few people in her inner circle know that Annie is haunted by the memories of her once-happy family. This reality was stolen by her mother’s death, her dad’s downward spiral into addiction, and her brother’s cruel demeanor. These memories develop throughout the play into fuel for Annie’s journey with Elwood.

Elwood Morris: 17-20. Male. Native American.

Elwood Morris is the youngest member of the Morris family. At the beginning he is cold, angry, and miserable. He misses the Reservation where he grew up and hates being treated like an alien at school. Opposite from Annie, the only joys in Elwood’s life are his memories: his mother, the Native community that he was forced to leave behind, and the woods behind his childhood home.

Melissa Ford: 16-19. Female. Non-Native.

Annie’s older, but not wiser, cousin. Melissa lives every day like it’s her last, to the detriment of her honor’s reputation. She is loud, obnoxious, and abrasive, especially to her Uncle John. But Melissa matures throughout the play into Annie’s emotional caretaker. She boldly loves her cousin and would do anything to protect her, even if it means ruining herself.

Chane Morris: 20-23. Male. Native American.

The oldest son in the Morris family who often tries to be the father of the house. He is sarcastic and pessimistic, especially to his brother. He tries to make everyone think that he has adapted to life off of the Reservation. He has been sweet on Melissa for years, which is peak entertainment to his family.

Elowen Morris: 40s/50s. Female. Native American.

Elwood and Chane’s aunt whom they have lived with for a decade. The matriarch of the Morris family. Elowen holds many secrets as to why they had to leave the tribe. She is often the voice of reason in situations. Elowen is a widow, and her relationship with her late husband is often a point-of-reference for Annie and Elwood.

John Ford: 40s/50s. Male. Non-Native.

Annie and Matthew’s stubborn father, and a former friend of Elowen’s late husband. Also a widower, his drinking is a coping skill to deal with the death of his wife. His children are a painful reminder of his former life, hence his growing isolation from them.

Matthew Ford: 17-20. Male. Non-Native.

Annie’s older brother. A pound to everyone but his family, he tries to impress his dad by following along with everything he does. He is protective of his little sister, but this is often shown through cruel means.

SCENE

Hayward, Wisconsin

TIME

Late 1960s-Early 1970s