City Of Joseph • The Classic Nauvoo Musical
Book and Lyrics by R. Don Oscarson Music by Maughan W. McMurdie (For production by Community Groups, LDS Church Groups) THE “CONCERT” VERSION A powerful stage version of the original Nauvoo Pageant that began production in 1973, City of Joseph portrays life during the establishment and growth of Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Scaled to fit an indoor stage, it features all the music from the original pageant as it tells the story through the eyes of those who lived there from 1839-1846. A CD with orchestral accompaniment (and choir) is available for the production. Order #2042CONCERT THE ORIGINAL 1999 VERSION (Still to come) City of Joseph portrays life during the establishment and growth of Nauvoo, Illinois, under the direction of the Prophet Joseph Smith. Able to encompass a large flexible cast, you will...
Read More
The Brothers • A Play
by Christie Lund Coles (For production by College/University Groups, Community Groups, LDS Church Groups) Hunted and persecuted, Hyrum Smith and his brother, Joseph hide, wait and watch. Mobs of unruly men are searching for them thinking of nothing but death. But the Lord watches over his chosen; they have safety, and a time to reflect. “When will it end? Where did it all start? Why? Where will it lead?” A deeply moving play about “The Brothers”. PLAY DETAILS: 15 M, 3 W, 2 teenboys 1 teengirl 2 boys, plus extras Space setting with wing and drop or set pieces 1hr 45mins ORDER # 2041 Available for ALL producing groups. PERUSAL MATERIALS The Perusal Pages File (in PDF format) can be read by clicking Brothers,ThePERUSALSCRIPT It contains the first half of the script. PRODUCTION MATERIALS AVAILABLE Script in PDF...
Read More
My Travels With Cecil — a short play
The search for the English folk song in American folk music. by R. Rex Stephenson Great for groups, amateur, professional or educational, who tour to schools. Folk songs are the backbone of American music. And since our people came from all over the world, so did our folk songs. “My Travels With Cecil” dramatizes the true story of Cecil Sharp’s journey to discover English ballads still surviving in America. In 1916, Sharp and his secretary Maud Karpeles traveled throughout the Appalachian Mountains in search of folk songs that had originally been sung in Britain, but had since disappeared from their oral tradition. This play recounts Sharp’s desperate search for a song that has haunted him since his youth, “Soldier Boy.” The play is ideal for touring. It features numerous songs Sharp collected along with several dances. It might be...
Read More
Hancock County • a play
Compared by some to “A Man For All Seasons” by Tim Slover (For production by Professional Groups, Community Groups, and College & University Groups) In 1844 the Mormon prophet Joseph Smith and his brother Hyrum were killed by a mob. The next year their accused assassins came to trial. Hancock County dramatizes that trial and the tensions between the Mormons, led by Brigham Young, and their enemies, who were trying to drive them from the state of Illinois. “Hancock County” is a very fine play; an intelligent, thrilling, tightly-drawn courtroom drama/tragedy that unfolds into a meditation on America, violence, and forgiveness. It bears comparison to Robert Bolt’s “A Man For All Seasons.” — R. W. Rasband of Association for Mormon Letters “Hancock County” moves swiftly from one scene to another, using and re-using minimal set pieces and props. It...
Read More
Elektra — an adaptation for modern audiences
adapted from Sophocles by Richard Sewell (Perfect for High School, College/University, Community, and Youth Theatre actors.) TYA The goal of this adaptation is to give actors (high school, college age, or older) a feel of the shape and mood of a Greek tragedy and yet to be a play that a modern audience, without preparation, can follow and be drawn into. The classic story of revenge-gone-on-too-long is faithfully and clearly presented, some may say as an appeal to reason–both political, familial, and personal–to stop the ‘bloodshed’; for revenge may come in may guises. A challenging script to all ages both in the performance of it and in the viewing of it. Both the timeliness of the message, and its actual timelessness, point to a solid story of worth to everyone in the human experience. PLAY DETAILS 4m 2F +...
Read More
Jimmy Higgins: Line By Byline — a one-man play
A Life In The Labor Movement by Harlan Baker (For professional, amateur or educational theatre production) Jimmy Higgins: Line By Byline is about an old radical who tells his story to a young man. Jimmy grows up in the first half of the 20th century in middle America. The play follows his involvement in various labor and socialist struggles from the campaign to free Tom Mooney, the presidential campaign of Eugene Debs, the May Day rallies of 1919, the campaign of Sen. Robert La Follette Sr. on the Progressive Party Ticket to his becoming a reporter on labor struggles in Alabama and Michigan. He witnesses the Battle of the Overpass and Henry Ford’s violent attempt to intimidate labor leader Walter Ruether. This is a tour-de-force production for a single actor. While many of the characters have a basis in...
Read More
Mrs. Smith Goes To Washington — One Woman Play
An Evening with Senator Margaret Chase Smith by Linda Britt (Perfect for professional, amateur and educational production.) This wonderful show is all about Maine’s long-time Representative and Senator. A powerful, funny, timely take on politics in a polarized era. Senator Margaret Chase Smith, a woman of firsts, from her election to both houses of Congress, to speaking out against Joe McCarthy, to her nomination for President at a national convention, comes back when we need her most. PLAY DETAILS 1 simple setting — an office 1 semi-contemporary costume 70 minute ORDER #3043 PERUSAL MATERIALS: PERUSAL SCRIPT: The PDF of 1/2 of the script is available: MrsSmith Goes PERUSAL The KINDLE ebook is available below for perusal purposes REHEARSAL MATERIALS Any PDF purchased will be emailed to your email address — if you need to provide that to us...
Read More
Robin Hood: Legend of the Sherwood Bandit — play with songs
Book & Lyrics by Ed Farnsworth Music by Anthony Buck (Perfect for Community Theatres, Youth Theatres, High School and College/University theatre departments) This tale of Robin Hood is told to the audience by a band of medieval troubadours, led by the character playing Alan-a-Dale, and centers on the evolution of Robin Hood from a playful noble to a selfless hero. Instrumental in this transformation is Maid Marian, a childhood friend who expects a different type of nobility from Robin than he is initially willing to uphold. Robin is surrounded by his traditional band including Will Scarlet, Little John, and Friar Tuck, and is opposed by Prince John, Sir Guy of Gisbourne, and the Sheriff of Nottingham. But it takes more than just the expected characters to effect a change in Sir Robin of Locksley. Legend of the Sherwood...
Read More
Freedom Song — A Story of Hope — TYA
by Alexandra Grace Gaver “Freedom Song — A Story Of Hope” takes a young, present-day student, Anne, on a journey through time with her guide, the incomparable Harriet Tubman. As her history unfolds around her, Anne discovers just a few of the different challenges and many triumphs of African-Americans, and meets a variety of individuals, including Ellen and William Craft and Martin Luther King, Jr. Join Anne on a journey through African-American history: the immense challenges, vital contributions, and unwavering courage. This play is educational, interactive and engagingly moving; a witty and exciting script to entertain and inspire both children and adults! A Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads Playscript. This play has a slight restriction on its performance. The Children’s Theatre of Hampton Roads is the only company that many perform the play in the following cities in Virginia: Virginia Beach,...
Read More
Julius Caesar: A Confederate Conspiracy
by William Shakespeare Adapted by C. Michael Perry Shakespeare’s tragedy of political intrigue set in the South of the American Civil War. The lines of the Bard have been edited, not rewritten. Think of the parallels between the South of the Confederacy and the falling Roman Empire–the upper-class driven government, the overwhelming slave issue, the unpopular yet popular military effort, the plots and ploys concerning political power. For these reasons the play has been set during the Civil War. No dialog has been changed to accommodate this, but the play has been shortened and edited for archaic language. One song, SHENANDOAH, has been inserted as sung by Lucius in the tent, accompanied by his guitar. Perfect for High School and College Theatre Departments, and Youth Theatre Groups. PLAY DETAILS 32M 9F + extras Doubling possible Six settings Playing...
Read More
The Mummy’s Tale: And other Voices from the Great Beyond — TYA
by E. Gray Simons III (PROFESSIONAL, AMATEUR, EDUCATIONAL, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY, YOUTHEATRE/CHILDREN’S THEATRE) The Mummy’s Tale. . . is a family-friendly journey exploring the ultimate mystery: the afterlife as viewed across centuries and cultures! Visit ancient Egypt, where Ra the Sun God makes his first journey across the sky and a subsequent trip into the afterlife; from Greek mythology, the famed minstrel Orpheus will travel to the Underworld to save his lost love, Eurydice; experience the unique paradise of the Aztec’s Gods and find out how they created human beings. Most importantly, The Mummy’s Tale takes a lighthearted, child-appropriate look at The Great Beyond. With an optional musical intro, AT THE SIDESHOW, demo found below in the PERUSAL MATERIALS Section. A part of theSERIES PLAY DETAILS Large flexible cast characters that can be doubled to as few as 5 actors, or...
Read More
Atlantis, Lost! and Other Legends from the Strange Waves — TYA
by E. Gray Simons III (PROFESSIONAL, AMATEUR, EDUCATIONAL, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY, YOUTHEATRE/CHILDREN’S THEATRE) Atlantis, Lost! is a collection of stories about historical wonders and the waters of the world. This collection of wet and wonderful tales includes the lost civilization of Atlantis, the life of a pirate, the origin of surfing and the Loch Ness monster. Ride the Strange Waves and discover a whole new view of the world through these inspired episodes of modern mythology. The play is structured withing a Carnival Sideshow environment which makes if fun for all ages. With an optional musical intro, AT THE SIDESHOW, demo found below in the PERUSAL MATERIALS Section. A part of theSERIES PLAY DETAILS Large flexible cast characters that can be doubled to as few as 5 actors, or each character can be played by a single actor Multi-location fluid setting...
Read More
Way Out West: The Journey of Lewis and Clark and Other Tales — TYA
by E. Gray Simons III (PROFESSIONAL, AMATEUR, EDUCATIONAL, COLLEGE/UNIVERSITY, YOUTHEATRE/CHILDREN’S THEATRE) Seize the adventure! Explore Native American legends, jump on The Pony Express, and take a chance on the Gold Rush in this historical expedition to the Wild West. Set in the atmosphere of a Carnival Sideshow, this fast moving and hilarious play will delight young audiences and their parents, as well.With an optional musical intro, AT THE SIDESHOW, demo found below in the PERUSAL MATERIALS Section. A part of the SERIES PLAY DETAILS Large flexible cast characters that can be doubled to as few as 5 actors [2m 2f], or each character can be played by a single actor Multi-location fluid setting simple costumes and props About 45 minutes Order # 3174 Available Soon! REVIEWS and COMMENTS: SOON PERUSAL MATERIALS Perusal Pages File available WayOutWestPERUSAL (The PDF file contains...
Read More
E. Gray Simons III — AUTHOR
Playwright E. Gray Simons III has worked for fourteen years as an Artist-in-Residence at BTF. In 2000, he became Artistic Director of BTF PLAYS! and has since written and directed more than a dozen original plays, among them Aesop’s Network, Nursery Rhyme Café, Mystery Sideshow 2: Strange Waves, and Mystery Sideshow 3: Way Out West. Simons made his BTF directorial debut in 2000 with The Wind in the Willows and in 2001 he became director of the Summer Performance Stories, The Odyssey, The Magic Flute, Arabian Nights, and Monkey. Other directorial credits include The Wizard of Oz, Alice in Wonderland, Oliver! and Peter Pan(2009) on BTF’s Main Stage, Where Has Tommy Flowers Gone? and Holiday Memories in the Unicorn Theatre, Robin Hood at the Berkshire Museum, The Who’s Tommy at Brandeis University with co-director Eric Hill, and Big Love...
Read More
The Plays of Thomas F. Rogers Volume 2: Personal Journeys
Thomas F. Rogers is a prominent Playwright, traveler and observer of Humanity. The seven plays in this volume, “Frére Lawrence,” “Gentle Barbarian,” “The Immortal,” “The Seagull,” “Siegfried Idyll,” “The Wager, and “A Good Man Is Hard To Find” gathered in one volume for the first time, deal with men and women and their relationships, treacheries, hopes, dreams, plots, plans, cruelties and sometimes kindnesses. Both historical and political these dramas expose the Human condition, in thoughtful and unforgettable stage adaptations. With this volume, they are available for study and perusal by Professors, Scholars, Students, Directors, Actors, Producers and others ready to settle down into a fine drama and experience life through someone else’s eyes. Book Details PRINT VERSION 8.5″ x 11″ (21.59 x 27.94 cm) Black & White on White paper 233 pages ISBN-13: 978-1539464013 ISBN-10: 1539464016 A BISAC: Drama...
Read More
The Plays of Thomas F. Rogers Volume 1: Perestroika and Glasnost
Thomas F. Rogers is a prominent Playwright and former Professor of the Russian language, now retired. Having lived in the U.S. and in Russia, his plays have made the mystery and controversy of “The Red East” singularly accessible His plays, “Charades,” “Crime and Punishment,” “God’s Fools,” “The Idiot,” and “The Second Priest,” gathered in one volume for the first time, deal with Russia, Russians, and The U.S.S.R, their relations with other countries as well as internally, and focus on the transition into and out of Communism. Taut, political and ideological dramas, all, they enlighten the Human condition, in thoughtful and lively stage adaptations. Now arranged in this one volume, they are available for study and perusal by Professors, Scholars, and Students, Producers, Directors and Actors, who will grow to appreciate the keen mind, probing satire, and wit of Thomas...
Read More
Well-Behaved Women — A Play for TYA
by Jes Marbacher (TYA, Children’s Theatre, Amateur, Professional, Educational) From the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848, and the launch of the women’s right’s movement, women worked tirelessly for their right to vote. After 72 long years the 19th Amendment was passed, and women were legally allowed to cast their ballots for the first time in the 1920 election. This movement spans decades and involves many women. Playwright Jes Marbacher deftly crafts a work in two Acts, the first focusing in on Susan B. Anthony’s attempt to vote and subsequent arrest in 1872, and the second on Alice Paul and the suffragettes of the 1910’s. Women’s suffrage was a complex issue for a lot of people and students of today have a hard time wrapping their heads around why. Even more difficult to understand is why many of these issues...
Read More
The World Is My Parish — Play
by R. Rex Stephenson & Mike Trochim Perfect for Community, College/University, Church and Professional groups. John Wesley was an Anglican minister and theologian who, with his brother Charles and fellow cleric George Whitefield, is credited with the foundation of the evangelical movement known as Methodism. This play highlights his life and struggles. The play is available in TWO versions: A large cast version, and a 2-7 player version meant to tour. PLAY DETAILS Full Version 9M 8W 2B 3G + 12-16 ensemble Period Costumes Simple Setting About 120 minutes Features the HYMN “Love Divine” as originally composed by John Zundel, 1815-1882 to the tune: BEECHER; and “Christ, Whose Glory Fills the Skies”; and “I’ll Praise My Maker”. (All included in the script) Order #3159 Touring Version 2-7 Actors Period Costumes Simple Setting Great for Touring About 70 minutes...
Read More
We Band of Brothers — Musical Farce
Cody, Hickok & Jack — A Cowboy Musical Farce Book by R. Rex Stephenson & Mike Trochim Music by Jon Cohn Lyrics by R. Rex Stephenson For professional, educational and community theatre groups A two-act musical about the real life theatrical exploits of Buffalo Bill Cody, Wild Bill Hickok, and Texas Jack — taken a step or two further! The time is 1870, in Chicago, where three legends of the Old West trade their horses and buckskin outfits for make-up and store-bought costumes. Confronted by lines to memorize, Irish stockyard workers as Indians, and an Italian opera singer portraying an Indian Princess and more bizarre casting—this is a true story of American heroes on the stage. The only thing this farce is missing is five doors. (or seven doors, depending on which side of the Atlantic you are on.)...
Read More
Glorious Son of York — play
by Rex Stephenson For Professional, Amateur and Educational theatre groups playing for Family, Youth and Adult audiences. Richard returns after 400 plus years to answer charges he feels Shakespeare and other historians have made against him. He believes in his heart that Shakespeare maligned him, and if he can just explain his position he will have the place in history he rightfully deserves; But Richard doesn’t find Shakespeare all bad: He is enchanted by the way Shakespeare portrays him as a seducer of women; by Shakespeare’s unflattering portrayal of Elizabeth and Margaret; and most importantly Shakespeare’s description of his death. PLAY DETAILS 1M 1W (+ 2 optional supporting roles that can be played by the actress) Simple Setting Great for Touring About 70 minutes Order #3157 REVIEWS and COMMENTS: SOON PERUSAL MATERIALS Perusal Pages File Available here:GloriousSonOfYork PERUSAL (The...
Read More
Mother Wove the Morning • a play
by Carol Lynn Pearson Much of Carol Lynn’s life has been devoted to the search for the feminine divine, a search that culminated in writing Mother Wove the Morning. The play is made up of sixteen women throughout history searching for the female face of God – the feminine divine. The original script was a one-woman-show. But it has now been adapted for multiple performers with subsequent productions as an “equity showcase” in New York City, as well as by high schools, colleges and community theatres across the country. It all began in 1989 when Carol Lynn rented her local community theater in Walnut Creek (CA) for two weekends, sent out press releases, sold tickets, and opened the play, believing at least her friends would show up. They did. And lots of other people. The event sold out and...
Read More
The Sheriff of Nottingham — TYA
by Michael Megliola (TYA, Children’s Theatre, Amateur, Professional, Educational) Robin Hood is known by many as an heroic outlaw who stole from the rich to give to the poor but many of the details of the story are often ignored. Who was Robin and how did he come to be? With a fresh look at this beloved story, Michael Megliola has written a new play from the perspective of the Sheriff of Nottingham. Caught between loyalty to the absent King Richard (missing for 6 years while fighting a Crusade) and demands from the greedy Prince John (who is acting King), the Sheriff finds himself playing a cat and mouse game with one Robert Fitzooth (aka Robin Hood), Marion Fitzwalter (aka Maid Marian) and a band of merry (and not-so-merry) men! PLAY DETAILS: 18m 3f (Roles can be played by...
Read More
Galileo’s Pendulum — TYA
by Michael Megliola (TYA, Children’s Theatre, Amateur, Professional, Educational) Galileo never did most of the things for which many people give him credit. He did not drop stones off the leaning tower of Pisa or invent the telescope. By the time Galileo came along, people had also discovered, forgotten, then rediscovered that the earth orbits the sun. Galileo, however, did something much more important, courageous, and dangerous than any of those things — he stood up for the freedom of thought. He demanded that academic, religious and political leaders accept scientific methods. He dared to challenge censorship at a time when people who spoke out were sometimes tortured or killed. Galileo was forced to recant his beliefs, at least publicly, but by then the truth was out. This script was written for children to perform for young audiences 7...
Read More
Liberation — A Short Play
by J.D. Newman (Perfect for College/University, Community, High School, Middle School and TYA and other Youth Theatre Groups) Four French maidens, hiding from the occupying German army and concealing their identities from each other, capture the soldier who discovers them. One of the young women insists on showing the soldier the stories of misfortune that brought them to their current condition. They enact their stories in metaphor, drawing on a Greek myth, a Biblical story, and the legend of a local saint. When the German soldier reveals that the village has been liberated, he asks to be liberated by death rather than facing the shame of what his people have done to the French people. The four maidens each are seeking a liberation of their own. PLAY DETAILS: 4f 1m About 40 minutes 1 interior of a barn Order # 3122...
Read More
Uncle Tom’s Cabin Concept CD
Book & Lyrics by JEAN B. BOYCE Music by C. MICHAEL PERRY (Formerly known as “DIXIE!”) Based on the novel by Harriet Beecher Stowe A faithful and inspiring musical adaptation of the classic, “UNCLE TOM’S CABIN”. The characters are rich and colorful in this hopeful tragedy of life in the Pre-Civil War South. And this Uncle Tom is not like any other you may see. He is strong, honest, righteous and trusting in the ways of his only Master, God. The popular notion of an “Uncle Tom”, as passed down incorrectly by those who seek to denigrate, as a shuffling, ‘massa-saying’, subservient slave, demeans the true story of his character and goodness. Stowe had hoped to lift the concept of ‘property’ and expose this particular ‘property’ by returning these men and women to their full status as Human Beings...
Read More
Lightning Rod — A Play
a play by Tim Slover (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups) What is the price of Liberty? For Benjamin Franklin, it was flesh and blood. Widely lauded for his role in giving birth to a new nation, Franklin’s role as a father to his own children remains largely a mystery. This work commissioned by the Fulton Opera House & Franklin and Marshall College, as part of the international celebration of Franklin’s 300 Birthday, in 2006, examines the origins of Franklin’s character and how nothing could divide him from his beloved son, William, except a revolution. This play discusses mature themes. PLAY DETAILS: 2M 3W 2older teenMales (can be doubled) About 120 mins Fluid open setting Period Costumes Order #3117 Available for ALL producing groups. PERUSAL MATERIALS Perusal Pages File Available here: LightningRodPERUSAL (The PDF file contains one...
Read More
Treasure — A Play
by Tim Slover (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups) Ambition. Greed. Lust. Recklessness. Righteousness. Honor. Betrayal. Potential. All make for a chilling political drama. In this glimpse into the life of founding father, Alexander Hamilton, we delve a little bit deeper into early American history. Fifth grade social studies class taught many that Hamilton was a Revolutionary War veteran and a close friend of General and later President Washington’s, who appointed him as Secretary of the Treasury in his new government, but one might wonder what else there is to know about Hamilton. The play examines Hamilton’s conflicts between fidelity, desire, aspiration and honor. Hamilton’s personal indiscretions resulted in blackmail and corruption, as the husband of the woman he was dallying with tried to make a buck off the new Secretary of the Treasury. Speculation, stealing...
Read More
Columbus! The Discoverer– A Musical Adventure for TYA
Conceived and Written by JOE COSENTINO Music and Lyrics by SUSAN MONDZAK (Performable by Professional, Amateur & Church Groups, and Educational groups. ) COLUMBUS! The Discoverer follows Columbus’ dreams of becoming a famous explorer and his attempts to sail a direct route to the Far East. We witness his struggle for support, eventual backing from Queen Isabella of Spain, the survival of his ship’s mutiny, landing in the new world, and his effect on the Native Americans. Columbus may not have discovered America — even by accident — but he was the explorer who found it and thus enabled European expansion. This show was first produced by Interborough Repertory Theater and toured through Encore Performing Arts, Inc. of New York. PLAY DETAILS: About 50 minutes 8M 4F + extras (can be doubled to 3M 1W) Several simple settings Order...
Read More
Esther — The Musical
by Mark Ogden The Biblical story of staying true to yourself. YOU’VE READ THE BOOK — NOW DO THE MUSICAL! From the pages of the best-seller in history — the epic story of Persia’s legendary Queen now comes to the stage! (Performable by Church, Educational, Professional and Community Groups) The Biblical story of staying true to yourself and finding courage. Esther is the newly crowned Queen of Persia, wife of Xerxes, and she is Jewish — a refugee from one of Xerxes’ father’s campaigns. No one knows that she is Jewish, or that she is the daughter of the highest ranking Jewish man in the land of Persia. Then the Jews are all condemned to die by Haman, the Prime Minister. Will Esther find the courage and the means to thwart Haman? PLAY DETAILS: Characters: 7M 7W + soldiers,...
Read More
Equality of Rights • The First Women’s Rights Convention
by Jerry Argetsinger (For production by Educational, Amateur and Professional groups.) This play was commissioned by Celebrate ‘98 and premiered at the Sesquicentennial of the first Women’s Rights Convention (1998) in the Wesleyan Chapel, Women’s Rights National Historical Park, Seneca Falls, NY, where it is regularly performed. “Equality of Rights” is a dramatic representation of the events leading up to and a reenactment of highlights of the First Women’s Rights Convention at the Wesleyan Chapel, Seneca Falls, NY in 1848. It begins at the 1840 World Anti-Slavery Convention in London, England where the American delegation was made up primarily of Quakers. Upon their arrival, the World Convention leaders caused an uproar by refusing to seat the American women delegates. As they observed and discussed the convention Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Lucretia Mott became fast friends and vowed to convene...
Read More
The Immortal — A Play
by Thomas F. Rogers (For performance by Professional, College/University, Amateur and Community groups.) This play imaginatively derives from real incidents that occurred when the Shah of Iran was deposed in 1941 by the theocratically dominated factions that now govern that country’s people. But he did not leave the country until 1953. What the play imaginatively treats are the Shah’s actual thoughts and his possible reaction while dying and in exile. Parables from the Middle East and India are extensively employed in the script as commentary on his circumstances and, more broadly, on the world’s realpolitik, which never seems to change. The issues of this hard-hitting play are just as timely and at home on the stage today as they were in the 1950s. Totalitarian regimes rise and fall and rise again. NOTE: The artwork at the left is a...
Read More
Frere Lawrence — A Play
by Thomas F. Rogers. (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups) The late private life of T. E. Lawrence derives from Lawrence’s posthumously published autobiography, The Mint. A military hero of mythic proportions after WW I and dutifully subject to his society’s stringent Victorian mores — so antithetical to his true nature — he later adopts the surname Shaw and chooses anonymity as a non-commissioned serviceman, thus totally expunging his former identity, a kind of suicide. The noble, neurotic Lawrence evokes our nearly insatiable and often frustrated yearning for intimacy, or as Freud titled it, the “discontent” of “civilization” — the perhaps most fundamental socio-biological root of everyone’s ‘double bind,’ for which talent and prominence are ultimately no sublimation and often the catalytic source of a deep seated loneliness. Both with a mix of present tense and...
Read More
John Honeyman: Spy For Washington — TYA
by Albert O. Mitchell (TYA) For production by College/University Groups, Community Groups, High Schools, Middle Schools/Junior High Schools, Elementary Schools, Church Groups, Children’s Theatres/Youth Theatres) The question of Freedom and what it takes to achieve it is the subject of this heroic true story from the Revolutionary War that set the United Colonies free from Great Britain. This story should be performed in every school across the nation to remind our young people the price that was paid for our freedoms. The winter of 1776 was a bitter one for the Rebel Army. In December, their commander had written his brother that, “The game is pretty near up.” Yet the day after Christmas, the commander, his army and the patriots of the new country took a new lease on life and hope. What happened in that week before Christmas?...
Read More
Golden Dreams — A Romantic New Operetta
Book, Music and Lyrics by James G. Lambert & C. Michael Perry (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, High Schools, Church Groups, Youth Theatres) A love story, like all operettas, in the style of “New Moon”, “Desert Song” and “Naughty Marietta”. But this one is set in the romantic atmosphere of the California Gold Rush. It spins the tale of the dashing Mexican-American Robin Hood figure of Joaquin Murietta. The Hermanos de Murietta, a band of Vaqueros, have been recovering gold from the corrupt bankers and profiteers and returning it to the rightful owners, the miners. However, as all heroes do, Joaquin falls in love with the lovely Jennifer Wells, the banker villain’s daughter, and the plots interweave as the story winds its way to a happy conclusion, like all operettas. PLAY DETAILS: 17 M 6W...
Read More
How The West Was Done • The Musical
Book by ELIZABETH HANSEN & ELAINE HANSEN Lyrics by ELIZABETH HANSEN & C. MICHAEL PERRY Music and arrangements by C. MICHAEL PERRY (For production by Professional Groups, College/University Groups, Community Groups, High Schools, Church Groups, Youth Theatres) HOW THE WEST WAS DONE is fast paced, toe tapping’, rip roarin’ “Western” show full of authentic American music and original songs that will both delight the heart as well as tug at its strings. The story, I hear’d tell, is like this: COOKIE, a right likable “swedish meat-ball” of a chuck wagon cook, has sent fer a mail-order bride. He shows up at a remote way-station to wait fer the stage coach when who should he find? A handful of our fav-o-rite Western types: LUCKY, the Gambler; CURLEY, the true-blue Cowboy; and SHERIFF, the…well…Sheriff. Well, sir, after talkin’ and singin’ a...
Read More