“Before the First Lady”
Before there was the first lady , there was Nancy
Narrated by sally field and will arnett
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Tone & Style:
• Warm, intimate, humorous at times, emotionally resonant
• 1940s–50s period drama with touches of light comedy (Jack Black, Mike Myers)
• Focus on identity, kindness, and self-discovery
Main Cast & Characters:
Actor Role Description
Shannon Young Nancy Davis Central protagonist. Poised, ambitious, and learning to
Woodward define herself.
Winona Ryder Teenage Nancy (flashbacks) Shows early vulnerability and first struggles with identity
and family expectations.
Sally Field Older Nancy / reflective Offers wisdom and commentary; could appear in framing
voiceover bookend scenes.
Shannon Edith Luckett (Nancy’s Elegant, socially aware, loving but firm. Teaches Nancy
Woodward mother) poise and resilience.
Elliot Page Kenneth Robbins (Nancy’s Distant, conflicted; Nancy learns to accept that not everyone
father) will nurture her.
Leslie Bibb Mentor / acting coach / family Challenges Nancy to take control of her life and ambitions.
friend
Martha Plimpton Neighbor / school friend Provides support and companionship in Nancy’s early life.
Jack Black Studio mentor / eccentric Introduces Nancy to acting, but comically over-the-top.
theater director Provides humor and life lessons.
Mike Myers Family friend / quirky uncle Offers sage advice in his own comedic way; helps Nancy
figure navigate social expectations.
Plot Outline
ACT I – Childhood & Observation
• Opens in New York City, 1920s–30s.
• Young Nancy (Winona Ryder) watches her mother Edith (Shannon Woodward) perform on stage.
• Early lessons in poise, etiquette, and social perception.
• Father (Elliot Page) is distant; Nancy learns independence and emotional self-reliance.
• Quirky family friends (Mike Myers) add humor but also wisdom—help Nancy understand kindness and
boundaries.
ACT II – Adolescence & Discovery
• Nancy enters teen years and young adulthood, transitioning to Hollywood.
• Mentorship from Leslie Bibb’s character and guidance from eccentric Jack Black character in
theater/studio work.
• Nancy struggles with societal expectations and the desire to be recognized for her own talent, not just
beauty.
• Friendships with Martha Plimpton’s character provide grounding and emotional honesty.
• Key moment: Nancy decides to take control of her career, asserting herself in a male-dominated industry.
ACT III – Self-Definition & Choice
• Nancy faces a crossroads between ambition and personal agency: stay in Hollywood or pursue a life
on her own terms.
• Romantic subplot with a young, kind mentor/colleague could be included, emphasizing emotional
growth without sensationalism.
• The Jack Black and Mike Myers characters help her understand humor, resilience, and human kindness.
• Climactic scene: Nancy chooses her path, confident, poised, and self-assured—ready to step into
adulthood.
• Ends with reflective older Nancy (Sally Field) looking back—story framed as a meditation on self-
discovery and kindness rather than fame or politics.
Key Themes:
• Kindness and integrity: Nancy navigates the world without losing herself.
• Identity vs expectations: Learning to assert who she is despite family and societal pressures.
• Mentorship & guidance: Both comedic (Jack Black, Mike Myers) and serious mentors (Leslie Bibb).
• Female empowerment: The story celebrates Nancy’s agency and intellect.