Pride's Crossing

by Tina Howe

In one of her most accomplished works to date, Tina Howe has created a remarkable heroine for the '90s--Mabel Tidings Bigelow, who at the age of 26 set the world record for swimming the English Channel. Structured like memory, the play's scenes crisscross between her youth growing up in Pride's Crossing and the events in between which she shaped her life. 112 pp. 3,000 print.

Genres: Plays, Drama, Theatre

111 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

About the author

Tina Howe (November 21, 1937 – August 28, 2023) was an American playwright.

Reviews

[Lauren]

A past-and-present story about a young woman who swam the English Channel in her 20s, the story is more about the end of an illustrious New England family. Some good characters and moments, but not one of the stronger parts I’ve seen for older woman. Quasi-recommended.

[J Dubyuh]

For all intents and purposes a well written play by a good playwright that I was totally disinterested in. I do like though how many supportive characters in this play. Most people in a play are usually selfish or mean, but Howe sees the good in people.

[Ashley]

Every interesting read. Mabel, at age 90, is going to throw her great-granddaughter a croquet party and the play moves back and forth in time. We see little glimpses of Mabel's life as a child and adult. I like how the scenes that take place back in time are almost all on order from the time Mabel is 10 until she her husband passes away. All in all a great little story, that everyone could enjoy.

[Bobby Sullivan]

Not the easiest play to get into, but I warmed to it with each passing act. Mabel is a character whose two life-defining moments happened in her twenties. She's in her nineties now, physically infirm and consciously choosing not to think about the regret she feels for the choices she made decades ago. A rather melancholy play.