Love Jerry
Philadelphia June 4-20 @ Nice People Theatre Company
The Latvian Society • 531 N. 7th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19123 
What the critics say:
“Love Jerry is a profoundly moving theatrical experience that dares to approach an incendiary social topic with balance, responsibility and emotional authenticity… Are you ready for goosebumps?” - Wendell Brock, Atlanta Journal-Constitution
“Despite its unusual marriage of theatrical style and taboo subject matter, Love Jerry dramatizes one of society’s ugliest problems with passion and unflinching clarity.” - Curt Holman, Creative Loafing
“Megan Gogerty’s risky musical/drama about pedophilia dared to show the molester as a human being… This beauty…would have been my number one show of the year in many seasons past…” – Jim Farmer, Southern Voice
What the show’s about:
A musical drama that combines highly theatrical songs and movement sequences with naturalistic dialogue and characters, Love Jerry grapples with the long term effects of child sexual abuse in a family.
Jerry is likable and shy; his brother Mike is a macho family man. When Jerry is accused of sexually abusing his young nephew, the brothers must reconcile their love for each other with the grim circumstances that force them apart.
Dreamy movement and song interweave throughout the story, creating a highly theatrical work. As Jerry wends his way through the justice system and the subsequent mandatory therapy, the brothers must confront the dark side of what it truly means to love someone.
This play contains strong language and mature themes, and is not suitable for young audiences.
Does this play condone child abuse?
This play is sometimes called, “the pedophile musical,” which conjures up images of a “Springtime For Hitler” style romp. In light of the frothy image we have of most musicals, some have wondered if this play makes light of child sexual abuse. Love Jerry does not in any way, shape, or form, condone or exonerate child abuse. Instead, it’s a serious examination of a problem that flourishes in silence.
The play is not so much about child abusers as how child abuse affects a family. According to Prevent Child Abuse Georgia, an organization aimed at preventing child abuse before it happens, 90% of child abuse is perpetrated by a relative or close friend of the victim’s family – it’s someone the child knows and trusts. This play illustrates some of the early warning signs of abuse in a fictional but common American story.
This isn’t a typical musical – there are no tap-dancing child abusers, nor does the play make light of this very serious and important issue. The play is actually a very small, quiet, and honest look at a problem that is plaguing this country.
Love Jerry has been endorsed by child abuse prevention organizations. For its January 2006 premiere, Actors Express Theatre company partnered with these Prevent Child Abuse Georgia to create literature the audience can take home with them, educating them about child abuse prevention, as well as hosting nightly post-show discussions about the topic after each performance. I strongly urge other producing theatres to follow a similar approach when presenting this play.
From the audience:
“In a nutshell, Megan Gogerty’s “Love Jerry” (at Actor’s Express) is one of the best theatrical experiences you’re likely to see this year.” – Brad Rudy, Atlanta’s Theatre Review, www.theatrereview.com
“…It was painful, abhorrent, perplexing, sometimes gratifying and one of the best pieces of dramatic theatre I have seen in some time.” – D.R., Atlanta
“…Love Jerry is not intended to be viewed by children; however, it is children who may benefit most from the effects of this groundbreaking play.” – Pamela Brown, Prevent Child Abuse Georgia
“I had the privilege of participating as a panelist in the post-production discussion of Love Jerry. I just wanted to let you know that this production was one of the best written, beset researched, and “real” productions I have seen regarding sexual abuse….” – Angela Ausbrooks, LMSW, Texas State Univ., San Marcos
“…In an era of loud noises and flash it is wonderful to see a work that gently stays above the norm and leaves you thinking a good six months after the fact…” – Christian B., Atlanta
Cast and music requirements:
3 M, 3 W.
Singing roles:
JERRY A likable man. Tenor.
MIKE Jerry’s brother. Macho. Baritone.
KATE Mike’s wife. Sweet and strong. Alto/Mezz.
non-singing roles:
CLOWNY An internet clown. Slightly supernatural. Also plays the detective.
MRS. HARRIS A therapist. Slightly supernatural.
SHEILA A good Christian woman.
Love Jerry is designed as a grass roots choral musical. The music is intended to sound authentic, organic, and homemade. Elaborate orchestrations are unnecessary.
The heart of this piece are the choral arrangements. The harmonies and counterpoint melodies sung by the cast create the tone of the play and convey the characters’ emotional arc. This play has been done quite simply with one musician switching between acoustic guitar and accordion. Alternatively, a creative pianist can arrange a rich piano accompaniment. I have a fondness for trios: upright bass, guitar/banjo, accordion/clarinet/other.
