The Orphans' Home Cycle Part 2: The Story of a Marriage - Off-Broadway

What Is the Story of The Orphans’ Home Cycle: The Story of a Marriage?
The second part in a trilogy of nine plays centers on the young adulthood of hero Horace Robedaux, a character based on the father of playwright Horton Foote. Set in a small Texas town, the show consists of three plays, each an hour long: The Widow Claire (set in 1912) presents Horace’s attempt to woo the title character, a beautiful young mother of two spoiled children; Courtship (set in 1916) introduces the relationship between Horace and Elizabeth Vaughn, who fall in love over the objection of her wealthy parents; and Valentine’s Day (set in 1917) shows us what happens to Horace and Elizabeth in the year after she decides to marry him.

Should I See It?

What Is The Orphans’ Home Cycle: The Story of a Marriage Like?
Horace’s story deepens as he enters his twenties, having survived a miserable childhood. As before, a company of actors juggles various roles in the three plays, which vary in tone. The Widow Claire is the most comedic, with the heroine weighing her romantic options while failing to keep her kids in line. Courtship is wistful and romantic, with the appealing (and obviously well-matched) Horace and Elizabeth irresistibly drawn to each other. Valentine’s Day is both amusing and touching, as the couple comes to terms with the consequences of their romance. The Story of a Marriage can be enjoyed on its own, without having seen part one (The Story of a Childhood), but it’s a richer experience to see them both—perhaps on the same day.

Is The Orphans’ Home Cycle: The Story of a Marriage Good for Kids?
As in the first part of the trilogy, there’s nothing to object to as far as content goes, but the three-hour running time is too much for children, and the old-fashioned plotlines will bore them. Tweens may also find this section of the trilogy slow-going.