Why Marry?

By Jesse Lynch Williams

Presented at BECHS Nov. 9th, 10th and 11th, 2007

New York Times Review (1917)	Two sisters under the protection of their brother are being pressured to wed for money by their older brother.  The oldest sister, the “New Woman,” has found work as a lab assistant and has fallen in love with the scientist who is her boss.  The brother tells her,  “Scientists make no money.”  So, much to the chagrin of her family, the sister responds that she will never marry, but instead, will just live  and work with her scientist.  The struggle that ensues is fodder for high comedy as the family plots to get the couple married. Why Marry? was written in 1914 and was the winner of the first Pulitzer Prize for drama in 1918. Women’s rights, the theme of this funny play, was as important a topic then as it is now.
	The cast of Why Marry? From left to right: Clint Byrne, Bill Schmidt, Matthew Hurley, Paul Bene, Bill Laurie, Phil Knoerzer, Kristin Bentley, Kate LoBianco, Golde
	Paul Bene, Bill Laurie, Kate LoCanti, Philip Knoerzer “Can I tell you a secret? He hasn't asked me to marry him!”
	Kate LoCanti and Matthew Hurley “They all think I want to make love to you.”
	Kristin Bentley and Clint Byrne “Then take me.”
	Golde and Phil Knoerzer “But, you see, I can stand it.  I want you to stay.   I'm not sick of it.  You belong to me.”

 

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