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Plays (Simply Classic) - Vote for One

 

  • Much Ado About Nothing (Scripts cost: $70) Bickering lovers, scheming villains, and mistaken identity abound in ''Much Ado About Nothing'', one of Shakespeare's most popular comedies which is best known for giving us the unforgettable romantic duo of Beatrice and Benedick. First written and performed in 1598 or 1599, it has been performed almost constantly ever since. 14 Performers

 

  • 12 Angry Women (Rights/Scripts cost: $850) A 19-year-old boy has just stood trial for the fatal stabbing of his father. "He doesn't stand a chance," mutters the guard as the 12 jurors are taken into the bleak jury room. It looks like an open-and-shut case—until one of the jurors begins opening the others' eyes to the facts. "This is a remarkable thing about democracy," says the foreign-born juror, "that we are notified by mail to come down to this place—and decide on the guilt or innocence of a man, of a man we have not known before. We have nothing to gain or lose by our verdict. We should not make it a personal thing." But personal it does become, with each juror revealing his or her own character as the various testimonies are re-examined, the murder is re-enacted and a new murder threat is born before their own eyes! The jurors' final verdict and how they reach it—in tense scenes that will electrify audiences and keep them on the edge of their seats—add up to a fine, mature piece of dramatic literature, an experience you'll be proud to present. 12 f, 1 any

 

  • The Crucible (Rights/Scripts cost: $1215) Arthur Miller's 1953 realist play, is based on the historical events of the 1692 Salem witch hunts. Partially fictionalized, it depicts the very real consequences of false accusations based on blind religious faith, as Miller displays the dangers of such baseless rumours.The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie—and it is here that the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit is terrifyingly depicted. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft- ultimately condemned with a host of others. 10 m, 10 f

 

  • Arsenic and Old Lace (Rights/Scripts cost: $945) We meet the charming and innocent ladies who populate their cellar with the remains of socially and religiously "acceptable" roomers; the antics of their brother who thinks he is Teddy Roosevelt; and the activities of the other brother—these require no further description or amplification here. This show is a must for all nonprofessionals, a ready-made comedy hit. 11 m, 3 f (of the 11 men, some are minor bit parts)

 

  • The Odd Couple (Rights/Scripts cost: $825) This classic comedy opens as a group of the guys assemble for cards in the apartment of divorced Oscar Madison. And if the mess is any indication, it's no wonder that his wife left him. Late to arrive is Felix Unger, who has just been separated from his wife. Fastidious, depressed, and none too tense, Felix seems ready to take matters into his own hands, but as the action unfolds, Oscar becomes the one with murder on his mind when the clean freak and the slob ultimately decide to room together with hilarious results as The Odd Couple is born.  6 m, 2 f  

 

  • Importance of Being Earnest (Rights/Scripts cost: $320) Oscar Wilde’s sophisticated comedy. Two young ladies, Gwendolen from the city and Cecily from the country, are in love with Earnest Worthing. But there is no such person as Earnest Worthing. Gwendolen thinks Jack is Earnest, and Cecily thinks Algy is Earnest. Each girl swears that she could never love a man who wasn't named Earnest. In the midst of all this confusion comes Lady Bracknell, who doesn't like the idea of anybody loving anybody. The two sets needed for this play have been a downfall of other one-act versions. A consistent contest winner, this adaptation combines the three acts into one and provides the necessary set change without a break in the action. 5 m, 4 f

 

 

 

Plays (New Works) - Vote for One

 

  • Two x Four x Murder (Rights/Scripts cost: $360) Carrie moves back to her hometown and in with her mother after her father passes away. Just two days after meeting the elderly "Old Squire" at the family lumberyard, his murdered body is found under one of the lumberyard buildings. She investigates who may have had problems with the old man, all the while dealing with the local Detective, contractors, and employees who feel she shouldn't take over management of the lumberyard. As she investigates his murder she discovers why the old Squire said there was "gold in them the’re hills" ultimately placing herself and the detective in danger from the murderer. [Local work. Written by Lorraine J. Anderson]

 

 

 

 

  • Love/Sick (Rights/Scripts cost: $800-$900) A darker cousin to Almost, Maine, John Cariani’s LOVE/SICK is a collection of nine slightly twisted and completely hilarious short plays. Set on a Friday night in an alternate suburban reality, this 80-minute romp explores the pain and the joy that comes with being in love. Full of imperfect lovers and dreamers, LOVE/SICK is an unromantic comedy for the romantic in everyone. 2-10 Performers (Flexible Cast)

 

  • The Greatest Play Ever Written (Rights/Scripts cost: $625) Conflict, Genre, Character, Irony, Symbolism. In theory, if all of these literary elements came together in perfect harmony, you would have The Greatest Play Ever Written. In Wade Bradford's latest play, an ambitious narrator attempts to do just that in nine hilarious scenes. Yet, no matter how brilliant a play might be, you can't please everyone. When a Critic in the audience becomes bored, she threatens to give the play a negative review, unless the playwright agrees to revise the play... and kill the narrator! 20 roles

 

  • Sonder (Rights/Scripts cost: $895) Sonder takes a unique look at what it means to be a woman growing up in today's world. The sweeping, episodic narrative follows seven women. In the first act, they struggle through the ups and downs of their twenties with heartbreak and love, tragedy and success, mental illness and personal growth; in the second act, we return to the roots of the same seven girls to watch them skip through their childhood years, facing joy and pain as they create and expand their world. 10 f, 1m

 

  • She Kills Monsters (Rights/Scripts cost: $895) The story of Agnes Evans as she leaves her childhood home in Ohio following the death of her teenage sister, Tilly. When Agnes finds Tilly’s Dungeons & Dragons notebook, however, she finds herself catapulted into a journey of discovery and action-packed adventure in the imaginary world that was her sister’s refuge. In this high-octane dramatic comedy laden with homicidal fairies, nasty ogres, and 90s pop culture, acclaimed playwright Qui Nguyen offers a heart-pounding homage to the geek and warrior within us all. 6 f, 3 m

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Showstopping Musicals - Vote for One

 

  • Jesus Christ Superstar (Rights cost: $1,650) What’s the buzz? The first musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice to be produced for the professional stage, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 40 years. A timeless work, the rock opera is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary and universally-known series of events but seen, unusually, through the eyes of Judas Iscariot. Loosely based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, Superstar follows the last week of Jesus Christ’s life. The story, told entirely through song, explores the personal relationships and struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers and the Roman Empire. 9 roles (plus Ensemble)

 

  • Seussical (Rights cost: $2,100) Now one of the most performed shows in America, Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza! Tony winners, Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Lucky Stiff, My Favorite Year, Once on This Island, Ragtime), have lovingly brought to life all of our favorite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton the Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie and a little boy with a big imagination – Jojo. The colorful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos. 8 roles (plus Ensemble)

 

  • Anastasia (Rights cost: $2,000) From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.  4 f, 5 m, 1 girl (Plus ensemble)

 

  • Pirates of Penzance (Rights cost: $915 [including music]) Gilbert and Sullivan's hilarious, hopeful farce follows young Frederic, an orphan who has mistakenly been apprenticed to an ineffectual but raucous band of pirates. He disavows the pirates' way of life and falls for the beautiful Mabel. Frederic's melodious tones win over the heart of Major-General Stanley's songbird daughter, Mabel, but when the Pirate King discovers that General Stanley has lied about being an orphan to keep the pirates from stealing all of his belongings and carrying off his bevy of beautiful daughters, an "ingenious paradox" may prevent the budding romance and lead to the death of "The very model of a modern Major-General." 4 f, 5 m (Plus ensemble)

 

  • Follies (Rights cost: $2,600) The time is 1971, and theatrical impresario, Dimitri Weissmann, hosts a reunion of ex-Follies performers in his crumbling theatre, setting the stage for a parade of brilliant pastiche numbers, including "Losing My Mind," "I'm Still Here" and "Broadway Baby." Amid the reminiscing, two middle-aged couples confront some unpleasant truths about their past and present, coming face-to-face with the future. Follies is a true showcase for powerful dramatic actors with plenty of opportunities for seasoned, older performers. Spectacular and grand in scale, Follies has also proven ideal for concert presentation and features many of Stephen Sondheim's best-known songs. 11 f, 8 m (Plus ensemble)

 

 

Blackbox Musicals - Vote for One

 

  • Firebringer (Rights cost: $1,350 [including music]) At the dawn of humanity, one tribe of cave-people survives the many trials of prehistoric life under the wise leadership of Jemilla, The Peacemaker. Jemilla taught her people to express themselves, rather than bashing each others' heads with rocks and eating each others' babies. But one member of the tribe doesn't seem to fit in: Zazzalil. She's always trying to invent things to make life easier… for herself. While out hatching her latest scheme, Zazzalil stumbles upon the most important discovery in history. One that will pit her tribe against wooly mammoths, saber-toothed tigers, and change the world forever. She'll travel from omega to alpha, and become… the Firebringer!

8 f, 3 m (flexible Ensemble)

 

  • Heathers (Rights cost: $1,650) Based on the 80s cult-hit film, is the darkly delicious story of Veronica Sawyer, a brainy, beautiful teenage misfit who hustles her way into the most powerful and ruthless clique at Westerberg High: the Heathers. But before she can get comfortable atop the high school food chain, Veronica falls in love with the new kid J.D. When Heather Chandler, the Almighty, kicks her out of the group, Veronica decides to bite the bullet and kiss Heather’s aerobicized butt... but J.D. has another plan for that bullet. 6 f, 5 m (flexible ensemble)

 

  • Escape to Margaritaville (Rights cost: $2000) Escape to Margaritaville is a musical comedy featuring the most-loved Jimmy Buffett classics, including “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, “Margaritaville,” “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere,” “Fins,” “Volcano,” and many more. With a book by Emmy Award winner Greg Garcia (“My Name is Earl,” “Raising Hope”) and Emmy nominee Mike O’Malley (“Survivor’s Remorse,” “Shameless”), this hilarious, heartwarming musical is the party you’ve been waiting for! 6 roles (plus Ensemble)

 

  • Twisted (Rights cost: $1,350 [including music]) Hop on your flying carpet, because this musical parody retells the classic tale of Aladdin... from the villain's point of view! Long ago in a Magic Kingdom, one misunderstood Royal Vizier will go on a quest to save his city from its bumbling sultan, an invading prince, and the most notorious thief to ever live! With the help of the Kingdom's free-spirited, teenage Princess, the Vizier must find a magical lamp containing a wish-granting Djinn (who's really funny, by the way) and defeat the city's most-wanted criminal... Aladdin! This musical adventure celebrates and lovingly pokes fun at everyone's favorite series of hand-drawn, animated films. 12 roles (flexible Ensemble)

 

  • Little Shop of Horrors (Rights cost: $1,730 - $2,340) The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down and out Krelborn as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out of this world origins and intent towards global domination! 4 f, 4 m (flexible Ensemble)  

 

Jr. Musicals - Vote for One

 

  • Dreamworks Trolls Jr.  [Rights not released yet] (Rights/Scripts cost: $2,195) Roles N/A (If you vote for Trolls, please pick a second choice as this title is currently unreleased. If this show wins, and is released in time, then it will be produced.)

 

  • School House Rock Jr. (Rights/Scripts cost: $1,625 - $2,195) A loose, revue-like structure allows for a great deal of flexibility in staging and cast size in this energetic musical, which follows Tom, a young school teacher, who is nervous about his first day of teaching. He tries to relax by watching TV, when various characters representing facets of his personality emerge from the set and show him how to win his students over with imagination and music. Memorable songs like "Just a Bill," "Lolly, Lolly, Lolly" and "Conjunction Junction" bring his lesson plans vividly to life. 8 roles (plus Ensemble)

 

 

 

  • All Shook Up [Young@Part] (Rights/Scripts cost: $1450) It’s 1955, and into a square little town rides a guitar-playing young man who changes everything and everyone he meets. Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night, this hip-swiveling, lip-curling musical fantasy will have you jumpin’ out of your blue suede shoes with such classics as “Don’t Be Cruel,” “Hound Dog,” and “Jailhouse Rock.” With great roles for girls and boys and an irresistible rock ‘n’ roll pedigree, this 60-70 minute Broadway adaptation is an unforgettable thrill for middle school-age performers and their audiences. 9 roles (plus Ensemble)

 

  • Press Start! (Rights/Scripts cost: $400) A new 45-minute musical for young actors that transports us inside the bright, pixelated world of video games. When the famous characters we know and love run out of lives, they decide to put on a musical fundraiser that will help them raise gold rings and play on. Through hilarious and heartfelt musical numbers we see a side of the heroes, villains and sidekicks we’ve never seen before. But when things go terribly awry, will the quiet sidekick Little Mushroom find the hero inside of her to save the day? PRESS START is composed entirely in 8-bit synthesizers reminiscent of those incredible soundtracks from the original Nintendo and Sega consoles. 20 roles (plus Ensemble)

 

  • Finding Nemo Jr. (Rights/Scripts cost: $2,195) Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. is a 60-minute musical adaptation of the beloved 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves. 15-20 roles (flexible ensemble)

 

Christmas Shows

 

  • The Christmas Bus (Rights cost: $700) It's Christmas Eve, and Mrs. Frump, the director of the Peaceful Valley Orphanage, is planning what she believes will be the most special Christmas ever for her kids. She's borrowed an old bus and arranged for each child to spend Christmas with a family in the area. The only problem is, she hasn't told the Busybodies on the orphanage board of trustees, who believe Frump has gotten too old and soft to handle the rowdy kids at Peaceful Valley. With the help of teenage Thomas, the oldest of the orphans and her trusty right-hand man, Frump sets off to deliver the kids—pursued by the suspicious Sheriff Snodgrass and the Busybodies. Along the way, they pick up a passenger: a traveling troubadour who's been on the road trying his luck as a folksinger and is now returning home to his girlfriend (who may or may not be glad to see him). It's an adventuresome ride, culminating in a Christmas even more special than Frump could have ever imagined. 3 m, 5 w, 9 children (may expand number of children, but all must fit in the bus!)

 

  • The Charitable Sisterhood Christmas Spectacular (Rights cost: $700) The Charitable Sisterhood is back, and they're getting ready for Second Trinity's annual Christmas show, but they're having trouble staying focused because someone has stolen the baby Jesus figure from his place in the nativity scene. Will the show go on, and what kind of show will it be? The fun doesn't let up until the hilarious revelation at the show's climax, which leaves the audience and the sisterhood filled with the very best spirit of the Christmas season. 5 f

 

  • Every Christmas Story Ever Told (And Then Some!) (Rights cost: $700) 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! 3 performers

 

  • Miracle on 34th Street (Rights cost: $800) By chance, Kris Kringle, an old man in a retirement home, gets a job working as Santa for Macy's. Kris unleashes waves of good will with Macy's customers and the commercial world of New York City by referring parents to other stores to find exactly the toy their child has asked for. Seen as deluded and dangerous by Macy's vocational counselor, who plots to have Kris shanghaied to Bellevue Psychiatric Hospital, Kris ends up in a court competency hearing. Especially at stake is one little girl's belief in Santa. In a dramatic decision, the court confirms Kris as the true Santa, allowing Susan and countless other children to experience the joy of childhood fantasy. 3 f, 3 m (plus 1 girl)

 

  • Coney Island Christmas (Rights cost: $800) Pulitzer Prize-winner Donald Margulies weaves together nostalgia, music and merriment in this new seasonal classic. A holiday show for people of all ages and all faiths, CONEY ISLAND CHRISTMAS introduces us to Shirley Abramowitz, a young Jewish girl who (much to her immigrant parents’ exasperation) is cast as Jesus in the school’s Christmas pageant. As Shirley, now much older, recounts the memorable story to her great-granddaughter, the play captures a timeless and universal tale of what it means to be an American during the holidays. 10 f, 8 m (plus 1 girl)

 

 

Senior Reader’s Theatre

 

  • His Girl Friday (Scripts cost: $350) When hard-charging New York newspaper editor Walter Burns discovers that his ex-wife, investigative reporter Hildy Johnson, has gotten engaged to milquetoast insurance agent Bruce Baldwin, he unsuccessfully tries to lure her away from tame domestic life with a story about the impending execution of convicted murderer Earl Williams. But when Hildy discovers Williams may be innocent, her reporter instincts take over. This is a reading of the movie screenplay- which has entered the public domain. (6-20 actors possible)

 

  • Vintage Hitchcock (Rights cost: $385) 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 Playis 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. 2 f, 3 m (2-30 actors possible: 1-10 f, 1-20 m)

 

  • Twelfth Night (Scripts cost: $100) A romantic comedy by William Shakespeare, believed to have been written around 1601–1602. The play centers on the twins Viola and Sebastian, who are separated in a shipwreck. Viola (who is disguised as Cesario) falls in love with the Duke Orsino, who in turn is in love with Countess Olivia. Upon meeting Viola, Countess Olivia falls in love with her thinking she is a man. 3 f, 4 m (14-15 actors possible: 4 f, 10m)

 

  • The Matchmaker (Rights cost: $385) The original play that inspired the hit musical, Hello, Dolly! This play features Horace Vandergelder, a wealthy merchant in nineteenth-century Yonkers, NY, decides to take a wife and employs a matchmaker, Mrs. Dolly Levi. Dolly subsequently becomes involved with two of Vandergelder's clerks, several lovely ladies, and the headwaiter at an expensive restaurant, where this swift farce runs headlong into hilarious complications. After everyone gets straightened out romantically, Vandergelder finds himself affianced to the astute Dolly Levi herself.7 f, 9 m

 

  • Death of a Salesman (Rights cost: $385) The story revolves around the last days of Willy Loman, a failing salesman, who cannot understand how he failed to win success and happiness. Through a series of tragic soul-searching revelations of the life he has lived with his wife, his sons, and his business associates, we discover how his quest for the “American Dream” kept him blind to the people who truly loved him. A thrilling work of deep and revealing beauty that remains one of the most profound classic dramas of the American theatre. 5 f, 8 m

 

 

 

 

Annual Events:

 

  • Topsy Turvy: A Miscast Cabaret - Our cabaret will be coming back for its third year in a big way! Our most requested theme: Miscast! With performers taking to the stage, performing songs that they wouldn’t normally be cast as- playing with gender, casting types, and much more- this show is sure to be a big hit with performers and audience alike!

 

  • 3rd Annual Short Play Festival

 

  • Halloween Shadow Cast with The Riv - Rocky Horror


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