Anatomy of Gray

by Jim Jr. Leonard

Drama / 4 males 5 females / Set The award-winning author of The Diviners And They Dance Real Slow in Jackson and Crow and Weasel describes his newest play as "A children's story for adults." When June's father dies she prays for a healer to come to the small town of Gray so that no one will ever suffer again; the next thing she knows there's a tornado and a man in a balloon blows into town claiming to be a doctor. At first the new doctor cures anything

Genres: Plays, Drama

88 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[JoHannah James · Rating 5 out of 5]

I played June when right after I turned sixteen in my high school’s production. It was absolutely my favorite play from ages 14-16. I adored it. Very simple and heartwarming but also sad and you can really pull a lot of deeper meanings out of it. It’s also absolutely hilarious if acted out well! This play has such a special place in my heart. I’d love to be in it again someday.

[LB · Rating 4 out of 5]

i appreciated how the playwright was able to incorporate bits of humor throughout despite the seriousness of the play. gray, indiana didn’t end up being boring after all.

[Alana · Rating 3 out of 5]

decided to re-read the play i did my freshman year of year of high school and it made me feel so nostalgic 🥹 so many memories attached to this one, it was fun revisiting it for the first time after all these years!

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid play...wish the end had more.

[Cassie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reminiscent of The Wizard of Oz. A "magical healer" comes to a rural town in Indiana on a hot air ballon on the tail end of a tornado. A young woman named June becomes his assistant; things get heated when the townspeople begin to turn on the doctor.

The stage directions call for very minimal set pieces and effects. Colors play a big role in the set dressings and costumes. The characters are a little flat and hard to develop a deep connection with the reader. Seeing it on stage might create more of a bond.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This our fall production this year and I am so incredibly happy that I get to be a part of it. It is such an amazing story. One that has made me laugh and cry, and-not many books do this-has made me stop and think. It is such a beautiful story and is so human you can't just not feel for these characters. I believe this is a story that I will be carrying with me for the rest of my life. :)

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love. Love love love. I directed this play two years ago, so I don't know why I'm all caught up in reminiscing about it tonight, but god, what a beautiful, meaningful piece of theatre this is. One day I'll review it more thoroughly; for now I'll just say that Jim Leonard is my hero.

[Gracie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely written play that I had a pleasure of being a part of. It's such a poignant and unique story different from any other play. The ending will give you chills and if you have a chance it see it or even be in it definitely do it.

[Ellen]

Terrible.

[Beth Windle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Wow wow wow. Love this play immensely.