4000 Miles

Amy Herzog‘s
4000 Miles

Ula Love Doughty Carousel Theatre
Knoxville, TN

November 2014

Directed by Lise Bruneau
Scenic Design by Josafath Reynoso
Costume Design by Amber Williams
Lighting Design by Kenton Yeager
Sound Design by Mike Ponder
Stage Manager: Caleb Thomas Cook

Produced by Clarence Brown Theatre

Photo Credit: Josafath Reynoso

“4000 Miles” is a play written by Amy Herzog. The drama, first premiered in 2011, explores the evolving relationship between two unlikely roommates, a 21-year-old named Leo Joseph-Connell and his 91-year-old grandmother Vera Joseph. The title refers to the distance Leo has traveled across the United States from the West Coast to the East Coast.

The play begins with Leo unexpectedly arriving at Vera’s Greenwich Village apartment in the middle of the night after a cross-country bike trip. Leo is grieving the recent loss of a close friend, and the journey is an attempt to make sense of his life. Vera, an old leftist and a feisty nonconformist, provides a stark contrast to Leo’s more carefree and liberal personality.

As the story unfolds, “4000 Miles” delves into the generation gap, exploring the challenges and misunderstandings between Leo and Vera. The characters navigate their differences, confront personal vulnerabilities, and find moments of connection despite the disparities in their worldviews. The play skillfully combines humor, warmth, and poignant moments to depict the complexities of family, grief, and the search for identity.

Amy Herzog’s “4000 Miles” received critical acclaim for its well-drawn characters, realistic dialogue, and exploration of intergenerational dynamics. The play provides a nuanced and touching portrayal of family relationships as it follows Leo and Vera’s journey of understanding and connection.