listed by author
Star Collector by Sally Carpenter
Finalist in Region 3 American College Theatre Festival One-Act Playwrighting
Competition, 1999. Single set: hotel room An obsessive middle-age fan finally meets her
favorite performer, an aging teen idol. One act comedy, 20 minutes. Cast: 2 (1 m, 1 f).
Common Ground by Sally Carpenter
Finalist in Region 3 American College Theatre Festival One-Act
Playwrighting Competition, 2000. First place in drama, Mary Reid McBeth Scholarship Award,
2000. Finalist CITA Playwrighting Competition 2000 One act drama, 25 minutes. Cast: 10 (3
m, 7 f) Single set: sidewalk Synopsis: Conflict and forgiveness between protestors outside
an abortion clinic.
The Philosophy Major's Guide to the Intellectually Inferior Family
by John Cosper
College freshman Tara's excitement at returning home for Thanksgiving
disappears when her family starts to drive her beserk. Her father is a big dope, her
mother is nosy, her brother is the same obnoxious creep he always was, and her little
sister just wants to play!! The stress leads Tara to blow up at everyone over Thanksgiving
dinner, but afterwards a talk with grandma helps her discover that though she may grow
different than the rest of her family, the love they share will always hold them together.
(3 males, 6 females) Run time: 45-60 minutes. Cost: $15
The Hour of Night a gothic little allegory by Mark Allen
Eaton
In a haunted graveyard near an abandoned church, Leech, a vampire,
awakens to find that a mysterious Stranger has arrived to work on the clock tower, a
Stranger who offers life to the Dead. Bound to remain within the ever-shrinking graveyard
fence, the diabolical Leech sets out to entice the Stranger inside, for one last human
meal before the fence closes around his crypt, sealing him inside forever. Royalty: $30
for opening night/$25 for each successive performance. Photocopying rights for one
production are granted upon purchase of the script ($5). (approx. 45 min.) 4M, 1W, 2
Either, + Extras
The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg by Sean Gaffney
Imagine living in the perfect town. Houses with white picket fences
lining the street. Neighbors who are all honest, up-right, decent, law abiding… and
know it. The Man Who Corrupted Hadleyburg shows what happens when the goodness of
the perfect town is tested. Can anyone survive unscathed? A one Act Comedy dapted from the
short story by Mark Twain. (5M; 3F)
Pahom’s Land by Sean Gaffney
A man. His wife. A strange business deal from a few wise acres. A
comedic tale involving greed, power, passion… and lots and lots of land! Pahom’s
Land follows one man’s continuous longings for the better things, and the price
he pays, which is more than he counted on. A comedy adapted from Leo Tolstoy’s How
Much Land Does a Man Need? ( 5M; 2F (expandable)
The Last Set From Hell by Christopher Greco
(one act, 25 minutes) (2 males) CITA BEST ONE ACT - 1996
Two young jazz musicians forsake their lifelong friendship and musical
partnership due to the fallout from one of them becoming a Christian. Audience: General
Royalty: Negotiable
This Waking Moment by Christopher Greco
(one act, 60 minutes) (3 females) Three women's lives intersect and
change course in light of the breast cancer diagnosis and new-found faith of one of them.
(originally performed as 3-part series in seeker-oriented church) Royalty: Negotiable
Away the Bear by Nancy Hanna
Herb and Ernie are brothers who come together every Memorial Day to
plant flowers at their mother’s grave. What happened 15 years ago, when their mother
died, has changed not only their lives but impacted the entire town of Mars, Pennsylvania.
Marianne, Herb’s high school girl friend meets up with them as they work to resolve
their issues--of guilt and forgiveness. 1997 winner of the Regent University One-Act
Contest & produced by Pacific Theatre. (3M & 2W) Royalties Negotiable.
The Knowing By Sharon Daggett Johnsey
A writer who has bludgeoned his creativity into the persona of a businessman,
experiences the resurrection of his imaginary characters as he realizes his talent has
been starved nearly to death. Unable to justify his current life with what he threw away,
he begins to lose the sense of who he is, leaving opportunity for his characters take over
his life. The climactic ending is a warning: urging the refining of talent, alerting the
danger of idolatry, and advocating the necessity of living congruently with your purpose.
One-act, apx. 60 minutes. (3 females, 5 males)
The Glass Café By Sharon Daggett Johnsey
Six people, a mid-west café, and the fall-out of 1970 Vietnam. Skirmishes of grief
tear through the security of small-town camaraderie, erupting into a civil war between
these friends and family. Shards of mental and spiritual shrapnel lacerate those who they
otherwise would die to protect. But withstanding this crisis is an enduring, under-stated
love providing triage during "a time to kill, a time to heal…" Apx. 25
minutes. (3 females, 3 males)
A Walk Under Water By Sharon Daggett Johnsey
An engagement announcement is plunged under chilly waters when the
fiancee’s parents’ marriage has dissolved beyond substance. Wading deeper and
deeper into ineffectual communication, the evening is caught up by a rip-tide of emotional
distress. The climactic depth is written phonetically, depicting the warbled acoustics of
a dialogue under water. Apx. 20 minutes. (2 females, 2 males)
Henry's Game by Evelyn O'Neal
An older woman disapproves of the anniversary gift her husband has
bought for the two of them. As they struggle to accept where they are in life, they find
that the companionship they need is right at home. 2000 One-Act CITA WINNER (approx. 30
minutes) (1 male, 2 females)
WD-40 by Paul Patton
This play won the one-act portion of the CITA contest in 1992.
"WD-40" unfolds the high-pressured wackiness of a grieving family stranded in
their van after a family funeral. The emotional heat is turned up as the hearst engine
refuses to start. 3 adult males, 3 adult females, 2 teens, one child. 45 minutes.
Waiting for the Call by Paul Patton
A loose update of Beckett's "Waiting for Godot." Two teenage
sisters wait for a call from friends that may never come. 20 minutes.
The Celebrity by Paul Patton
A retelling of Ionesco's, "The Leader." Several people are
enchanted by the possibility of a celebrity coming to their town. 15 minutes.
Holy Motion by Paul Patton
Months after the fall of the Soviet Union, two Russian farmers are
hired to audition women for prostitution. (2M,2W) 25 minutes.
The Edie and Elmira Show by Paul Patton
Two confederate prisoners escape the carnage of Elmira Federal Prison
in 1864. One hour. (3 males, 1 female, extras.)
Honour Among Thieves by Ron Reed
A one-act comedy about three men who break into the same general store
on the same night, for very different reasons. Presently in first draft form. Audience:
general theatre audience. (Cast: 3M, running time: 45 min.) Royalty: by arrangement
The Top Ten Thousand Of All Time by Ron Reed
A moody one-man-show about a late-night disc jockey who counts down his
ten thousand favourite tunes. To say much more about this piece would undercut its
effectiveness, since its dramatic interest lies at least partly in puzzling out the
mystery of who this man is, what has happened and what is going on. Running time: 1 hour,
(1M) Audience: general theatre audience. Royalty: by arrangement
The Harvest Years by Joseph Ritz
It’s a story, not only about love between two persons, but about
the desires and fears, satisfactions and disappointments which ebb and flow during the
harvest years. Mack Gregory is a retired English teacher in his early 60s whose wife has
recently died. He meets and woos a widow in her mid-fifties, Deborah, who watched her
husband waste away slowly and painfully of cancer while she nursed him. She rejects his
attentions, because she doesn’t want to care for another dying man. Mack’s
daughter is moving out of state with her husband and his grandchildren. She urges Mack to
sell his home and come with them. She would like him to teach her children some of the
same skills and values she learned when he was a child. After a period during which they
have stopped seeing each other, Mack and Deborah meet. He asks her to spend the remaining
years of his life with him. She responds that when her husband died, she bought a
companion grave and there isn’t room enough on the plot for three. He says she can
keep the grave. He wants her above ground. Deborah observes that the trees are at their
brightest in the fall. She agrees to a " walk in the woods with you before you
go." The Harvest Years won the Henrico Theatre national one act contest in 1999 and
premiered in the Cultural Arts Center in Richmond, Va. in 2000. It has been a finalist in
several national contests. One act (40 minutes.) (4W/1M).
Francis by Joseph Ritz
Francis of Assisi returns as a laborer to help repair the earthquake
damaged basilica built to honor him. Minimum casting requirements are four actors, with a
male actor playing five characters. An actress, (or to use the long form, a female actor)
can be used in a dual role. But the cast can be expanded with a total of nine actors
portraying the various characters in the play. (40 minutes.) (4W/1M)
I.R.S. by Joseph Ritz
Set requires a desk and two chairs. A female I.R.S. agent uses a tax audit to find a
mate meeting her requirements. One act comedy. (25 minutes.) (1W/1M)
ALIENS! by John Cosper
A dramatic praise and worship experience. This hour long play based on
1 Peter 2:11-12 features six scenes and monologues centered on the theme of Christians
being aliens in this world. After a brief introduction by a know it all scientist, the
play begins with a beat poem, chronicling the story of "aliens" and their
"High Commander". In the next scene, a little girl's father tells her the story
of "Davy and the Space Giant". Next, a "headsprinkling" alien and a
"dunking" alien get into an argument over doctrine…only to conclude that
they should stop fighting each other and work together to serve the High Commander. An
elderly believer, Louise, delivers a beautiful monologue about her lifetime of service
along side her husband. An alien taken prisoner for his beliefs in a foreign land
discusses his fate. The little girl then returns to the stage with her big sister, who
explains the need to reach the whole world with the story of the High Commander. Finally,
a dying teenager named Alyssa tells her tale, how the aliens picked her up off the streets
and gave her a new life through the High Commander. This play was a finalist in the 1998
CITA One Act Play Writing Contest. (7 males, 7 females (some doubling up of parts is
possible to accommodate a smaller cast) Run time: 60-75 minutes. Cost: $30
Finding My Soulmate by John Cosper
This is the story of Shera, a recent college graduate who returns home
to the small town she loves and discovers that EVERYONE wants her to get married. Shera is
besieged by the little old ladies and her own family with advice. She is sent to the
singles minister, who only wants to counsel her on her personal life, and to singles
group, which turns out to be a huge "meat market" for Christian singles. Every
young woman her age is already engaged…even her younger sister! And everyone warns
her she doesn't want to end up alone like old lady Weatherston. Shera does meet a nice
Christian man, but for all his good qualities, Shera doesn't love him. She feels guilty
about this, until the day she meets Mrs. Weatherston. The elderly woman turns out to be a
kind lady who chose to be single so she could devote her entire life to serving God. In
this day and age when churches seem to have forgotten Paul's words that a single person is
better able to serve God, this play bears a much needed message that will encourage
singles to make the most of their singleness and not see it as a curse. ( 8 males, 7
females (some doubling up of parts is possible to accommodate a smaller cast) Run Time:
45-60 minutes Cost: $25
Held Back by John Cosper
A dark comedy about Christians who proclaim Jesus with their words and
deny him with their lives. The play follows the daily life of a minister bored with his
congregation; a "church lady" set in her ways and her morals; the church lady's
daughter, who is growing up to be just as uncaring toward others; and a business man
afraid to share his faith. The minister blows off church members. The church lady lie to
avoid a speeding ticket. The daughter passes on a chance to speak to a classmate in need.
The business man is perpetually accompanied by Jesus, and every time a co-worker appears,
Jesus gets shoved under the desk. Meanwhile, a hurting woman in desperare need of the love
of Christ encounters each of these so-called believers in her day. Every time, she sends
out signals that she needs help. Every time she is denied. The play ends with Jesus
walking into her apartment, finding her body, and reading her suicide note. This won't be
anyone's favorite play, but it will leave an unmistakable impression on people about the
need to share Christ with others. (8 males, 8 females (some doubling up of parts is
possible to accommodate a smaller cast) Run time: 1 hour Cost: $20
Laura Goes to Sunday School by John Cosper
Five year old Laura (easily played by an older child or teen) does not
want to go to Sunday School. After all, Sunday is the day she should not have to go to
school. Then she discovers a Sunday School teacher who knows incredible stories about
Jesus and the Bible. Laura and her teacher take turns acting out the stories - some with
the help of the audience - in this tribute to Sunday School teachers. (1 male, 1 female)
Run time: 45 minutes Cost: $15
Wondrous Love by John Cosper
A beautiful portrayal of the wedding sacrament. A bride and a groom
nervously await their wedding. They recall the way they met, and how they came to the
decision to spend the rest of their lives together. They then walk the aisle and walk
through the marriage ceremony. As the vows are spoken, they reflect on what the vows mean:
a commitment to God and to each other to remain faithful. The action of the bride and
groom are paralleled by two other characters, the Lover and Beloved from Song of Solomon.
Ideal play for marriage retreats or Valentine’s banquets. (9 roles male and female)
Run Time: 40 minutes Cost: $25
Pilate’s Progress by Sean Gaffney and Karen Lund
Governor Pilate is having a rough time maintaining order. An itinerant
preacher is stealing his press coverage; Barrabbas and his militant followers are causing
riots; the mega-church leaders are constantly on his back about a renegade preacher; and
the head of his State Police has been acting distracted lately. But Pilate is determined
to maintain order, no matter what the cost. The greatest story ever told becomes a modern
parable, full of humor and power. (7M; 6F plus extras)
Common Pilgrims by Nancy Hanna
In Duncanville, USA you’ll find a cast of characters beginning
with Baby Gracie and her parents and ending with Anna Over Blackburn, the day she meets
her maker. This play attempts through humor, character issues and life events, to
underscore the resilient power of the human experience. We watch as life becomes the great
teacher and God the source of sustaining hope. (1W & 1M) Royalties Negotiable.
Silent Weeping by Geoff Halpin
Silent Weeping is based on reported accounts of persecution of
unregistered Chinese house churches, and follows the journey of three female house-church
leaders. It is intentionally presentational in style, requiring nothing more than some
simple costumes and props, a space, and skilled actors with some basic stage-combat
skills. 30-35 minutes.(3 F flexiable cast)
Sunset of the Gods by Geoff Halpin
Sunset of the Gods is specially written as a Good Friday play
and explores Jesus' impact on the Gentile world in and around Galilee, centring on the
healing of the Centurion's servant. The play focuses on the impact Christ has on the
Centurion, Cornelius (a God fearer), his wife Susanna (a worshipper of Artemis) their
servant, Tristus (a worshipper of Mithras), and Susanna's two sisters, Niobe and Hilaria
(temple prostitutes of the goddess, Cybele). The action culminates at the foot of the
Cross. The play ends with the option of the audience taking communion from the actors
(optional). (30-35 minutes) (3 F, 2 M + Chorus)
the House That Jack Built by Geoff Halpin in collaboration
with Janet Halpin
The House That Jack Built is written in the style of a fable,
analogous of redemption. It is "safe", and very suitable for your basic
Christian audience. The parallels to Jesus are obvious, with some gentle humour, colour
and, dare I say it, "a little magic". Jacky is a single mum living with her
daughter and mother in a dilapidated house (played by 6 actors), which had been build by
her recently dead father. In light of the coming of the Great Storm, the question is, who
will Jacky and her family trust: the Builder, or the Real Estate Agent. (30 minutes) (4 F,
1 M, 6 M or F)
Iscariot's Last Easter by Michael Harris
The play opens with the apostle Judas Iscariot alone and hiding in an
abandoned, semi-destroyed building. His solitude is shattered by the entrance of another
apostle Thomas Didymus. Thomas fears that Roman soldiers will force him to a cross of his
own. The former friends discover each other, and, after some violent exchanges, reflect
upon their time with Jesus. Thomas spreads the rumor that Jesus is alive which Judas
dismisses. As they argue, their certainty wavers, then gains strength only to collapse
again. As the soldiers circle, these frightened men weigh the risks of leaving their
sanctuary. And they wonder whether or not a corpse awaits them. Winner 1999 CITA one act
contest. Inappropriate for younger audiences. Cast 3-4 men(2 onstage), 1 woman (offstage)
Length approx. 25-30 minutes.
Zero Visibility by Sharon Daggett Johnsey
Stuck in a Sunday School mentality, a couple attempts to apply immature
reasoning to complex adult situations. This is an edgy and farcical post-modern jab at
Christian-esque traditions where a pot-luck dinner actually starve people to death. Apx.
apx.20 minutes. (1 female, 2 males, 1 child)
The Complete History of the Old Testament in 20 Minutes by
Tom Long
A light hearted, witty rendering of the Old Testament which attempts to
cover everything from Adam to Bethlehem in one act and...uh, doesn't quite make it.
(Published by Baker's Plays. ) 30 min., 4-30 performers, at least 2 male and 2 female
script $3.50, royalty $20/performance
The Case of the Missing Bodies by Tom Long
Take the story of the apostle Peter's escape from jail; put it into the
language and action of a 1940's Humphrey Bogart detective movie; and you have 45 minutes
of comedy with a message. 45 min., 3-8 performers, at least one male, 2 female Script
$4.00, royalty $25/performance. (Audiotape sound track is also available for $35.)
The Ledge by Tom Long
A satirical comedy. A person who contemplates jumping from the ledge of
a building is confronted by a series of people who try to help. The powerful ending
contrasts the sacrificial nature of God's love with other types of love. 25 min., 5
characters, any mix of male and female Script $3.50, royalty
$20/performance.
The World's Oldest Financial Planner by Tom Long
A collage of scripture and story on the subject of stewardship. NOTE: This work
includes, as part of the work, "The Tale of the Three Trees" from the 3 Scenes
for 2 and 3 collection. 20 min., 3 performers, any mix of male and female, script $3.50,
royalty $15/1st perf.; $10 subsequent performances.
The Sower and the Seeds by Tom Long
Four different people explain the parable of the sower by acting out
their own stories. Particularly appropriate for jr. and sr. high audiences, the play
demonstrates the importance of a relationship with Christ. 35 min., 5-l0 characters, at
least 2 male Script $3.50, royalty $20/performance.
A Funny Thing appened on the Way to Jericho by Tom Long
Winner of the l983 Episcopal Drama Foundation National Drama Contest
A woman acting out the part of the Samaritan in a performance of the Good Samaritan
parable finds the role too demanding and tries a succession of other parts: the person
helped, the priest who passed by, and finally a robber. In each case she is confronted and
challenged by the Biblical message behind the story and by the figure of Christ who
appears in the scenes. 30 min.(5-10 characters, at least one male) script $3.50, royalty
$20/performance
The Painting by Ed Lowry
A man brings his friend to look at a painting in an art gallery. The
image is haunting and sad, depicting a young boy in poverty who has just killed a rabbit.
As the two discuss the painting, action happens around them depicting the life of the
artist who created the painting. The artist was a young lady who worked in a home for
emotionally disturbed children. As the artist struggles with how to help these children,
the truth about the painting is revealed and it becomes apparent that the man who brought
his friend to the art gallery has a closer tie to this painting than expected. Audience:
Church audience, youth or adults Cost: $15 (Cost includes scripts and unlimited rights for
your organization to perform the play.) (4 males, 4 females & 2 parts gender
non-specific) (20 Minute)
Three Tables by Ed Lowry
Forgiveness is the topic of discussion at three tables in a restaurant.
Two college classmates are tackling the subject for a paper due in their religion course,
while at the nearby tables a spirit of forgiveness is in short supply. Two sisters
struggle with long held grudges; regret and bitterness weigh down a man; and a woman
realizes a moment of guilt in her own life. Amid the three separate discussions, humor is
added as a waitress frantically explains her tardiness for work to her boss who can't get
a word in edgewise.
Audience: Church audience, youth or adults Cost: $20 (Cost includes
scripts and unlimited rights for your organization to perform the play.) (25 Minute) (4
males, 4 females)
Were You There? by Ed Lowry
A group of tourists is led through sights related to Passion Week, the
week leading to Christ's crucifixion and resurrection. As the tour group leaves a sight, a
character comes forward as a witness to the event in Christ's life. A little girl tells of
the triumphant entry; a moneylender tells of his overturned table; a serving woman
explains her view of the Last Supper; Judas speaks of his decision; a guard describes his
severed ear; a woman in the courtyard confronts Peter; and Mary talks of seeing her son on
the cross. Audience: Church audience, youth or adults. Cost: $30 (Cost includes scripts
and unlimited rights for your organization to perform the play.) (40 Minute) (4-7 males,
4-8 females)
Elijah by Ed Lowry
Cast: 1 male Rev. Elijah T. Bradford, a circuit riding preacher of the
old west, strides into a camp meeting and brings the story of the prophet Elijah to life
as he parallels the experience of the prophet to the lives of the circuit riders. He tells
the story of Elijah's dramatic confrontation with the Baal prophets on Mount Carmel and
his "still, small voice" experience. Then, in light of Elijah's story, Rev.
Bradford calls the congregation to seek God's voice in their own lives. Audience: Church
audience, youth or adults Cost: $30 (Cost includes scripts and unlimited rights for your
organization to perform the play.) (30 Minute) (1M)
Connecting Flights by Ed Lowry
Through the context of a group of people waiting in an airport to catch
their plane, "Connecting Flights" takes an allegorical look at the decisionto
follow Christ. For some passengers it is their first time to fly. Others have been flying
for years. Others will miss the flight altogether. Audience: Church audience, youth or
adults Cost: $15 (Cost includes scripts and unlimited rights for your organization to
perform the play.) (3 males, 4 females)
Zacchaeus: For The Lord He Wanted To See by John Steven Paul
A brief history of the life of Jericho's shortest and most famous tax
collector, including some dramatic speculation about his later experience as a follower of
Jesus. We meet Zacchaeus, who climbs a sycamore tree to see Jesus' triumphal entry into
Jerusalem and, later, his crucifixion on yet another tree raised on the hill of Golgotha.
This is a story about seeing, as Jesus sees, which means you have to open your doors, come
out of your house, even climb a tree--to see! A light-hearted play with a serious message.
Based on Luke 19:1-10(4 men, 4 women. Running time: 25 minutes)
Blood on Gold by Devon Williamson
Toby comes home to find a bizarre woman (Eddie) eating her soap and
cooking her cat! Toby's cousin Kerry believes that Eddie should be reported to the
authorities, but Toby fears that the rumours about cruelty in the government work camps
for the mentally ill are true. To make matters worse an officer of the Internal Security
Police pays a visit to Toby's apartment and makes it clear that he is suspicious and won't
tolerate violations of the law. Because of her faith in God and her believe that human
wealth comes from being made by God Toby finds herself in a struggle between her
conscience and society's values system. Blood on Gold uses comedy and drama to challenge
the compromise in all our lives. (4 roles not gender specific) Running time: 45 minutes.
Monkees Go Crazy! by Sally Carpenter
Two act comedy with music, 2 hours Cast: 8 (6 m, 2 f) Single set: two-story interior
with stairs. Musical comedy based on the 1960's Emmy-award winning television series.
NOTE: Licensing fee required prior to production.
Abraham and Sarah by Gillette Elvgren
A two person musical which deals with the struggles and triumphs of two
of the foundational figures of our Judeo-Christian faith, this play begins when Abe and
Sarah are the parents of a mature Isaac and then flashes back in a series of scenes to
when God first called Abraham out of the place of his birth and into the promised land:
the triumph of Isaac’s Egypt; Sarah's conflict with Hagar; the triumph of
Isaac’s birth; and the terrible call by God to Abraham to sacrifice his only son. The
play moves between seriousness and comedy and uncompromisingly examines the positive and
negative aspects of these two richly varied characters. This play has had numerous
professional productions and is suitable for touring. (1 man; 1 woman) Running time: 80
minutes. (A cassette tape is available for song accompaniment and sound effects at an
extra one time cost of $15.00.)
Couples by Gillette Elvgren
Several scenes in a contemporary framing device that probe the
husband/wife relationships of couples in scripture. Adam and Eve, Noah and his wife, David
and Bathsheba, Ahab and Jezebel, and Priscilla and Aquila are some of the Bible characters
portrayed in this musical drama. A full piano score written by Chris Malendoski is
included in the price of the play, which is listed at $10.00 per copy. (1 male, 1 female)
Running time: 80 minutes (Royalties for this show are $30.00 per performance. A cassette
tape is available for song accompaniment at a one time extra cost of $15.00.)
Spread Your Garment Over Me by Gillette Elvgren
Twelve monologues and six songs based on the lives of women in the
Bible, this collection of dramatic speeches and songs can be done either as a tour de
force by one actress or by more. Visit with Eve as she looks back over the choices she
made in the garden; share Sarah's anguish over her barrenness and her joy over the coming
of Isaac; meet Dinah the petulant spoiled teenager; travel the temple steps with Anna as
she awaits the coming of the promised one. These and other revelations by Rahab, Deborah,
Michal, The Witch of Endor, Rizpah, the Syro-Phoenician woman, the Woman at the Well and
Peter's Wife can be performed in part or in total and demand little scenic or prop
requirements. There is a $10.00 fee for the purchase of this script. (1 woman (flexible)
Running time: 80 minutes (Royalties for this show are $30.00 per performance. A cassette
tape is available for song accompaniment at a one time extra cost of $15.00.)
Parable Paradox by Sean Gaffney, music and lyrics by
Samuel Vance
When was the last time you fell asleep in church? Patrick, more
interested in the Final Four than the Big Three, decides to nap during the sermon and
wakes up to find himself trapped in the Parables! This Alice-in-Wonderlandish tale follows
Patrick’s journey, as he meets up with coins, sheep, and a mysterious old man. He
helps them solve their problems, but can he solve his own? (3M; 2F) (expandable)
Look at Us Now by Wayne Harrel - music by Craig Bidondo
While celebrating their ninth anniversary, a couple finally confronts
the declining intimacy of their once passionate relationship. The result is a year-by-year
journey back to their first date, and a rediscovery of the selfless love that first
sparked their flame. This jazz-based, through-sung musical requires two skilled
singer-actors and jazz accompaniment. (full length; 1 woman, 1 man; unit set) Royalties
Negotiable
The Strayaways by Wayne Harrel - music by C.R. Hansen
A handful of actors step on stage, greet the audience and proclaim: We
are a troupe of traveling players come to tell a tale of old that Christ Jesus often told,
about two sheep: one fat, one thin, and all the trouble they got in/ when from the
Shepherd they did stray/fooled by the Wolf - who made them pay! Fortunately, the Good
Shepherd is on hand to save the day. (one-act; 3 men, 1 woman; unit set) Royalties
Negotiable
Gospel Blues by Wayne Harrel - music by Janice Scroggins
It’s the "welcome home" concert (and CD fundraising
night) for Clarence Emmerson and the Emmersaries, a modern gospel quartet just back from a
successful tour. But recent convert and lead singer Izzie Ducret-Keen has the blues
tonight and - despite Clarence’s frequent cry that "Christians got no business
singing the blues!" - Izzie announces on stage that it’s all been an act, that
she never really got saved, that her life is a lie. After an extended intermission,
Clarence returns and eventually draws the quartet (and band and choir) back up with him,
as he and Izzie wrestle with the truth of both the gospel and the blues. (2 men, 2 women,
gospel choir, band) [Staged reading October, 2000. Premieres 2001.] Royalties Negotiable
Fish Tales with music by Ron Reed
Set at sea aboard a fishing boat, the story concerns a man whose
well-ordered way of life is threatened not only by the death of the fishery but also by
the arrival in town of a miracle-working preacher. Echoes events surrounding the calling
of Peter, but not a "contemporary version" of that story. Incorporates
celtic-flavoured Cape Breton music. Audience: general theatre audience. (3 Male) Royalty:
by arrangement
Esther: The Scepter and the Star by Joe Weidner Jr. &
Anne R. Schappert
This inspirational comedy revolves around the engaging biblical story
of Esther, an orphaned Jewish girl who is providentially raised to a place of prominence.
King Xerxes, having exiled his previous wife, finds he is restless and ill-tempered.
Heggai, the king’s servant and confidante, proposes a beauty contest to select a new
wife. After an amusing mix-up, Esther is selected as the next queen of Persia. The story
comes to a crisis when Mordecai tells Esther that she must inform the King she’s
Jewish and that indeed she must stand up for her people, even if it costs her life. Quick
wit and humorous anachronisms lend serendipity to this colorful musical, as do the
thirteen songs in a variety of musical styles, yet a tone of dignity and passion prevails
throughout. (General Public or Church) (1 hour and 45 min.) (12 M/ 12 W/ 3 children,
(2M/1F) COST: By contract. Piano Score, soundtrack, and video of original production also
available.
Elijah by Joe Weidner Jr. & Anne R. Schappert
This musical based on the biblical story of the prophet Elijah combines
music in a variety of styles, humor, dance, and poignant drama to inspire and entertain
audiences of all ages. Narrated throughout by two comic and endearing ravens, this play
presents Elijah as a godly man with flaws; "a man like us" who is on a journey
to discovering not only who he really is but more importantly who God really is. Elijah
appears like a sudden storm to confront the nation of Israel at a time when it has strayed
far from God under the leadership of its most wicked king, Ahab, and his infamous wife
Jezebel. God leads Elijah through a series of circumstances, some very difficult, designed
to build his dependence on God. He discovers that God can and will choose unusual vehicles
– the ravens, a Gentile widow and her son, and an eager student named Elisha—to
provide for his every need. This musical production offers rich character development;
delightfully creative interpretations of miracles and elements of nature through dance and
illusions; and a climactic, pulse-quickening song-and-dance showdown on Mt. Carmel. (2
hours, 15 min.) (13M/11W/ 6 dancers / 6 children (4M/2F) COST: By contract. Piano Score,
soundtrack, and video of original production are soon to be available. |
