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Catalog of Plays & Musicals Community Theater Edition SPECIAL OFFER! Up to 30% off all books plus free shipping! Details on back cover.
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Table of Contents
3 | New 8 | Comedies 12 | Classics Using This Catalog HEADER Section name, and play length SPECIALTY ICONS eScript Available Musical PLAY LISTINGS Title, author, genre, cast range, synopsis, and review
15 | Christmas 19 | Musicals 23 | For Young Audiences 23 | One-Acts 24 | Full-Lengths
26 | For Young Actors 26 | One-Acts 27 | Full-Lengths
29 | Rights Information 30 | Company Information
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New 110 Stories | Sarah Tuft
25 Questions for a Jewish Mother Kate Moira Ryan and Judy Gold | BUY
BUY
Drama | Full-length 5 males, 3 females | 8-26 actors possible
Memoir/Comedy | Full-length 4 females | 1-21 actors possible
110 Stories captures the grief and resilience of New York City in the wake of September 11th through the words of those who experienced it directly—not only the firefighters and police, but the ironworkers, chaplains, K9 handlers, nurses, photojournalists, and the homeless who witnessed the horrific events and saved lives that day, too. Together these unflinching first-person testimonials offer catharsis by revealing the hope, humor, and compassion that emerged in the midst of this tragedy. Memorializing 9/11 by sharing the stories no one saw on the news, this play is a powerful and humanizing account of New York City's darkest day.
Part memoir and part stand-up routine, this hilarious and affecting play breaks down just what makes Jewish mothers so lamentable, laughable, and lovable. Comedienne Judy Gold and playwright Kate Moira Ryan seamlessly weave actual interviews with Jewish mothers across the United States together with memories from Gold's childhood and her own experiences as a Jewish mother in order to create a performance piece that explores it all: from rugelach to rabbis, matzoh to marriage, Ann Landers to Anne Frank, and guilt to G-D.
"...fiercely funny, honest and moving." —The New York Times
As Long As We Both Shall Live | Sean Grennan
BUY
Comedic Murder Mystery | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 5-8 actors possible Quirky genius Addison Ashe has finally met a man who can keep up with her—the wealthy and charming Jamie Wilcox. But marrying Jamie means wrangling with his disapproving mother, as well as her favorite over-the-top wedding planner, Raul. When Raul is poisoned at the rehearsal dinner, tensions between the clever bride and her mother-in-law to be go from heated to full-on inferno when Mrs. Wilcox points to Addison as the killer. Can Addison solve the case before sashaying down the aisle, or is she in for a honeymoon behind bars?
Melinda MacDonald, Doogin Brown, Jessalyn Kincaid, Jeff Smith, and Charles Fugate in As Long As We Both Shall Live, American Heartland Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri (2012).
“The laughs are abundant as Grennan pokes fun at anything and everything from Olathe to Kansas City, religion to the F.B.I.” —Steve Wilson, Kansas City Examiner
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Crazytown | Jonathan Rand
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 2 females | 4-71 actors possible Crazytown is a low-tech evening of comedy designed to be performed by a cast of four, but expandable to over 70 actors. Take a tour of the most messed up town in America, from the police interrogation room where the nicest guy in town is issued a strange ultimatum, to the elementary school for a heated political debate on critical issues like tater tots. Welcome to Crazytown, where our motto is: Welcome to Crazytown.
Martin English, Scott Cordes, and Sean Grennan in Beer for Breakfast, American Heartland Theatre, Kansas City, MO (2012). Photo: Shane Rouse.
Beer for Breakfast | Sean Grennan
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 1 female | 4 actors possible A group of middle-aged buddies reunite for a “guys’ weekend” in a snowed-in cabin to eat chili, drink beer, and relive the good old days. Despite divorce, unemployment, and a stroke, spirits are high until Jessie, the wife of absent friend Adrian, shows up in his place. An epic battle of wits and stamina ensues: will the men win their right to an all-out guy fest, or will woman be crowned the stronger sex after all?
“Playwright Sean Grennan writes clever dialogue, and his play delivers some serious laughs.” —Robert Trussell, Kansas City Star
Consider the Oyster | David MacGregor
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 3 females | 4-5 actors possible When Gene breaks his leg after proposing to girlfriend Marisa, he begins to feel some odd changes. It turns out the oyster shell that the doctor left in his leg to assist with his healing is causing him to slowly transition into a female—just the way an oyster does. Can Gene learn to live his life as a different gender, and will he—or she—be able to feel the same for his fiancee? Consider the Oyster is a funny and surprising exploration of gender and our changeable human nature.
Current Economic Conditions Don Zolidis | BUY Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 3 females | 6-12 actors possible After losing her low-level job in the publishing industry, 26-year-old Lily has no choice but to move back in with her well-meaning but neurotic parents. A series of disastrous interviews and her parents' strict house rules have Lily feeling more like a troubled teenager than an employable young woman—and the Justin Bieber posters in her old bedroom aren't helping. Will she find a job before she loses both her sanity and her dignity?
Elvis Has Left the Building | V. Cate and Duke Ernsberger
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 5 actors possible It's December 20th, 1970, and Elvis Presley has disappeared. No one, not even his wily manager, "The Colonel", knows of his whereabouts. But the Colonel is all shook up because he has racked up a secret debt—and with the King himself missing, the only way to pay it off is to find an Elvis impersonator within 24 hours. Hijinks ensue as the Colonel takes desperate measures to replace a man who is irreplaceable, all while keeping the prying eyes of a nosy reporter at bay and figuring out what happened to the real Elvis.
"Unpretentious fun!" —Lexington Herald-Leader
NOW AVAILABLE: eScripts
"Consider the Oyster is David MacGregor's terrific new comedy... Some smart producers have an off-Broadway 1,000-plus performance hit ahead of them." —Theatermania
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Float | BUY Patricia Kane Comedy/Drama | Full-length 5 females | 5 actors possible The industrious members of the Budapest Women's Club (pronounced "Bu-DAP-est") come together for an annual tradition: the crafting of the holiday parade float. But under the surface of this pleasant gathering, the women find themselves grappling with sexuality, betrayal, and their own hard and fast notions of right and wrong. In this ode to the complicated undercurrents of Midwestern morality, you'll meet Marty, Luce, Char, Arletta, and Doodee—five women who face the tests life presents to them with laughter, love, and a lot of fake snow.
"A rare and wonderful accomplishment... This is just plain excellent theatre; great characters, engaging script, generous humor and compelling conflict." —Chicago Stage Review
The Lost Boy | Ronald Gabriel Paolillo
BUY
Drama | Full-length 4 males, 3 females | 7-18 actors possible Despite finding success and fame as a writer, James M. Barrie is dissatisfied with his work and his life. He returns to his hometown in Scotland to visit his mother, who still blames him for the longago death of his older brother in a skating pond. Haunted by the tragic accident and his mother's harsh words, James slowly begins to confront his family's tragic past with the help of an unexpected friendship and his own gift for storytelling. This fictionalized account of the birth of Peter Pan will warm the hearts of audiences everywhere who remember the magic and mystery of The Boy Who Wouldn't Grow Up.
"An important and entertaining work." —Bob Heisler, The Journal News
Making God Laugh | Sean Grennan
BUY
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 5-20 actors possible Making God Laugh follows one typical American family over the course of thirty years’ worth of holidays. Starting in 1980, Ruthie and Bill’s grown children—a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former football star—all return home, where we learn of their plans and dreams as they embark on their adult lives. The empty-nester parents contend with their own changes, too, as old family rituals are trotted out and ancient tensions flare up. As time passes, the family discovers that, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. As Woody Allen once said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans...”
Jeff Berg and Joseph Lee Gramm in The Lost Boy, Helen Hayes Theatre Company, Nyack, New York (2005).
A Perfect Likeness | Daniel Rover Singer
BUY
Comedy/Drama/Historic Fiction | Full-length 2 males | 2 actors possible Reclusive writer and photographer Charles Dodgson (also known as “Lewis Carroll”) invites celebrity author Charles Dickens to his Oxford home to pose for a portrait. Dickens is so intrigued by the whimsical Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that he accepts. What ensues is a baring of two creative souls, the one private and fastidious, the other boisterous and irreverent. As Dodgson struggles to capture a “perfect likeness” of Dickens, Dickens craftily pries into Dodgson’s personal life to get a handle on one of the most curious men he has ever met. The result is a hilarious and revealing conversation between two quirky, fascinating, and completely different men.
“So lovely and entertaining that you want it to be true.” —Lynn Felder, Winston-Salem Journal
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Pride@Prejudice, Capital Repertory Theatre, Albany, New York (2012). Photo: Joe Schuyler.
Play Dates | Sam Wolfson
Six Characters in Search of an Author Steve Moulds | BUY
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 2 females | 4-11 actors possible
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 4 males, 4 females, 2 either | 10-13 actors possible
Love is hard at any age. In Kindergarten, five-year old Sam falls for Stacey, a tough Girl Scout who wants to be a cowboy when she grows up—just like he does. But Stacey eventually breaks Sam's heart, and instead of growing up to ride the range, he becomes a jaded radio show host. As "Dr. Love," Sam (not-so-secretly) pines for the long-lost Stacey, and dishes out cynical advice to frustrated couples like Mike and Katie, whose relationship has grown stale after 5 years together. When Mike and Katie cross paths with a grown-up Stacey in a TGI Fridays, she is thrust back into Sam's life with hilarious and touching results.
Six fictional characters, abandoned by their creator, invade a rehearsal in progress and demand to be brought to life by a new author. But the characters' existential agenda collides with the more lighthearted ambitions of these theatre artists, whose open rehearsal "audience engagement event" becomes darkly entangled with the characters' tragic story. This intimate adaptation of Luigi Pirandello's absurdist classic foregrounds the comedic contrast between melodrama and the contemporary sensibilities of the acting company— all the while asking us to consider just what we believe to be real.
Pride@Prejudice | Daniel Elihu Kramer
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 3 females | 5 actors possible Watch Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy fall in love all over again— this time filtered through the world of the internet. Modern voices interject and build on this classic love story in the form of blog posts, chat room discussions, quotes from film adaptations, and even letters from Ms. Austen herself to create a delightfully postmodern view of 19th century England. Written for five actors to play every role, Pride@Prejudice is a hilarious and moving homage to Jane Austen's most beloved novel, as well our love affair with reading.
The Tell-Tale Farce | Don Zolidis
BUY
Farce | Full-length 5 males, 4 females | 9 actors possible It’s 1848, and Edgar Allan Poe is just coming off the spectacular success of “The Raven.” Unfortunately, it’s only earned him a grand total of nine dollars. So when a wealthy dowager commissions him to write her a poem for the vast sum of one hundred dollars, he leaps at the chance. Only problem: the man who shows up to write the poem isn’t Poe, he’s Poe’s mailman, and he’s on a quest to woo the dowager’s spinster niece. Playing Poe is harder than it looks, though, especially when your mustache keeps falling off, the teenage grand-daughter of the house is lusting after you, and Poe’s arch-nemesis, Rufus Griswold, just happens to be dropping by to settle old scores. A freewheeling, door-slamming farce with a touch of the macabre.
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CLICK HERE to sign-up for our email newsletter and get access to exclusive deals and discounts. Toil and Trouble | Lauren Gunderson
truth. At turns hilarious and disturbing, Unbroken Circle explores how family secrets trickle down through the generations, uniquely affecting every individual.
BUY
Black Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 1 female | 3 actors possible Underemployed friends Adam, Matt and Beth are desperate to beat the recession any way they can—like combining forces to take over a small island in South America. But when a fortune cookie tells Matt that he will rule and Beth gets a little too handy with a dagger, plans go awry. This hilarious adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth pits friend against friend, ambition against fate, and pet-sitting against miniature vicuna mogul-dom.
Two Jews Walk Into a War... | Seth Rozin
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males | 2 actors possible Ishaq and Zeblyan are the last remaining Jews in Afghanistan. They share the only remaining synagogue that has not been destroyed by the Taliban. They share a mission to repopulate the Jewish community in Kabul. But they also hate each other. Can this Middle Eastern odd couple commit to one incredible act of faith to keep the diaspora alive without killing one other? A modern vaudeville full of schtick, sorrow, and survival.
The Two Musketeers! | Jon Jory
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 4 males, 2 females | 6 actors possible When a small acting company eliminates one Musketeer from their production of The Three Musketeers due to budget constraints, the rest of the cast must sally forth bravely with only two. The classic tale of d'Artagnan and his sword-fighting friends is presented by a hilariously self-aware cast of six, with romance, wit, and derring-do to spare. This low-tech, high-comedy adaptation is a witty send-up of Alexandre Dumas' beloved adventure.
Unbroken Circle | James Wesley
BUY
Family Drama | Full-length 1 male, 6 females | 7 actors possible In Galveston, Texas, a family is brought together for the first time in years on the day of its patriarch’s funeral. As day turns into night, the devastating impact of the man on his family is revealed in unexpected ways, leaving each family member grappling with the
Defrosting Popsicles | Coming Soon Susan Ermshwiller Comedy/Drama | Sally’s father is on his death bed and she just
can’t bring herself to feel the impending loss. Who has time to process grief anyway, with a neurotic mother and sister, a relationship, and the maze of paperwork and regulations that spring up around death? Along with her wisecracking family, Sally discovers that no one grieves in the same way, and that sometimes you have to let go however you can.
Knickers! A Brief Comedy | Coming Soon Sarah Quick Comedy | When the paper mill that props up the economy of El-
liston Falls closes, the town spirals into an economic depression that’s virtually suicidal. An overwhelmed tourism officer arrives to lend a hand, and discovers an unlikely business partnership in the three brassy friends who make up the local Weight Watchers chapter. The ladies concoct a plan to make Elliston famous for a product that will never fall out of style: underwear! This warm, hilariously irreverent comedy celebrates determination, entrepreneurial spirit, and the willingness to bare it all.
Seedfolks | Coming Soon Paul Fleischman Drama | Tendrils begin spreading unexpectedly when a Vietnamese girl plants a few beans in a vacant lot in a Cleveland immigrant neighborhood. An ensemble cast turns the founding and first year of a community garden into a spoken musical and hymn to community.
Sleeping Indoors | Coming Soon Jim Holt Drama | When literary reviewer Paul and his wife Nora invite a
homeless man, Dwaine, into their home for Christmas dinner, they don’t expect to be so charmed by him--or that his journal will be the incredible literary masterpiece that it is. But can Dwaine, whose art thrives in anonymity, be convinced to give up the only life he’s known for such comforts as sleeping indoors?
A Time to Kill | Coming Soon Rupert Holmes Drama | A Southern community finds itself split in two after a father takes vengeance on the men who committed an atrocious crime against his daughter. In this gripping stage adaptation of John Grisham’s incendiary debut novel about race, crime, and family, small town America is scrutinized in a trial that questions whether a person ever has the right to take justice into their own hands.
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Comedies 37 Postcards | Michael McKeever
Dilemmas with Dinner | Robin Roberts
BUY
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 4 females | 6 actors possible
Farce | Full-length 4 males, 4 females | 8 actors possible
After years of traveling abroad, Avery Sutton is happy to return to the comfort of his home in Connecticut. Unfortunately, almost nothing is as he remembered it. The entire house is tilted at a distinct angle, the dog hasn’t been fed in five years, and Avery’s grandmother, who everyone thought was dead, is still alive and kicking. Forced to either accept the oddities of his family, or leave them behind, 37 Postcards suggests that you can, in fact, go home again... You just never know what you’re going to find.
Junior executive Brooke invites her boss and his wife over for dinner in the hopes of securing a promotion. While frantically getting ready, Brooke and her husband discover that the hired help is coincidentally the boss’s ex-daughter-in-law. Just when it seems everything that could go wrong has gone wrong, Brooke’s boss has an unfortunate announcement to make—though not as unfortunate as the candlestick attack, appetizer toss, and general chaos that then ensues...
“McKeever’s writing illuminates not only insightful wit, but a disarming poignancy that, while poking fun at this dysfunctional family, also reveals a well-thought-out and emotional resonance.” —George Capewell, Backstage
Act A Lady | BUY Jordan Harrison and Michael Friedman Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 3 females | 6 actors possible When the men of a small Prohibition-era town decide to put on a play dressed in “fancy-type, women-type clothes,” the whole community is affected: gender lines blur, eyebrows raise, identities explode, and life and art are forever entangled. A thoughtful and exuberant Midwestern fable about the woman in every man, the man in every woman and the power of theatre to uncover both.
“’Act a Lady’ turned out to be the most smoothly entertaining of the bunch, a goodnatured comedy set in 1927 about the men in a small Midwestern town doing drag for a local play. The script shows an appealing imaginative streak.” —Gordon Cox, Variety
Don’t Talk to the Actors | Tom Dudzick
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 3 females | 6 actors possible The best laid plans go awry when the cast and crew of a Broadway-bound play resort to manipulation, diva-like behavior, and chaotic abandon to get what they want. Fledgling playwright Jerry Przpezniak and his fiancee are a couple of Buffalo greenhorns suddenly swept up in the whirlwind of New York’s theater scene when Jerry’s play is optioned for the big money, ego-driven world of Broadway. It’s a young playwright’s dream, but the crazy characters and dilemmas they encounter are the things theatrical nightmares are made of.
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Not sure what you’re looking for? Find A Play right now. Drinking Habits | Tom Smith
Jeeves in Bloom | Margaret Raether
BUY
BUY
Farce | Full-length 3 males, 5 females | 8 actors possible
Comedy | Full-length 4 males, 2 females | 6-7 actors possible
Accusations, mistaken identities, and romances run wild in this traditional, laugh-out-loud farce. Two nuns at the Sisters of Perpetual Sewing have been secretly making wine to keep the convent’s doors open, but Paul and Sally, reporters and former fiancees, are hot on their trail. They go undercover as a nun and priest, but their presence, combined with the addition of a new nun, spurs paranoia throughout the convent that spies have been sent from Rome to shut them down. Wine and secrets are inevitably spilled as everyone tries to preserve the convent and reconnect with lost loves.
The peaceful English countryside may never be the same after Bertie Wooster and his unflappable valet, Jeeves, pay a visit. What starts as a plan to pair tongue-tied, amphibian-loving Augustus Fink-Nottle and fanciful, poetry-loving Madeline Basset quickly goes awry. Soon, Bertie is fending off Madeline’s amorous advances, reluctantly participating in an attempted burglary, and fleeing attacks from a homicidal French chef. With the stakes this high, the solution must lie with the one and only Jeeves!
Exit, Pursued by a Bear | Lauren Gunderson
BUY
Revenge Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 2 females | 4-4 actors possible Nan has decided to teach her abusive husband Kyle a lesson. With the help of her friend Simon (acting as her emotional—and actual— cheerleader) and a stripper named Sweetheart, she tapes Kyle to a chair and forces him to watch as they reenacts scenes from their painful past. In the piece de resistance, they plan to cover the room in meat and honey so Kyle will be mauled by a bear. Through this night of emotional trials and ridiculous theatrics, Nan and Kyle are both freed from their past in this smart, dark revenge comedy.
“Exit is a spirited comedy, able and clever.” — San Francisco Bay Guardian
Hate Mail | BUY Bill Corbett and Kira Obolensky Comedy | Full-length 1 male, 1 female | 2 actors possible Hate Mail is an epistolary play something like Love Letters, with two actors reading letters and other correspondence, but it’s a little wilder and more hysterically funny. It tells the story of Preston, a spoiled rich kid who meets his match in Dahlia, an angst-filled artist. Their worlds collide when Preston sends a complaint letter that gets Dahlia fired from her job, and then there’s no turning back. The play stays with their increasingly crazed correspondence as they move from hate to love, and then right back again.
“...about as delightful a respite as one could hope for. Margaret Raether has brought the old gang back together in Wodehouse’s fantasy world, where one knows everything will work out, because Jeeves knows best.” –Chicago Tribune
Kill Me, Deadly | Bill Robens
BUY
Noir Comedy | Full-length 7 males, 5 females | 9-26 actors possible Charlie Nickels has a hard life as a gumshoe in the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles, and things are only made harder by the murder of a client and the theft of her 300 karat diamond. With the help of his wise-cracking secretary, Ida, Charlie seeks out the many suspects: smarmy bookworm Clive, equestrian beauty Veronica, snooty butler Wilson, sensitive muscle Louie, and mob boss Bugsy Siegel. At the center of the case is femme fatale Mona, a nightclub singer who captures Charlie’s affections...and suspicions. Packed with romance, intrigue, and murder, this detective noir is a smart parody that will keep you guessing until the end.
“Set in 1947 Hollywood, where life is as cheap as a chalk-stripe suit, Bill Robens’ smart, snappy parody of hard-boiled noir comes complete with jaded gumshoe, a dame in distress—and plenty of moid-ah.” –Philip Brandes, Los Angeles Times
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The Off-Broadway production of Miracle on South Division Street, Penguin Repertory Theatre, Stony Point, New York (2009). Photo: Aaron Pepis.
Miracle on South Division Street Tom Dudzick | BUY Comedy/Drama | Full-length 1 male, 3 females | 4 actors possible Meet the Nowaks of Buffalo, NY. Clara and her three grown kids have always known they were special, ever since the miraculous night in 1942 when the Blessed Mother appeared to Grandpa in his barbershop! Since then, the neighborhood has looked upon the Nowaks’ 20-foot commemorative shrine as a beacon of hope and faith amidst the urban rubble. And now daughter Ruth unveils her plan to write and star in a one-woman show about the family miracle so the “whole world will know!” However, as her plans for theatrical immortality unfold, the entire family’s faith is shaken to the very core when a deathbed confession causes the family legend to unravel. The results are heartfelt and hilarious.
“Best comedy of the year in Connecticut! A great hook that will keep generations laughing. You have to see it to believe it.” —John Georgette, Jr., Examiner.com
Over the Tavern Trilogy | Tom Dudzick
BUY
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 4 males, 3 females | 7 actors possible Follow the Pazinski family through 30 years of love, laughter, and heartache with three separate plays. During that most idealized pe-
riod of 20th-century America, the Eisenhower years of the 1950s, the youngest member of the Pazinski family begins to question his Roman Catholic upbringing (Over The Tavern). In the second installment (King o’ the Moon) the Pazinskis have gathered to honor their late father’s memory, but quickly become entangled in each others’ problems. Finally, it’s the end of an era in a working-class Catholic neighborhood, and the Pazinski clan has gathered to say their final goodbyes to their recently-sold childhood home (Last Mass at St. Casimir’s).
“A hilarious and touching depiction of 1959 Americana. Absolutely enchanting...a little bit of heaven!” —Richard Christiansen, Chicago Tribune
OY! | BUY Rich Orloff Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 5-44 actors possible OY! is a collection of 13 short comedies, each illustrating the meaning of a Yiddish word—including the untold stories of Eve and Adam, Einstein’s demanding mother, the divorce trial of God and the human, the use of unkosher food as an aphrodisiac, and three men in a steam room who communicate using only the word “oy.” Appealing to audiences of all backgrounds, OY! is a tribute to the absurdity and comedy of being human.
“OY! is a cry of delight. Pure comedy.” —Jewish Week (New York City)
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Pride and Prejudice | Jon Jory
BUY
Romantic Comedy | Full-length 6 males, 8 females | 13-40 actors possible All of the wit and romance of Jane Austen’s classic 1813 novel come to life in this refreshingly fast-paced and engaging new adaptation. Finding a husband is hardly Elizabeth Bennet’s most urgent priority. But with four sisters, an overzealous match-making mother, and a string of unsuitable suitors, it’s difficult to escape the subject. When the independent-minded Elizabeth meets the handsome but enigmatic Mr. Darcy, she is determined not to let her feelings triumph over her own good sense—but the truth turns out to be slipperier than it seems. In a society where subtle snubs and deceit proliferate, is it possible for Elizabeth and Darcy to look beyond his pride and her prejudice, and to make the best match of all? (A one-act version of this play, Darcy and Elizabeth, is also available.)
“Jory ... has crafted an exceptionally clear, funny and moving version.” —San Francisco Chronicle
Romantic Fools | Rich Orloff
Dustin Charles, Crystal Rona Peterson, Mark Bader, Morgan Reis and Joshua Murphy in Unnecessary Farce, Cortland Repertory Theatre, Cortland, New York (2009). Photo: David Blatchley Photography.
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 1 male, 1 female | 2-24 actors possible Romantic Fools consists of 12 two-character comedies examining love, lust, dating, and romance—from a date with a caveman (Find Me a Primitive Man) to the joys of dull sex (One Man’s Secret Desire) to the surprise frustrations of having a perfect mate (The Stepford Guy). With influences of Monty Python, Saturday Night Live, Jules Feiffer, the Marx Brothers, and classic vaudeville comedy, these sketches vary in style but all celebrate the inherent comedy of male-female relationships.
Suite Surrender | Michael McKeever
BUY
Farce | Full-length 4 males, 5 females | 9 actors possible It’s 1942, and two of Hollywood’s biggest divas have descended upon the luxurious Palm Beach Royale Hotel—assistants, luggage, and legendary feud with one another in tow. Everything seems to be in order for their wartime performance...that is, until they are somehow assigned to the same suite. Mistaken identities, overblown egos, double entendres, and a lap dog named Mr. Boodles round out this hilarious riot of a love note to the classic farces of the 30s and 40s.
Unnecessary Farce | Paul Slade Smith
BUY
Farce | Full-length 4 males, 3 females | 7 actors possible Two cops. Three crooks. Eight doors. Go. In a cheap motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female ac-
countant, while in the room next-door, two undercover cops wait to catch the meeting on videotape. But there’s some confusion as to who’s in which room, who’s being videotaped, who’s taken the money, who’s hired a hit man, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes.
“A smash hit! Two hours of non-stop laughter. The plot weaves you through mix-ups and mayhem you won’t believe. This is one funny show you don’t want to miss!” —Jim Fordyce, ABC 53 (Michigan)
Who Maid Who? | David Lassig
BUY
Farce | Full-length 4 males, 4 females | 8-8 actors possible Joe’s mischievous weekend get-away with his would-be mistress at his lake cabin goes horribly wrong when his wife shows up and catches Joe with his new “French maid.” As if this situation weren’t sticky enough, Joe’s parents have a weekend of their own planned at the cabin. With an inquisitive cop, a chef, a gardener, and a variety of young and old maids, how will Joe manage to sort everything out?
“Lassig’s creative energy shines...the unexpected twists of humor in the plot keep you laughing all the way home.” —Sue Cwikla, West Fargo Pioneer
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Classics Agatha Christie's The Mysterious Affair at Styles | BUY David Hansen Mystery | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 5-10 actors possible Summer, 1917. Essex, England. Back from the war, Captain Arthur Hastings convalesces at Styles Court. But when the lady of the house suspiciously dies, the tranquil manor turns treacherous. The cause is murder and the killer could be anyone: her unappealing new husband, her ne'er-do-well son, the blunt female groundskeeper, even the local toxicologist. Enter Hercule Poirot, Belgian refugee and detective extraordinaire, who applies his famous brain to the seemingly unsolvable mystery. A cunning stage adaptation of the novel that launched Agatha Christie's career.
"Charming, funny and smart...a quick-paced gem, and a thrill for any detective aficionado." —Marjorie Preston, Sun News (Cleveland)
An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe Robert Mason | BUY Drama | Full-length 8 males, 4 females, 2 either | 12-52 actors possible Enter the wonderfully creepy world of Edgar Allan Poe with six faithful adaptations of some of his most haunting works. From old favorites such as The Cask of Amontillado and The Tell-Tale Heart to lesser known gems like The Oblong Box and The System of Dr. Tarr and Professor Fether, this collection of short plays represents Poe at his most horrifying.
The Count of Monte Cristo | Charles Morey
BUY
Drama | Full-length 15 males, 6 females | 15-30 actors possible Betrayal, obsession, and redemption provide the backdrop for this compelling adaptation of Alexandre Dumas' classic novel. While unjustly imprisoned, Edmond Dantes befriends a neighboring inmate who bequeaths him an enormous treasure. Dantes eventually escapes and returns to society disguised as the Count of Monte Cristo with plans to enact his revenge on those who betrayed him. But as Dantes becomes increasingly consumed with his quest for vengeance, he finds himself losing his humanity and any hope of reconciling with the love of his life.
Dracula | BUY William McNulty Horror | Full-length 7 males, 7 females | 12-14 actors possible Professor Van Helsing and his brave comrades must hunt down and destroy the profoundly evil Count Dracula. But the Count is exceedingly resourceful, employing superhuman strength, psychic powers, and shape-changing to confound and frustrate his antagonists. Culminating in a wild and shocking confrontation between the King of Vampires and those who would rid the world of him, this adaptation is an action-packed, blood-soaked retelling of Bram Stoker's classic tale of horror.
"Blood-curdling entertainment." —Courier-Journal
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CLASSICS
Emma | Jon Jory
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BUY
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 6 males, 7 females | 10-13 actors possible In this crisp, dynamic retelling of Austen's classic, matchmaker Emma Woodhouse has just moved on to her newest "project"—a sweet, but modest girl named Harriet Smith. Having played matchmaker for her long-time nanny, vivacious Emma is determined to find Harriet an impressive suitor in spite of her lacking social standing. But as Emma becomes entangled in the romantic lives of her friends and acquaintances, she unwittingly falls in love with the least likely of bachelors in this lighthearted tale of gossip, matrimony, and misunderstanding.
Is He Dead? | David Ives
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 7 males, 4 females | 11-16 actors possible Jean-Francois Millet, a young painter of genius, is in love with Marie Leroux but in debt to a villainous picture-dealer, Bastien Andre. Andre forecloses on Millet, threatening debtor's prison unless Marie marries him. Millet realizes that the only way he can pay his debts and keep Marie from marrying Andre is to die, as it is only dead painters who achieve fame and fortune. Millet fakes his death and prospers, all while passing himself off as his own sister, the Widow Tillou. Now a rich "widow," he must find a way to get out of a dress, return to life, and marry Marie.
"A ripely enjoyable confection! An elaborate madcap comedy that registers high on the mirth meter and reaches especially giddy comic heights!" —David Rooney, Variety
Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five Eric Simonson | BUY Comedy/Drama | Full-length 12 males, 3 females | 12-23 actors possible Based on Kurt Vonnegut's classic novel, Slaughterhouse-Five introduces us to Billy Pilgrim, a man who becomes "unstuck in time" after he is abducted by aliens. In a plot-scrambling display of virtuosity, we follow Pilgrim simultaneously through all the phases of his life. Concentrating on his (and Vonnegut's) shattering experience as an American prisoner of war who witnesses the firebombing of Dresden, this satirical and horrifying anti-war story carries a unique poignancy—and humor.
"Skillfully adapted by Eric Simonson of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, this stage version faithfully retains the novel's pivotal moments... This is theatre, which is supposed to awaken our emotion. Here, it goes well." —Andy Webster, The New York Times
Is He Dead?, Florida Community College At Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL (2008).
Little Women | Marisha Chamberlain
BUY
Drama | Full-length 4 males, 7 females | 11-24 actors possible Under the guidance of their beloved mother, the four young March sisters—tempestuous Jo, motherly Meg, shy Beth, and spoiled baby Amy—struggle to keep their family going while Father's away in the Civil War. In this beautifully dramatized adaptation of the classic novel, even as privation, illness, and sibling rivalry cast their shadows, each girl strives to find her true self. (A one-act version of this play is also available.)
"The story, as revealed in Chamberlain's deft adaptation, is a warm tale of love, family, and individuality during the American Civil War." —Peter Vaughan, Minneapolis Star and Tribune
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CLASSICS
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The Love of Three Oranges | Hillary DePiano
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 8 males, 8 females, 5 either | 13-40 actors possible Forget all your dusty misconceptions about the traditions of commedia dell'arte as The Love of Three Oranges, based on a scenario by Carlo Gozzi, provides a wild, raucous slapstick comedy that is completely retooled and revised for today's audiences. Prince Tartaglia's life is filled with misery until an evil witch and her equally evil henchmen curse him to search for three giant oranges. But this quest proves more fruitful than anyone could have imagined as a once-lonely prince discovers love, friendship, and laughter when he encounters wizards, monarchs, and a wild narrator who isn't sure how far removed from the story he really is.
"This play has something for everyone: slapstick for the younger order, subtle sexy jokes for the older and sophomoric japes for everyone." —Maxwell McKee, Sacramento News & Review
Sense and Sensibility | Jon Jory
BUY
Romance | Full-length 8 males, 8 females | 13-16 actors possible Sisters Elinor and Marianne find themselves captivated by two very different men in this lively and dynamic adaptation of Jane Austen's classic novel. Sensible Elinor is charmed by the quiet, bumbling goodness of Edward, while passionate Marianne is swept off of her feet by the dashing and mysterious Willoughby. But when Willoughby's scandalous past and Edward's secret fiancee come to light, the sisters are forced to rely upon themselves and one another to weather their heartache—and learn that when sense and sensibility meet, love can't be far behind.
Sherlock Holmes and The Case of the Jersey Lily | BUY Katie Forgette
Pride and Prejudice | BUY Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan
Mystery/Comedy | Full-length 5 males, 2 females | 7-11 actors possible
Romantic Comedy | Full-length 10 males, 14 females | 23-26 actors possible
The wit of Oscar Wilde meets the cunning of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle when Wilde brings his dear friend, Lillie Langtry, to Baker Street. Someone has stolen the highly intimate letters Lillie exchanged with the Prince of Wales, and now she is being blackmailed. Only Holmes can solve the case, going so far as to disguise himself as an early version of Lady Bracknell from Wilde's latest play, The Importance of Being Forthright, while Watson falls head-over-heels for the Jersey Lily and a wicked professor attempts to bring the Crown to its knees.
Marriage is an inevitable fact of life for the five Bennet sisters— Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. With the family estate entailed away to their closest male cousin, their only hope to advance in life is to find a rich and single man—and one has just arrived in the form of the very handsome and very well-off Charles Bingley. The kindhearted and beautiful Jane seems poised to make a match, but must contend with her overly zealous mother, his snobbish sister, and a slippery social ladder. And when Bingley's taciturn friend Fitzwilliam Darcy shows an interest in the opinionated and spirited Elizabeth, the situation becomes more complicated than either of them expect. The fire and wit of Jane Austen's classic 1813 romance shines through in this vibrant new adaptation.
"Joseph Hanreddy and J. R. Sullivan have created a production that moves smoothly and quickly, without sacrificing the humor and romance that is its essential appeal." —Salt Lake City Weekly
Discover adaptations of your favorite children’s books.
Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play Joe Landry | BUY Suspense | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 2-30 actors possible Spies, murder, love, and other trademarks of Alfred Hitchcock come to life in the style of a 1940s radio broadcast of the master of suspense's earlier films. With The Lodger, Sabotage and The 39 Steps, Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play is a triple feature, complete with vintage commercials, that recreates a daring train chase, a serial killer's ominous presence, and a devastating explosion through the magic of live sound effects and musical underscoring. This spooky, exciting piece is perfect for any space, large or small. (A one-act version of this play is also available.)
"...transforms the stage into a well-oiled machine of actors reaching for noise-making props while portraying a nerve-shattering array of characters in varying states of fear, anxiety, panic and murder." —Wendell Brock, The Atlanta JournalConstitution
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Christmas Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity Book by Preston Lane, music and lyrics by Laurelyn Dossett | BUY Christmas musical | Full-length 6 males, 5 females, 3 either | 14 actors possible Join Reverend Ledbetter and the Open Heart Community Fellowship for a down-home nativity celebration in this joyous Appalachian musical revue. Beginning with the story of Adam and Eve, leading up to the birth of Jesus, Beautiful Star is a retelling of the Christmas story that will have you tapping your toes and singing its praises.
Beautiful Star: An Appalachian Nativity, Triad Stage, Greensboro, North Carolina (2009). Photo: VanderVeen Photographers
"...a new Christmas package almost overwhelming in its glory and charm ... an irresistible blend of Bible tales and mountain music, staged by a company of extraordinary talent." —Julie York Coppens, The Charlotte Observer
Another Night Before Christmas Book and lyrics by Sean Grennan, music by Leah Okimoto | BUY
A Christmas Carol | Peter DeLaurier
Comedy | Full-length 1 male, 1 female | 2-3 actors possible
Holiday Drama | Full-length 10 males, 6 females | 12-60 actors possible
Karol, a disillusioned social worker, is trudging home one cold December night when she encounters an old man sitting on a park bench. Mistaking him for homeless, Karol offers the stranger some food—a seemingly innocent gesture, until he turns up in her apartment claiming to be Santa Claus. Thanks to a malfunctioning security system, Karol finds herself trapped with "Mr. Claus" and forced to confront her feelings about Christmas once and for all in this touching musical battle between cynicism and belief.
Faithful to Dickens' beautiful language, this flexible adaptation of the beloved Christmas classic tells the heartwarming story of miserly Ebeneezer Scrooge. Mr. Scrooge is always cold-hearted, and Christmas is no exception—that is, until the ghost of his deceased business partner, Jacob Marley, comes to warn him about the consequences of living a life of greed and materialism. Over the next three nights, Scrooge is visited by three other spirits who try to convince him that his selfishness will be his downfall. Is this enough to make the selfish old miser change his ways?
"...roaringly funny, yet chock-full of thoughtful commentary on the season, people and what Christmas really means." —Robert L. McKinney, Special to the Herald Courier
BUY
"...will both prick your conscience and send you out smiling—just as Charles Dickens intended." —John Chambless, Daily Local News
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A Christmas Carol...more or less Stefano LoVerso, and Mary Irey | BUY Comedy | Full-length 1 male, 1 female, 1 either | 3-4 actors possible
A Commedia Christmas Carol Matthew R. Wilson | BUY Holiday Comedy | Full-length 4 males, 1 female, 4 either | 7-40 actors possible
Sarah and Charlie, a married couple, run a small theatre that's presenting A Christmas Carol—until Charlie shows up backstage to say the cast and crew are snowed out. Charlie is planning to split up with Sarah tonight, but he's snowed in. Sarah, furious, capitalizes on Charlie's remarkable memory, and blackmails him into doing the play with her as a duo, relying on scripts when they need to. He plays Scrooge; she plays everyone else. As the performance proceeds, Charlie gets drawn back into his relationship with Sarah. They actually manage to perform much of the play, with their personal story invading the Dickens tale, informing it with dual levels of meaning.
"It's a funny, lighthearted show, filled with joyous silliness, mysterious happenings and a warm Christmas glow. Dickens would be pleased." —Marie D. Galyean, Boise Weekly
Ebenezer Scrooge gets a Commedia dell'Arte makeover in this zany take on the classic Dickensian tale of redemption. On Christmas Eve, a Pantalone Scrooge receives a visit from his old friend Dottore Marley, launching a series of quirky visitors and unforeseen capers. Masks, acrobatics, and holiday cheer abound in this madcap physical romp.
"A Commedia Christmas Carol crackles and amuses with abandon...high-spirited revelry...emotional depth." —Jane Horwitz, The Washington Post
The Christmas Carol Rag | BUY By Norman Allen, musical arrangements by Howard Breitbart Musical Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 6 females | 9-15 actors possible In a spunky take on the Dickens classic, the story of Scrooge's redemption is set in the exciting, ragtime world of New York, circa 1911. Evelyn Scrooge runs her sweatshop with an iron fist but slowly opens her heart as she is visited by a Yiddish-spouting Ghost of Christmas Past and a gospel-wailing Ghost of Christmas Present. The score, which includes work by Victor Herbert and George M. Cohan, brings the age old Christmas story to life with rousing production numbers set to familiar songs from "Hello, My Baby" to "The Streets of New York." Wildly funny and deeply moving, The Christmas Carol Rag brings a new twist to an old chestnut.
"...a wholly delightful affair with the potential to become a recurring seasonal favorite." —Michael Toscano, The Washington Post
The Christmas Foundling | Norman Allen
BUY
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 6 males, 1 female | 7 actors possible When a baby boy is orphaned in the California Sierras on Christmas Eve, 1850, two curmudgeonly miners agree to raise him. A decade later, the boy's idyllic life is interrupted by the arrival of a meddling aunt, who intends to take him back to Boston for a formal education and a life of success. Inspired by the stories of Bret Harte, The Christmas Foundling is a heartwarming holiday tale, with the love of a child at its center and an unlikely romance as its driving force.
Paul Reisman, Michael Sprouse, Joel David Santner, and Julie Garner in A Commedia Christmas Carol, Faction of Fools Theatre Company, Washington, DC (2012). Masks: Waxing Moon Masks. Photo: Second Glance Photography.
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Eb Scrooge: A Southern Fried Carol Ian Mairs | BUY Comedy | Full-length 15 males, 20 females | 15-50 actors possible Cast out your cockneys and leave that stale fruit cake at home—enter a world of grits and gravy, red velvet cake, and the occasional glass of sweet tea. This modern spin on a timeless classic captures the sights and sounds of contemporary life in today's South, while maintaining the spirit of Dickens' beloved tale of greed and redemption.
"Fast becoming a Jacksonville tradition!" —Florida Times-Union
Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) | BUY Michael Carlton, James FitzGerald, and John K. Alvarez Comedy | Full-length 3 males | 3 actors possible Instead of performing Charles Dickens' beloved holiday classic for the umpteenth time, three actors decide to perform every Christmas story ever told—plus Christmas traditions from around the world, seasonal icons from ancient times to topical pop-culture, and every carol ever sung. A madcap romp through the holiday season!
"A hilarious send-up of, well, every Christmas story ever told ... This is a highly recommended alternative to cut-and-dry Christmas offerings." —NUVO Indianapolis Arts and Entertainment
It's a Wonderful Life | Doug Rand
BUY
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 18 males, 18 females, 18 either | 20-70 actors possible This faithful, fast-moving stage adaptation of the classic film features fluid scene changes, reasonable set requirements, and scores of beefy roles, particularly for women. It's not only a joyful Christmas tale—it's the gorgeous love story of George and Mary Bailey, a vivid portrait of the Greatest Generation, a descent into the darkest hour of a man trapped by circumstance, and a powerful meditation on what makes a meaningful life.
It's a Wonderful Life—The Musical Book and lyrics by Keith Ferguson, music by Bruce Greer | BUY Musical | Full-length 23 males, 17 females, 2 either | 30-50 actors possible Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey's life from his childhood dreams to his midlife disappointments and beyond, as we all take a journey to discover whether his life has mattered at all. Cinematically scored and theatrically staged, this adaptation breathes musical life into a familiar story, while retaining the warmth, humor, and pathos of the original. A new holiday classic for devotees and newcomers alike.
It's a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play Joe Landry | BUY Holiday Drama | Full-length 3 males, 2 females | 1-25 actors possible This beloved American holiday classic comes to captivating life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. With the help of an ensemble that brings a few dozen characters to the stage, the story of idealistic George Bailey unfolds as he considers ending his life one fateful Christmas Eve. (A short version of this play is also available.)
"One of the best holiday shows around. This is a fresh and inventive way of reconnecting with a classic story of love and redemption.” —Mary Houlihan, Chicago Sun-Times
Parfumerie | E. P. Dowdall
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 8 males, 7 females, 3 either | 12-20 actors possible This new adaptation of the play that inspired several movies is a warm, gentle comedy that follows the tangled tale of Parfumerie employee George Horvath. Just days before Christmas, George's boss fires him after mistakenly suspecting him to be the lover of his unfaithful wife. Meanwhile, George's own love life goes awry when he discovers that the stranger he has fallen in love with through a secret correspondence is none other than Amalia Balash, a co-worker with whom he constantly feuds. For the employees of the Parfumerie, only the truth can lead to a happy resolution in this old-fashioned, romantic Christmas tale.
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A collection of five Christmas-themed short plays from New York City's acclaimed Flea Theater. From a family sitting down to read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" with unexpected results (Not a Creature Was Stirring), to elves rapping about bloody films (Holiday Movies), to an irreverent take on the story of Jesus' birth (Away in the Manger), these comedies and dramas take on the holiday season like never before.
"What bizarre, damaging holiday rituals must have gone on in her household in childhood, or perhaps last year, to result in Holiday Movies, the giddily incongruous something-or-other that ends the program? It's sort of a play, sort of a dance, sort of music, and it's very funny." —Neil Genzlinger, The New York Times
The Very Merry Xmas Carol Holiday Adventure Show | BUY Tim Sawicki, Brian McCann, Justin Jain, Dave Johnson and Bradley Wrenn Seasonal Comedy | Full-length 1 male, 3 either | 4-18 actors possible
World War II Radio Christmas, Oregon Children’s Theatre, Portland, OR (2011).
A Seussified Christmas Carol Peter Bloedel |
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 11 male, 6 females, 22 either | 11-39 actors possible A whimsical reinvention of Dickens' most beloved Christmas story in wacky rhymed couplets. With zoot fruited juices and binka bird geese, from Bed-Headed Fred to Timmy Loo Hoo, this tale of glorious holiday cheer is similar to something Dr. Seuss might have come up with—if he ever had his way with the story... (A one-act version of this play is also available.)
‘Twas the Night Before... | BUY Christopher Durang, Elizabeth Swados, Mac Wellman, Len Jenkin and Roger Rosenblatt Comedy/Drama | Full-length 5 males, 3 females, 6 either | 11-41 actors possible
A narrator's retelling of Christmas tales quickly unravels into an action-packed adventure when the Xmas, a malicious force of holiday ruination, sweeps in to destroy all things red and green. Classic holiday characters are the only hope to stop it: reluctant Ebenezer Scrooge, intrepid Frosty the Snowman, and timid Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer among them. This dream team embarks on a journey to restore the Spirit of Christmas to the mysterious Ice Palace—but can they do it before the Xmas demolishes every last candy cane, sugarplum, and shred of Christmas cheer?
"...an admirably snark-free, family-friendly story that's equally amusing to adults..." —Wendy Rosenfield, The Philadelphia Inquirer
World War II Radio Christmas Pat Kruis Tellinghusen | BUY Live Radio Play with Music | Full-length 4 males, 4 females, 1 either | 6-16 actors possible This moving holiday show recreates the experience of attending a recording of a 1940s radio show broadcast on Christmas Eve during World War II. Using period songs and stories inspired by actual veterans, World War II Radio Christmas transports the audience to another time, brought to you by such generous sponsors as Vaseline Hair Tonic and Ipana Toothpaste. An inspiring look at strength in the face of hardship, this play is a reminder of the importance of coming together for the holidays.
More plays and musicals available at playscripts.com
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Musicals Austentatious | BUY Matt Board, Jane Caplow, Kate Galvin, Luisa Hinchliff, and Joe Slabe Musical Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 4 females | 7 actors possible When the Central Riverdale Amateur Players announce a new adaptation of Pride and Prejudice, stage manager Sam has her hands full with a colorful array of community theatre misfits: a clueless director, an egotistical writer/choreographer/leading lady, a scorned diva, an overlooked veteran, and the town's local druggie. But when Sam begins to fall for the leading man, things really start to get complicated. This hilarious musical follows the group's journey as they unwittingly butcher Jane Austen's beloved classic, from chaotic auditions to climactic pirate battle and tap-off. With a jazzy score and anachronisms galore, Austentatious is terrible theater at its absolute comedic best.
Austentatious offers everything from snickers and chuckles to knee-slapping guffaws. When the troupe finally puts on its version of Pride and Prejudice, it's outrageous slapstick tomfoolery that is greeted with deafening laughter and wild applause." —Calgary Sun
Brother Wolf | BUY Book by Preston Lane, music and lyrics by Laurelyn Dossett Musical Drama | Full-length 4 males, 2 females, 4 either | 6-18 actors possible Blending folklore, myth, music and mountain religion, Brother Wolf is an Appalachian adventure tale based on the story of Beowulf. High in the mountains of North Carolina, a family is threatened by a demon named Grin Dell. When a preacher named Brother Wolf arrives to lend a hand, the death of the demon sets off a cycle of revenge that can only be stopped by learning to forgive. Featuring evocative bluegrass songs, this skillful musical traces the complex art of storytelling and the fear that divides good and evil.
Brother Wolf, Triad Stage, Greensboro, North Carolina (2007). Photo: VanderVeen Photographers
"Lane's tale is savage and grim yet lightened by transparent storytelling that drives his mythic script and infuses his stylized direction." —Perry Tannenbaum, Backstage.com
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Frankenstein, A New Musical Book and lyrics by Jeffrey Jackson, music by Mark Baron, original story adaptation by Gary P. Cohen | BUY Musical | Full-length 7 males, 4 females, 3 either | 9-35 actors possible
World Premiere of A Dog's Life at American Heartland Theatre, Kansas City, Missouri (2007).
The Cherry Sisters Revisited Written by Dan O'Brien, music by Michael Friedman | BUY Play with music | Full-length 1 male, 5 females | 6 actors possible How far can you go with ambition, gumption, a good heart—and no talent? The Cherry Sisters' dreams of Vaudeville took them from their Iowa barn to Broadway, where their inept acrobatics and tone-deaf caterwauling continually sold out, bringing them fame— and a barrage of rotten cabbages. Based on a true story and with music by Michael Friedman, Dan O'Brien's thought-provoking comedy takes a look at the insatiable urge to perform, and the audience's inability to look away.
"I rarely go back to see a play for a second time, but this one I will watch again." —J.S. Holland, Louisville Mojo
A Dog's Life | BUY Book and lyrics by Sean Grennan, music by Leah Okimoto Musical Comedy | Full-length 3 males, 1 female | 4-7 actors possible Joel doesn't want a dog—he wants his girlfriend back, and she wants a dog. But when she refuses to get back together, Joel becomes the reluctant owner of Jack. Meanwhile, Big Dog wants to be adopted alone, but his only way out includes yippy Little Dog. For both of these pairs, initially hesitant relationships blossom into profound friendships. Blending comic and touching moments, this musical is an uplifting tale of companionship, our time on this earth, and simple, unconditional love.
"Audacious, creative, and surprisingly effective in its ability to draw laughter and a few tears." —Robert Trussell, Kansas City Star
With earnest ballads and soaring ensemble numbers, this compelling new musical brings the suspense and romance of the classic tale to life in a uniquely faithful, yet thoroughly innovative adaptation of Mary Shelley's original novel. In his quest to discover the secret of life, Victor Frankenstein, a brilliant young scientist, creates a human of his own design that turns out to instead be a horrifying beast. This is no "Hollywood monster," but a flesh-and-blood man who, while terrifying in appearance, grows to become articulate, cunning, and thirsting for revenge upon the creator who abandoned him. A tragic love story and exploration of humanity, Frankenstein, A New Musical breathes new life into the world-renowned story of man and creator pitted against one another in epic battle.
Married Alive! | BUY Book and lyrics by Sean Grennan, music by Leah Okimoto Musical Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 2 females | 4-12 actors possible Erin and Paul have just gotten married and couldn't be more excited. Ron and Diane have been married for years and aren't so excited anymore. Poignant and hilarious by turns, Married Alive! uses a series of vignettes to affectionately explore the adventure of marriage. From honeymooning to "honey-not-tonight," from couples' therapy to Christmas with the in-laws, from first pregnancy to dealing with teenagers, this musical comedy has it all.
"Laugh out loud funny...fun, charming, good writing...the ideal show."—Jonathan Abarbanel & Kelly Kleiman, NPR Chicago
Pride and Prejudice: A Romantic Musical Book by Jon Jory, music and lyrics by Peter Ekstrom | BUY Musical Comedy | Full-length 6 males, 8 females | 14-22 actors possible Jane Austen's timeless love story is given new life in this faithful and fresh musical adaptation. Strong-minded Elizabeth Bennet is not out to find a husband, and the snobbish Mr. Darcy certainly wouldn't be her first choice. But first impressions are not always what they seem, and soon both Elizabeth and Darcy must look beyond their pride to discover their true feelings. When talk of marriage is everywhere and family expectations are high, can these two overcome their prejudices to make a more meaningful connection? A lively score and moving songs add richness and warmth to this classic story of wit and romance.
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The Spoon River Project, Hallberg Theatre, Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton, CA (2012). Directed by Mark Ramont; Department Head Bruce Goodrich. Lighting Design: AmyAnne Tafolla; Scene Design: David Corigliano; Costume Design: Theona White.
The Spoon River Project | Tom Andolora
BUY
Play with Music | Full-length 6 males, 5 females | 10-18 actors possible In this beautifully haunting play based on Edgar Lee Masters' Spoon River Anthology, the former residents of Spoon River examine life and the longing for what might have been. As the citizens reflect on the dreams, secrets, and regrets of their lives, they paint a gritty and honest portrait of the town as all of their pasts are illuminated.
"Those whose lives could benefit from an hour of beauty, thought and song will find all three, beautifully presented, in The Spoon River Project. It is a truly beautiful experience." —Robert Plyler, Jamestown Post Journal
Sympathy Jones: The New Secret Agent Musical | BUY Book by Brooke Pierce, music and lyrics by Masi Asare Musical comedy | Full-length 5 males, 5 females | 10-30 actors possible
Sympathy Jones dreams of being a super secret agent, but she's stuck as a secretary...until, one day, a confidential file is accidentally left on her desk. When she discovers that the file contains information about a plot to overthrow the government, Sympathy seizes her chance for adventure and fame. But she soon realizes that trying to save the world against impossible odds is not nearly as glamorous as she thought it would be, and she certainly can't do it alone. This delightful, 1960s-era musical is full of humor, self-discovery, and heart-pounding action.
The Talk of the Town | Ginny Redington and Tom Dawes
BUY
Musical Comedy | Full-length 5 males, 2 females | 7 actors possible With music and wit to match the infectious energy and sophistication of the real-life luminaries it is based on, The Talk of the Town is about the ballyhooed brilliance of the fabled Algonquin Roundtable. Dorothy Parker, Robert Benchley, Alexander Woollcott, George Kaufman, Marc Connelly, Edna Ferber, and Robert Sherwood are the great literary players gathered in the Rose Room of the Algonquin hotel, sharing in clever banter and reflecting on the lives behind their brilliant famous personas.
"Ginny Redington and Tom Dawes's wellcrafted period-style songs are genuinely clever, and the classic quips briskly deployed throughout, still crackle." —The New Yorker
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You Haven't Changed a Bit, and Other Lies | BUY Book and lyrics by Jerry Mayer, music and lyrics by Steve Mayer Musical comedy | Full-length 3 males, 3 females | 6 actors possible The adventures of aging are filtered through three married couples who have known each other for over 30 years in this riotous Baby Boomer musical. The husbands, fed up that their gender roles seem to have switched over the years, decide to band together in rebellion and have a proper bachelor party in Las Vegas before the couples renew their vows in a combined ceremony. The wives, however, disapprove of their spouses' antics, standing firm against their husbands until they make some major changes. Will all three couples make it to the altar again? Only time will tell.
"Heartfelt look at three married couples in their 60s and their personal and senior moment-induced tribulations." —Los Angeles Times
Forever Dusty | Coming Soon Kirsten Holly Smith and Jonathan Vankin Follow the journey of the young Mary O'Brien, a shy Irish schoolgirl who falls in love with American soul music and transforms herself into transatlantic pop icon Dusty Springfield. Featuring classic songs such as "Son of a Preacher Man," "Wishin' and Hopin,'" and "I Just Don't Know What to Do With Myself," this Off-Broadway hit musical takes on both the triumphs and pitfalls that come with Dusty's life of fame, from her resistance to civil injustice to her struggles with substance abuse. A story of perseverance and triumph, Forever Dusty is full of joy, vitality, and insight into the life and career of one of the most influential soul singers of all time.
Jared Bradshaw, Kristen Maloney, and Rob Seitelman in The Talk of the Town, The Peccadillo Theater Company, New York City (2005). Photo: Tom Dawes
High Fidelity | Coming Soon Book by David Lindsay-Abaire, lyrics by Amanda Green, music by Tom Kitt, based on the novel by Nick Hornby, and the Touchstone Pictures Film When Brooklyn record store-owner Rob finds himself unexpectedly dumped, his life takes a music-filled turn toward the introspective. Based on the popular novel by Nick Hornby, High Fidelity follows Rob as he struggles to discover how his relationship went awry, and strives to change his life in order to win back his sweetheart Laura. With memorable characters and a rock-and-roll score, this musical journey explores love, heartbreak, and the power of the perfect soundtrack.
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For Young Audiences ONE-ACTS
Amazing Adventures of the Marvelous Monkey King | BUY Elizabeth Wong Children's theater | One-act 4 either | 4-12 actors possible The mischievous Chinese superhero The Monkey King comes to life in this energetic and charming play where Chinese Opera and hiphop collide. Between finding and losing a home, getting kicked out of school, and battling with a one-horned ogre, the naughty Monkey King somersaults into the future on his adventures, where he hears hip-hop music and gets jiggy with it. After much dancing, battles and heroics, the impish Monkey King triumphs over his adversaries—and learns about leadership, responsibility, and forgiveness in the process!
Miss Electricity | Kathryn Walat
BUY
Comedy for young audiences | One-act 2 males, 2 females | 4-8 actors possible Ten-year-old Violet is determined to show the world, not to mention the cool kids at school, just how special she is. With the help of her assistant Freddy, she sets out to break a world record, but becomes accidentally extraordinary when she's struck by lightning— twice—and gains control over all things electric. Under the name Miss Electricity, Violet zaps her way through circuits, bullies, and tests, but could lose everything when the power goes to her head.
Miss Electricity was colorful and fast-paced, with lots of action. The audience—young and old—ate it up." —San Diego News Network
The Top Job | BUY Robin Moyer Chung and Brian Feinstein Musical for young audiences | One-act 4 males, 3 females, 4 either | 7-17 actors possible It's career day at school and everyone's parents have really cool jobs...except for Jenna's. Already shy, Jenna can't bear to tell the other kids that her dad changes light bulbs for a living. But when she goes to work with her dad for a day in New York City, Jenna discovers that he might just have the coolest job of all, and she might just have the confidence to speak up about it. This fantastically funny family-friendly musical shows just how "top" a top job can be!
Miss Electricity, La Jolla Playhouse, La Jolla, California (2009). Photo: JT Macmillan Photography
"Best kids show I've seen in a long time—and I've seen a lot of them with 4 kids." —Timeout.com
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FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES | Full-lengths
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush | Bathsheba Doran
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BUY
Comedy for Young Audiences | Full-length 3 males, 3 females, 2 either | 6-11 actors possible Megan and Ben are orphaned siblings alone in the world. She earns pennies as a human statue—painted silver—while her little brother draws marvelous portraits with only a stubby pencil. One fateful day, his artwork catches the eye of the malicious Mrs. Crawley, who has a scheme to make millions with a magic paintbrush. When she captures Ben and puts him to work, it's up to Megan and their new friend Pierre to help him escape, discovering the value of kindness and bravery along the way. An enchanting story from olden times comes to life in this modern-day fairy tale.
The Elevator Family | Douglas Evans
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 7 males, 7 females, 3 either | 8-24 actors possible When the quirky Wilson family goes on vacation, they visit a nice hotel—and then decide to take up residence in the elevator. They quickly turn their tiny space into a cozy home nicknamed "Otis" where they play pick-up sticks, have meals delivered, and entertain guests. All are welcome in the Wilsons' tiny mobile room, and as they move up and down they help everyone they meet, including a love-struck bellhop, an overscheduled old lady, and a lonely salesman. But when the Wilsons suspect that a kidnapped girl may be hidden in the hotel, they may face their biggest challenge yet.
The Little Princess | Cynthia Mercati
BUY
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 4 males, 20 females, 1 either | 12-31 actors possible Young Sara Crewe would rather stay with her dear father in India than leave for Miss Minchin's boarding school in grim, bustling London, but her father insists she receive an English education. Using her books and her imagination, she is able to quickly win friends and make the best out of every situation. But when her fate takes a disastrous turn, will her vibrant inner life be enough to sustain her through tragedy and hardship? In this heartfelt, faithful adaptation of the beloved novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett, one girl's goodwill and courage show what being a princess truly means.
Miss Nelson is Missing! | BUY Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher based on the book by Harry Allard and James Marshall Comedy | Full-length 6 males, 4 females | 10 actors possible Miss Nelson can't control her crazy classroom because she's just too nice. But when she disappears, her replacement is the hardas-nails, detention-loving, recess-canceling, homework-overloading substitute teacher Viola Swamp! With the Big Test approaching, the kids suddenly realize how much they miss Miss Nelson
Ben and the Magic Paintbrush, South Coast Repertory, Costa Mesa, California (2012). Photo: Henry DiRocco.
and they'll do anything—including hiring a private eye—to solve the mystery of her disappearance and bring her back.
The Mostly True Adventures of Homer P. Figg | BUY Tom Isbell Historical Comedy | Full-length 6 males, 1 female | 7-29 actors possible When Harold Figg is illegally sold to the Union Army, his 12-year-old brother Homer P. Figg undergoes a mighty adventure to bring him back to Maine. From Homer's run-ins with dangerous swindlers to his assisting in the army's victory at the Battle of Gettysburg, this is one story that's the god's-honest truth...mostly. A humorous and poignant adaptation of Rodman Philbrick's Newbery Honor book.
"While the story...deals with serious topics, both Philbrick's 2010 Newbery Honor book and Tom Isbell's adaptation leaven the work with lively comedy and thrilling adventure." —DCTheatreScene.com
More plays and musicals available at playscripts.com
FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES | Full-lengths
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Peter Pan and Wendy: A Musical Alyn Cardarelli and Steve Goers | BUY Comedy | Full-length 5 males, 2 females 7-13 actors possible This panto-style re-imagining of J.M. Barrie's classic book focuses on Wendy's transition from a child to a responsible young lady—with plenty of adventure in between! When Wendy refuses to leave the nursery and sleep downstairs, her mother gives her a mysterious box containing Peter Pan's shadow. Unable to resist, Wendy opens it, Peter arrives, and they're off to Neverland! But even there, Wendy must learn what it means to grow up. Full of enchanting music and beloved characters, this fast-paced adaptation of Barrie's Peter and Wendy is a treat for children of any age.
"A fun family pleaser with comedy and sentimentality that reaches the child in all of us." –Katy Walsh, Chicago Theatre Beat
There's an Alligator Under My Bed, A Nightmare in My Closet, and Something in My Attic | BUY Stuart Kenny, James Larson, and Mercer Mayer Musical | Full-length 3 males, 2 females, 5 either | 6-15 actors possible
Peter Pan and Wendy, Emerald City Theatre, Chicago, Illinois (2009).
When nighttime comes and the lights go out, there always seems to be something lurking in the shadows. This trio of classic Mercer Mayer stories takes a close look at the things that go bump in the night—and finds that they're not all as scary as they first appear. Proving that conquering your fears just takes a little effort (and maybe a little food), this delightful musical adaptation is sure to tickle both the young and the young at heart.
Junie B. Jones: Jingle Bells, Batman Smells | Coming Soon Allison Gregory, based on the book by Barbara Park
Treasure Island: A Musical Panto Kathryn Petersen and Michael Ogborn BUY Musical comedy | Full-length 9 males, 3 females, 1 either | 12 actors possible Everybody say aargh! "X" marks the spot in this raucous new musical panto based on the classic by Robert Louis Stevenson. Armed with just a treasure map and her spirit of adventure, young Jamie Hawkins joins Captain Smilenot and the rest of the rabble aboard Ye Old Blowharde as they set sail for a mysterious island. Little do they know, Jamie's mother has boarded the ship as a stowaway and the ship's cook, Long John Silver, has his own questionable plans for the treasure. The crew sings, dances, staggers, and swims their way through a few of the Seven Seas in search of Billy Bones’ riches. Chock-full of hilarity and hijinks, this Treasure Island is for pirates (or pirates at heart) of any age.
Holiday Comedy | Junie B. Jones, first-grader, is super-excit-
ed about the upcoming Holiday Sing-Along and Secret Santa gift exchange at her school. Too bad know-it-all, tattletale May keeps ruining all of Junie B.’s fun. So when Junie B. draws May’s name for Secret Santa, she comes up with the perfect plan to teach her nemesis a lesson! But will the Christmas spirit of peace and goodwill interfere before she can get revenge? A hilarious and endearing tale based on the best-selling book series by Barbara Park.
The Magical Mind of Billy Shakespeare Kevin Rich | Coming Soon Theatre for Young Audiences | Take a ragtag group of actors, a wandering friar, and add a young William Shakespeare to the mix, and you have one whirlwind, interactive evening for the young and the young at heart. Young "Billy" takes us through the ideas of plays he’d like to write one day: some funny, some sad, and some full of awesome swordfights! A light-hearted, engaging introduction to Shakespeare’s plays, including A Midsummer Night's Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Richard III.
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FOR YOUNG AUDIENCES | Full-lengths
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For Young Actors ONE-ACTS
10 Ways to Survive the Zombie Apocalypse | BUY Don Zolidis Comedy | One-act 3 males, 5 females, 2 either | 8-24 actors possible It's the end of the world and hordes of rampaging zombies are about to kill you. What do you do? Try your hand at kung fu against the undead? Attempt to reason with creatures that would rather eat brains than use them? Turn to this handy and hilarious guide to survive the apocalypse! (Hint: sacrifice the weak is step number one.)
All I Really Need to Know I Learned From Being a Zombie | BUY Jason Pizzarello Dramedy | One-act 2 males, 2 females, 14 either | 5-45 actors possible In today's chaotic, challenging world, we often don't know where to turn for help. Little did we know that life's most valuable lessons lie within the undead. Finally, zombies engage us with musings on life, death, and everything in between. They show us that brains aren't everything...you are what you eat...and what doesn't kill you makes you...more alive.
"It's like Waiting for Godot. But for kids. With zombies." —Jaime Lutz, The Brooklyn Paper
Brief Interviews with Internet Cats Patrick Greene | BUY Comedy | One-act 7 males, 9 females, 6 either | 8-30 actors possible Celebrity interviewer Ian McWorthy has a dream line-up for tonight's episode of the World Wide Window: a veritable litterful of felines whose internet antics have catapulted them to fame. In this fastpaced series of hilarious interviews, Ian uncovers the story behind Tuffy's first dramatic foray into a cardboard box, learns just what makes Nelson the Grouchy Cat so very, very grouchy, contends with the diva-like antics of Kitty Boo Boo and her entourage, and so much more. So stay tuned! Things are bound to get a little...hairy.
The Locker Next 2 Mine | Jonathan Dorf
BUY
Dramedy | One-act 7 males, 13 females, 7 either | 14-40 actors possible For Alisa, it's already tough being a mid-year arrival in her junior year. To make matters worse, her locker is next to a sprawling shrine for Beth Turner, a lacrosse player who died a year earlier. While Alisa tries to eke out space for her books, the popular "M Squad" harasses the rest of the school into a state of nonstop remembrance for Beth. But when Alisa befriends Brady, a former student reporter, she discovers another recent death that was completely overshadowed by Beth's, leaving many students feeling isolated. Can the students band together to acknowledge these losses and begin to heal?
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FOR YOUNG ACTORS | Shorts & Full-lengths
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FULL-LENGTHS
Anon(ymous) | Naomi Iizuka
BUY
Drama | Full-length 5 males, 6 females | 11-35 actors possible Separated from his mother, a young refugee called Anon journeys through the United States, encountering a wide variety of people— some kind, some dangerous and cruel—as he searches for his family. From a sinister one-eyed butcher to beguiling barflies to a sweatshop, Anon must navigate through a chaotic, ever-changing landscape in this entrancing adaptation of Homer's Odyssey.
Crazytown, Golden West High School, Visalia, California (2013). Photo: Ron Holman
Meet the Roommates | Jonathan Rand
BUY
Comedy | One-act 8 males, 8 females | 7-16 actors possible Two friends discover an incredible online simulator that shows them exactly what their future college roommate experiences will look like. Yet after a few minutes with a raging narcoleptic, a worldclass procrastinator, and a children's party clown, it may be time to seriously consider living alone.
Orientation | Ian McWethy
BUY
Comedy | One-act 10 females | 6-10 actors possible Two college RAs are tasked with matching up 8 incoming freshmen as roommates. By crafting the perfect pairings, their year could be worry-free! But if they fail, they may ruin the students' lives forever (according to a study they read, getting along with your freshman roommate means you are 80% more likely to have a productive and meaningful life). But with an extreme germaphobe, an intrusive podcaster, an over-excited Alaskan, and other neurotic newbies, this is one assignment that deserves some extra credit.
Selfie | BUY Bradley Hayward Dramedy | One-act 1 male, 3 females, 4 either | 8-16 actors possible It's senior year and problems are mounting for a group of high school students as they prepare for the future. Facing bullies, parents, pressure, sickness, and their own self-judgment, the characters search for ways to stand out. As they document their year, one click at a time, they come to realize life is not about what other people see—it's about the pictures they have of themselves.
"Anon(ymous) is [a] stunning retelling of an epic quest." —Dominic P. Papatola, St. Paul Pioneer Press
Crazytown | Jonathan Rand
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 2 females | 4-71 actors possible Crazytown is a low-tech evening of comedy designed to be performed by a cast of four, but expandable to over 70 actors. Take a tour of the most messed up town in America, from the police interrogation room where the nicest guy in town is issued a strange ultimatum, to the elementary school for a heated political debate on critical issues like tater tots. Welcome to Crazytown, where our motto is: Welcome to Crazytown.
The Election | Don Zolidis
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 7 males, 7 females, 10 either | 19-48 actors possible After an embattled student body president resigns in disgrace, Mark Davenport figures he will cruise to victory in the special election. After all, his only opponent is nerdy Christy Martin, who wants to eliminate football. But when a mysterious Super PAC gives her an unlimited budget, things start to get very ugly. Mark must face total annihilation or accept the services of a slick professional campaign manager with questionable ethics and a million-dollar Super PAC of his own. A hilarious and timely satire on the contemporary political scene.
I Hate Shakespeare! | Steph DeFerie
BUY
Comedy | Full-length 2 males, 3 females | 5-43 actors possible We hate Shakespeare! At least that's what the audience thinks until they get a rip-roaring rundown of Shakespeare's classics. With zombies, talking cows, and an appearance by Jerry Springer, I Hate Shakespeare! is a hilarious and fast-paced introduction to Shakespeare—with a modern twist. Plus, someone gets a pie in the face.
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FOR YOUNG ACTORS | Full-lengths
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Snow Angel, Imagination Stage, Bethesda, Maryland (2004).
Peter Pan and Wendy | BUY Adapted by Doug Rand from the novel by J.M. Barrie Comedy/Adventure | Full-length 6 males, 7 females, 13 either | 16-40 actors possible Rediscover the loopy fun and the darker corners of J.M. Barrie's original novel with this faithful, fast-moving, and easy-to-stage adaptation. When the carefree and careless Peter Pan flies into the nursery of the Darling home, Wendy follows her instincts for maternity and adventure, bringing her little brothers along to the magical Neverland to take care of the motherless Lost Boys. Soon the Darling children are swept into Peter's deadly battle with Captain Hook and his mostly-fearsome pirate crew. With so much excitement, why ever go home again...?
Snow Angel | BUY David Lindsay-Abaire
bank and into the lives of 15 confused teenagers who are asked to help her in her search. What Eva's searching for—and who she truly is—becomes a mystery that baffles, divides, and energizes the teens of Deerpoint. Told through journal entries and interactions among the students over the course of a single snow day, Snow Angel is a funny and eerie tale of teen angst, discovery, and the power of believing.
What I Want to Say But Never Will Alan Haehnel | BUY Drama | Full-length 20 either | 5-76 actors possible If you could say anything you wanted, without any consequences or judgment, just what would you say? Based on student responses from around the country, What I Want to Say But Never Will explores this simple but intimate question, offering a glimpse into teenagers' most private thoughts. Told through monologues and anecdotes from the playwright himself, these confessions range from a hilarious rant on an art teacher's bad breath to a touching piece of advice from a brother leaving for the Navy.
Comedy/Drama | Full-length 8 males, 8 females | 16 actors possible When the quiet town of Deerpoint, Vermont is hit by the biggest blizzard in 107 years, a mysterious girl named Eva steps out of a snow
More plays and musicals available at playscripts.com
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Rights Information How do I get permission to perform a play or musical? To obtain the right to perform a playwright’s or composer’s work, you must pay the required royalty fee and receive a written performance license from Playscripts.
Videotaping Rights Archival videotaping rights are available for selected plays in this catalog. A royalty fee may apply. For more information, please visit our website, or call our toll free number.
Do I have to pay royalties? In all probability, yes. All performances MUST be licensed by Playscripts in advance—regardless of the size of the audience, and whether or not an admission fee is charged. Like a costume shop or makeup supplier, the author must receive compensation whether or not you charge admission.
Alterations and Cuttings You may not delete, alter, or make changes of any kind to a play or musical, including the changing of character gender or the alteration of objectionable language, unless granted express written permission by Playscripts (please email info@playscripts.com to request permission). With certain exceptions (see left), you may not use a cutting from a play or musical without first contacting Playscripts for permission.
• • • •
If you are a school, you still must pay royalties. If you are a non-profit institution, you still must pay royalties. If you do not charge admission, you still must pay royalties. If you perform the play at a school competition or festival, you still must pay royalties.
What is my amateur performance royalty fee for plays? To calculate your amateur performance royalty fee for our plays, simply multiply the number of performances times the performance rate specified in this catalog. (For example: 6 performances x $40 per performance = $240 due.) If you are interested in producing a full-length play, and your organization is NOT a high school, middle school or elementary school, please see the note below: Special note for full-length plays only: Before your full-length show: To obtain amateur performance rights, calculate your royalty fee as described above, and place your order. This is your up-front minimum royalty. After your full-length show: If 8-10% of your box office receipts (ticket sales) turns out to be greater than this up-front minimum royalty, then you will owe Playscripts the difference. (Consult your licensing agreement for the exact percentage.) Within 7 days of your final performance, mail Playscripts a statement of box office receipts signed by your theater’s managing director, along with any royalties due. For example: You pay an up-front minimum royalty fee of $360, and after your show, your total box office receipts turn out to be $4,000. 8% of $4,000 is $320—less than your up-front minimum royalty payment—so you only need to send Playscripts your signed box office statement. On the other hand, what if your total box office receipts turn out to be $6,000? 8% of $6000 is $480, so you owe Playscripts: $480 - $360 = $120, along with your signed box office statement. In short: You owe the playwright at least a flat fee per full-length performance, and at most some percentage of your actual revenue. What is my amateur performance royalty fee for musicals? The amateur performance royalty fee for musicals may only be determined by placing an order on our website, or by calling our toll free number. In most cases, when placing an order for amateur performance rights, your royalty fee will be determined automatically during the ordering process. Professional Performance Rights for Plays and Musicals The royalty rates quoted for plays in this catalog are for amateur performances only. For all other rights, including stock/professional performance rights, and all musical rights, contact Playscripts.
Photocopying Unauthorized copying of any play or musical is strictly forbidden by law. No part of a play, libretto, or musical score may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including photocopying, scanning, or transcription by hand. You must purchase or otherwise lawfully obtain as many books, eScripts or musical scores as you plan to use in your production. Restrictions Performance rights for any play or musical are subject to restrictions, withdrawals, and third-party clearances, without prior notice. Do not make production plans until you receive a written performance license from Playscripts. Refund Policy All book and eScript sales are final. No returns or exchanges are accepted. Playscripts may refund the amateur performance royalty or any portion only in the event of canceled performances. You must request such a refund before the date of the last performance specified on your order form. Copyright Basics Every play and musical published by Playscripts is protected by United States and international copyright law. These laws ensure that playwrights and composers are rewarded for creating new and vital dramatic work, and protect them against theft and abuse of their work. A play or musical is a piece of property, fully owned by the playwright or composer, just like a house or car. You must obtain permission to use this property, and must pay a royalty fee for the privilege—whether or not you charge an admission fee. Playscripts collects these required payments on behalf of the author. Anyone who violates an author’s copyright is liable as a copyright infringer under United States and international law. Playscripts and the author are entitled to institute legal action for any such infringement, which can subject the infringer to actual damages, statutory damages, and attorneys’ fees. A court may impose statutory damages of up to $150,000 for willful copyright infringements. U.S. copyright law also provides for possible criminal sanctions. Visit the website of the U.S. Copyright Office (www.copyright.gov) for more information. THE BOTTOM LINE: If you break copyright law, you are robbing a playwright or composer and opening yourself to expensive legal action. Follow the rules, and when in doubt, ask us! (For more information, visit www.playscripts.com/rights.)
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Company Information MISSION STATEMENT PLAYSCRIPTS, INC. brings new plays and musicals to professional, school, community, and college theaters to perform, read and enjoy. These plays represent a great diversity of voices, styles, and stories and offer a fresh perspective on the human experience. PLAYSCRIPTS, INC. understands the extraordinary role of a playwright as artist, business person, and marketer. We operate under the idea that “What is good for the playwright is good for Playscripts.” PLAYSCRIPTS, INC. strives to curate a catalog of plays that meets the needs of theater makers, and exceeds the expectations of audiences. We are at the forefront of play publishing, providing a unique and extensive suite of services for playwrights and customers alike. Using technology, innovation and creativity, Playscripts, Inc. forges connections between playwrights and new audiences. PLAYSCRIPTS, INC. ADVISORY BOARD David Henry Hwang Morgan Jenness Tony Kushner Terrence McNally Lynn Nottage Harold Prince Theresa Rebeck Robert Schenkkan Stephen Schwartz Neil Simon Alfred Uhry This Advisory Board endorses the Playscripts, Inc. mission of connecting playwrights more effectively with production opportunities, and counsels Playscripts in achieving the highest standard of service to playwrights and theaters. Membership on the Playscripts, Inc. Advisory Board does not necessarily reflect board members' views concerning plays chosen for publication and licensing by Playscripts, Inc.
PLAYSCRIPTS, INC. STAFF Teresa Sanpietro, General Manager Brendan Conheady, Licensing Director Billie Davis, Customer Service Director Lizzie Martinez, Senior Customer Service Associate John O’Connor, Customer Service Associate Erin Salvi, Publications Director Cate Fricke, Publications Associate Lane Bernes, Marketing Director Jason Pizzarello, Acquisitions Director Lysna Marzani, Contracts Manager Morgan Gould, Literary Manager Adam Blodgett, Literary Assistant Jonathan Rand, Co-Founder Doug Rand, Co-Founder CAPTIONS
FRONT PAGE CAPTIONS FROM TOP LEFT: Bryan Pridgen, Mary Lucy Bivins, Eugene Wolf, and Dan Folino in Elvis Has Left the Building, Barter Theatre, Abingdon, Virginia (2011). Photo Courtesy of Barter Theatre. Porcia Bartholomae and Janelle Lutz in Emma, Stolen Shakespeare Guild, Fort Worth, Texas (2012). Photo: Walter Betts. Erin Noel Grennan, Sean Fortunato, Peggy Roeder, Joe Foust, and Neil Friedman in Making God Laugh, Peninsula Players, Fish Creek, Wisconsin (2011). FROM THE INSIDE FRONT COVER: Over the Tavern, Venice Little Theatre, Venice, Florida (2007). FROM THE TABLE OF CONTENTS Suite Surrender, Caldwell Theatre Company (2008).
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