The Pursuit of Happiness

This comedy is a part of Dresser’s trilogy about happiness in America, which also includes AUGUSTA and A VIEW OF THE HARBOR. Each play in the trilogy is set in a different social class, and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS is Dresser’s take on a middle-class family whose sole ambition is the success of their high-achieving daughter.

Harriet Trangucci, Sarah Albano & Scott McGowan
in The Pursuit of Happiness 

When Jodi, a high school senior, abruptly decides that she does not want to go to college, Annie and Neil see their carefully crafted script for her life crumble before their eyes. At the same time, they realize that they have placed all their own hopes and dreams on their daughter’s shoulders and now must reconsider what will make them happy. The characters muddle through to find a new path to their own redefined and more authentic happiness.

“THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS is a slice of life that rings true, while also being really funny,” wrote BroadwayWorld.com. Variety wrote, “Offers laughs and knowing nods, especially for baby boomers.”