Willi is the trailer trash housewife of the title, not
necessarily of her own volition. Her abusive husband
won’t let her get a job, one of her children is dead,
and the other is verboten by her husband because he’s
gay. Her best and only friend, a large black woman who
lives next door, worries about her constantly, always
concerned that Willi’s husband will end up killing her.
A blues singer weaves songs into the action, commenting
upon Willi’s predicament and urging her toward decisive
action.“A feat of breathtaking audacity.” - Critics
Choice, - Los Angeles Times
“Shores manages to fully explore Willadean’s horrific
plight while infusing the work with such hilarity the
audience is often reduced to tears and laughter within
the same breath.” - Daily VarietyIn 2003,
The Trials and Tribulations of a Trailer Trash
Housewife was the winner of more than 14
Los Angeles Theatre Awards, including Best
Production, Best Lead Performance – Beth Grant, and Best
World Premiere from the Los Angeles Drama Critics
Circle; Best Lead Actress – Beth Grant from the
Ovation Awards; Best Production and Best
Playwright from the NAACP Theatre Awards;
Best Production, Best Playwright, Best Direction, Best
Lead Performance – Beth Grant, and Best Supporting
Performance – Dale Dickey, from the Back Stage
West Garland Awards; and Best Playwright, Best
Supporting Actor – David Steen, Best Ensemble – Beth
Grant, Dale Dickey, Debby Holiday, Octavia Spencer,
David Steen, from the L.A. Weekly Awards.
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