Drama. 60-70 minutes. 6 females, 4 males, 2+ any gender (8-12+ performers possible). Suitable for middle school and older.
The play is also available in a one-act version here.
The author grants productions pre-approval to make cuts to meet the time limits of Texas UIL and other one-act competitions. However, please note that the author has prepared a one-act version of the play (see the link on this page) that may already meet the running time requirements (but may be cut if it does not).
Mary Anning was the world's first female paleontologist. But before she made history, she was a young girl who hunted for fossils as though they were buried treasure. And all she wants is to shed the small-minded expectations of her small town to do what she loves most in this coming-of-age story about a teen who stamped her place in history by looking even further into the past.
“I gulped this play! What a wonderful reflection on a moment in history—with depth and contemporary resonance. Four incredible parts for young actors—rarely has there been a role like Mary! I'm stunned. Haas builds beautiful layers of meaning into Mary's world, exploring love, family, grief and ultimate transcendence, in fewer than 50 pages. If only plays performed by and for children could be this emotionally complex, this inventive and forthcoming. Immediately theatrical, with a perfect balance of intelligence and heart, this play delivers!” - Rachael Carnes, Theatre Educator, Playwright
“This play was such a sweet and delightful insight into the young Mary Anning. Claudia has done a phenomenal job of weaving facts into natural dialogue that is both engaging and understandable for audiences of all ages. There are some great roles for young actors and this piece is a perfect way to show young girls that with determination, hope, and persistence they too can change the world! ” - Molly Wagner, Playwright
“What a wonderful and engaging play. This is a story of discovery, not just of fossils, and a historical figure, but of persistence and drive. A great piece to show young audiences that girls matter, that young people can do important work, and following your heart’s desire to discover and learn are possible and worthwhile.” - Karen Fix Curry, Playwright