Boston: Playwrights' Platform Summer Festival of New Plays

2000

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Drama

One Act

1

1

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 25 minutes

Synopsis:
A brother and sister head west on a roadtrip to visit the Grand Canyon when their car breaks down in an Arizona desert. Stranded, the two must confront pain, anger, and confusion as they search for meaning in their lives. Billy, the pragmatic younger brother, ridicules his idealistic sister, Miriam, for her desire to pursue the wonders and beauty of life. As layers of the past are revealed, the tension between these opposing realities erupts. This compelling coming-of-age drama evokes both the disturbing uncertainties of life and the necessity of forgiveness and understanding.

Kennesaw, GA

2005

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Skit/Comedy, 20-30 min

Sketch

6

6

9 flexible, opt. extras (Doubling possible)

Notes:
written by Linda Aronoff and Darby Wills Chism

Synopsis:
There's a trio of stand-up skeleton comedians, a band of pirates, the ghost of Elvis, a mad scientist, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and a host of other wacky characters in this collection of seven family-friendly Halloween skits. This show is suitable for all ages and can be performed as an alternative to a haunted house, or it can be incorporated as part of a haunted house experience. This show is also suitable for schools and touring groups.

Kennesaw, GA

2005

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Children's Comedy, 30 min

Youth Audience

6

11

8 flexible, opt. extras (Doubling possible)

Notes:
written by Linda Aronoff and Darby Wills Chism

Synopsis:
The King and Queen of Hawaii are anxious for their son, Prince Manu, to marry a smart girl and settle down. But Manu would rather spend his days hanging out with his friends swimming and surfing. To find a suitable bride, the royal family decides to visit all of the Hawaiian islands, where they hope Prince Manu will meet the girl of his dreams. On the smallest island lives a poor orphan girl, Leilani, who lives with her selfish and lazy cousins, Flora and Fauna, and her greedy Aunt Moola. Leilani has no gifts with which to honor the royal family at the upcoming luau, so with the help of the forest fairies, Leilani gathers flowers and makes beautiful flowered necklaces, which the fairies call leis." Leilani welcomes the royal family by adorning them with her beautiful leis, and the leis become a symbol of acceptance and welcome. Flabbergasted that Leilani's leis are such a hit with the royal family, Aunt Moola tries to upstage Leilani by dancing her infamous Moola Hula. Audiences will love this hilarious Hawaiian version of Cinderella.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Comedy/murder mystery, 120 min

Comedy

11

8

doubling possible

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
The WWII era comes alive in this hilarious down-home murder-mystery. It's 1943, and with most of the able-bodied men drafted and the women working in factories, there aren't many people left to run the town. There's just one elderly doctor who must do double duty as the town's coroner. And the only police officer around is a retired police chief. When a wealthy resident is murdered, Jigger, a feisty factory foreman and fan of radio murder-mysteries, volunteers to help the police chief solve the crime. The only problem is that Jigger has just suffered a heart attack and has been ordered to stay in bed while he recuperates. Confined to his bedroom, Jigger elicits the help of his grandson, Butch, to gather clues. With a murderer running free about town, the horror only intensifies when Jigger finds out his wife, Maggie, has taken a job at the factory and that his bossy, overbearing mother-in-law has arrived to serve as his personal nursemaid. This character-driven mystery will delight audiences with its loveable, quirky cast.

North Hollywood: Actors Workout, CA, USA

2004

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Science Fiction/Drama

One Act

1

1

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

Synopsis:
Tired of living on earth, Maya Avedon boards a space transport that will take her to the planet Alpha. Maya no longer wants to live with humans, who she describes as, "A bunch of rats, trapped in a sewer, hoping to someday see the sun." But her comments rub the transport controller, Todd Henry, the wrong way. He's an all-American good-ol'-boy who doesn't take kindly to those who criticize earth...or humans: "With such beauty right here, why would we ever want to leave the earth?" Soon, their seemingly innocent small talk escalates into an all-out battle. Only one will survive. And for the other...this will be the last transport.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Comedy

Youth Audience

2

3

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Synopsis:
To help Jesse earn a good score on her middle-school placement exam, Uncle Ed and Aunt Lilly have decided to hire a tutor, Mr. Small. But Mr. Small turns out to be an alien shape-changer from the planet Squee, whose real job is to squeeze all happiness out of life. But before Mr. Small can crush Jesse's spirit, an alien from the planet Xylon (who just graduated from grade school herself!) unexpectedly lands in Jesse's bedroom and shows her that learning can be a lot of fun!

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's

Youth Audience

2

5

7 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Synopsis:
It's just three days until Christmas, and all Crink Holly wants is to spend time with her parents, Elga and Blerg. But the Christmas season is always the busiest time of the year. You see, Crink's parents are elves! And not only that, Santa has just given them big promotions at the toy factory. Elga is now Santa's 'Secretary to the Secretary of Secretaries.' And Blerg holds the prestigious title of Santa's 'Supervisor of Getting Everything Everywhere.' With so much to do to get the world ready for Christmas, there's not much time left for Christmas festivities at the Holly household. So Crink decides to create her own Christmas fun with the help of her magical Fuss Buster machine. This heartfelt holiday play shows that Christmas means more than just toys.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Comedy

Youth Audience

-

1

10 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 20 minutes

Synopsis:
Sally lives next door to a big grouch! All the neighbors steer clear of Mr. Irks, but not Sally. She's determined to discover why he's so grouchy. But first, Sally must make her way through Mr. Irks' front yard, which is full of grouchy trees, grouchy bushes, and even a grouchy squirrel! It seems grouchiness is contagious. Will Sally turn into a grouch, too? Or will her cheerfulness rub off on all the grouches?

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Farce, 30 min

-

1

3

flexible

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
As Mona, a restaurant owner, nervously awaits the arrival of a famous food critic, she discovers that all of her waiters have called in sick, and the only employee she has on hand is Lisa, the janitor. And if that isn't bad enough, Lisa has gone temporarily blind from viewing a solar eclipse. Then when a young man, Bradley, arrives at the restaurant, Mona mistakes him for the food critic and tries to impress him by masquerading as an Italian waiter and a French violinist/kazoo player. Bradley, on the other hand, is there to propose to his girlfriend, Susan, and to confess to her that he has multiple personalities that include a cowboy, Elvis, a British detective, and a bank-robbing psychotic animal-rights activistall of which tend to come out when he is under stress. As the evening progresses, Bradley gets more and more nervous at the thought of marriage and his split personalities begin to emerge one by one!

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Farce, 75 min

One Act

7

7

7 flexible, extras

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
Two movie critics, Edward Nickel and Michael Gilbert, attend a film festival auction in hope of buying the white disco suit John Travolta wore in Saturday Night Fever. Nickel outbids Gilbert for the prized artifact, but Gilbert manages to purchase the disco suit worn by John Travolta's overweight stuntman. But the intoxicating effects of their winning bids wear off when the duo receive threatening notes that read Stop the movie reviews, or else and discover that their beloved disco suits are missing. Suddenly Nickel and Gilbert find themselves with a real life mystery on their hands. Determined to get their disco suits back, the two set out to investigate four chief suspects: a giant green dinosaur, two teen wizards, and a movie starlet. As Nickel and Gilbert infiltrate the seedy side of the movie business, Gilbert is kidnapped, brainwashed into being a wizard, and viciously attacked by horrifying marionettes. And then things really get out of hand! The two kidnap an egotistical movie director, become fugitives from the law, and incite a horde of nerdy movie fans.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Farce, 60 min

One Act

4

4

10 flexible, opt. extras (Doubling possible)

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
This is farcical fun at its best! After the last archeologist met with a bit of an accident, the famed Oxford professor Rigby Melville is called to Egypt to find the secret chamber of Thutmes the Third. But due to an unfortunate mix-up at Oxford, Melville Rigby, a fish expert, arrives on the scene. Soon after his arrival, Melville finds both the secret chamber and the Mummy. The Mummy has just one requestthat Melville place a magic ring on his mummified wife Nefertiti's finger so that the two may spend eternity together. But when Melville places the ring on Nefertiti's finger, she crumbles into tiny pieces. Not wanting to spend eternity alone, the Mummy demands a new companionMelville's fiancée, Nancy Doodle. But when the Mummy discovers that all she wants to do is talk about feelings, go shopping, and tidy up the tomb, he quickly changes his mind! The only potential companion left is Buttercup, a mummified pet trout, who too has been accidentally crushed by Melville. Melville, afraid that he may end up as the Mummy's eternal companion, makes a last ditch attempt to save Buttercup with his mini fish defibrillator.

New Theater, Rutgers University

1997

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

-

Play/Drama

2

2

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 90 minutes

Synopsis:
Set in New Orleans, the land of voodoo queens and slot machines, this unique tragedy tells the story of Rufus Theriot, a lonely landlord who has dedicated his life to taking care of his only daughter after his wife's unexpected death. When Rufus' pregnant daughter, Camille, and her unemployed husband, Cody, move in with Rufus, an all-out battle ensues. Rufus and Cody begin to compete for Camille's love and attention, and Rufus finds it impossible to relinquish control over Camille. Soon the battle between Rufus and Cody escalates into a game of Cajun poker, where they try to bluff, manipulate, and control each other. And it's this desire to win at any cost that leads to the discovery of Rufus' secret - one that he's been hiding for more than 20 years, and one that threatens to destroy him.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Comedy

Youth Audience

7

4

19 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes

Synopsis:
When the Night is kidnapped, two bumbling security guards, Cobbler and Knobbs, along with the help of a giant snail, set out to free the Night so that everyone can get a good night's sleep. It sounds like a good plan, except that Cobbler and Knobbs forgot to bring along a tent or sleeping bags for their journey, and the only food they remembered to bring is a bag of old Rice Krispies treats. And if that isn't bad enough, they soon encounter a pack of hungry wolves, a band of dim-witted pirates, a washed-up magician, a de-fanged rattlesnake, and a door-to-door sales dragon. When the heroes finally reach the kidnapper's hideout high atop a mountain, Cobbler must come up with a bedtime story good enough to help the kidnapper overcome his fear of the dark. Will the Night be freed so that the heroes can celebrate with a well-earned ginger ale?

Kennesaw, GA

2005

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Skit/Comedy, 20-30 min

Sketch

6

6

9 flexible, opt. extras (Doubling possible)

Notes:
written by Linda Aronoff and Darby Wills Chism

Synopsis:
There's a trio of stand-up skeleton comedians, a band of pirates, the ghost of Elvis, a mad scientist, Frankenstein, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and a host of other wacky characters in this collection of seven family-friendly Halloween skits. This show is suitable for all ages and can be performed as an alternative to a haunted house, or it can be incorporated as part of a haunted house experience. This show is also suitable for schools and touring groups.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Children's Comedy, 30 min

Youth Audience

6

11

8 flexible, opt. extras (Doubling possible)

Notes:
written by Linda Aronoff and Darby Wills Chism

Synopsis:
The King and Queen of Hawaii are anxious for their son, Prince Manu, to marry a smart girl and settle down. But Manu would rather spend his days hanging out with his friends swimming and surfing. To find a suitable bride, the royal family decides to visit all of the Hawaiian islands, where they hope Prince Manu will meet the girl of his dreams. On the smallest island lives a poor orphan girl, Leilani, who lives with her selfish and lazy cousins, Flora and Fauna, and her greedy Aunt Moola. Leilani has no gifts with which to honor the royal family at the upcoming luau, so with the help of the forest fairies, Leilani gathers flowers and makes beautiful flowered necklaces, which the fairies call leis." Leilani welcomes the royal family by adorning them with her beautiful leis, and the leis become a symbol of acceptance and welcome. Flabbergasted that Leilani's leis are such a hit with the royal family, Aunt Moola tries to upstage Leilani by dancing her infamous Moola Hula. Audiences will love this hilarious Hawaiian version of Cinderella.

Kennesaw:Art Station Big Shanty, GA, USA

2003

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Young Children's

Youth Audience

-

-

9 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 10-20 minutes

Synopsis:
This play offers a fun way to introduce drama to young children. Parents can read the script aloud as children act out their parts, and children can learn their lines visually by coloring in the included coloring book. A bug, a slug, a fly, an ant, and a bee find a piece of discarded gum on the side of a road. One by one, the insects get stuck in the sticky gum. Can they free themselves before the toad wakes up from his nap?

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Melodrama, 30 min

One Act

3

3

-

Notes:
written by Eddie Cope and Carl L Williams

Synopsis:
Caution: The humor in this play may be a bit dry. Set in Tarantula, TX at the turn of the century, a humble well-digger, Hardrock Flint, and his soon-to-be son-in-law, Gus, have set out to strike it rich by digging wells, but all they've found so far is a lot of dirt. Meanwhile, the exceptionally evil Sly Snookerall has hatched a heartless scheme to steal the well-digger's homestead, send him to the poorhouse, and then marry his beautiful daughter, Dolly. Hardrock better find a way to dig himself out of this one, or he's going to end up at the Last Roundup Retirement Home!

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Three Short Plays

One Act

3

3

With doubling 2 M, 2 F

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Synopsis:
This poignant collection of three short plays reveals the isolation, alienation, and fear that haunt six individuals. In 'Pigeons,' the emotional divide between a daughter and her aging mother is made painfully evident when the two encounter an injured mourning dove while window-shopping. In 'Family Honor,' a frustrated war veteran urges his grandson, JJ, to uphold the family's honor by joining the Army, but JJ sees no honor in risking his life for family or country. And in 'Remember Me,' two lonely nursing-home residents befriend one another and find comfort in knowing that though they have been forgotten by family and friends, they will remember one another.

Topeka: Civic Theatre, KS, USA

2002

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Gothic horror, full length

-

7

5

1 girl

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 120 minutes

Synopsis:
Sick of those cheesy Hollywood versions of Dracula with stock characters and silly plots? This adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic preserves the psychological terror and complex characterization of the original Victorian gothic novel. Jonathan Harker, a young lawyer, travels to Transylvania to transfer real estate in England to Count Dracula, but soon finds himself a prisoner in the Count's castle. With Jonathan locked in the castle, Count Dracula travels to England to claim his new property. Not having heard from Jonathan in several weeks, his fiancée, Mina, anxiously awaits news of his return as she tends to her friend, Lucy, who has become weak with a mysterious illness. Mina notices Lucy's propensity to sleepwalk and finds two small holes in Lucy's neck. Unable to diagnose Lucy's illness, Dr. Seward, the overseer of a sanitarium, wires his mentor Dr. Van Helsing for help. Upon examining Lucy, Van Helsing is convinced a vampire is the cause of her illness and sets out to convince

Topeka: Civic Theatre, KS, USA

2006

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

-

Adaptation

10

9

1b, dounbling flexible

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Synopsis:
This adaptation of the classic tale by Charles Dickens (1843) includes all the most memorable scenes while offering an easy-to-produce streamlined version suitable for novice or experienced actors. On Christmas Eve, lonely miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his dead business partner, Jacob Marley, who warns Scrooge that he will be visited that night by three more apparitions: the Ghost of Christmas Past, the Ghost of Christmas Present, and the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come. One by one, the ghosts escort Scrooge into the night to revisit his past and present and to offer him a grim look at what is to come. Scrooge awakens Christmas morning ready to cast aside his greedy, self-serving ways and to embrace acts of kindness and charity toward others who are less fortunate. A rendition of God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen is included and other carols may be incorporated at the director's discretion.

Topeka: West High School, KS, USA

2001

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Drama, full length

-

5

7

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 120 minutes

Synopsis:
This adaptation remains true to the original novel and contains all the major events that made Little Women (1868) an American classic for both children and adults. The play opens on Christmas at the March home as the family tries to make the best of the holiday, though they have little money and Father is off ministering to Union soldiers. The play follows the March girls over 10 years as they grow into women. During this time, the family celebrates many joyous events including Jo's successful writing career, the birth of Meg's twins, Father's return home, and Amy's marriage. But these happy times are not without tragedy. Beth's untimely death leaves the family reeling as they try to cope with the loss. However, in the end, this cheerful, wholesome family prevails in this heartfelt story of courage and love.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Drama

Youth Audience

7

4

1 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Synopsis:
With the winter food supply running low, everyone in the village is hopeful that the men will be successful on their next hunt and bring back enough meat to feed the village. Rising Sun yearns to join his father on the hunt, but since he is still too young, he must stay at home with his mother and sister. Rising Sun watches with envy as another youth, White Calf, sets out with the hunting party. But when the hunters return, Rising Sun discovers that his father was accidentally killed by White Calf. Devastated, Rising Sun blames White Calf for his father's death, and his grief turns to anger and hatred. It is only when the Spirit of the Deer appears during Rising Sun's vision quest, that Rising Sun is able to learn the importance of forgiveness, acceptance, and understanding, and fully enter into manhood. This gripping coming-of-age story features an authentic mock hunt ceremony that will provide an exhilarating theatre experience.

Topeka West Players, KS, USA

2004

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Fable

Youth Audience

7

7

25 flexible, extras (With doubling 4 M, 3 F, 15 flexible, extras)

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 45-60 minutes

Synopsis:
This collection features three well-known fairytales by Oscar Wilde adapted for the stage. All three tales mix elements of fantasy and fable. In 'The Nightingale and the Rose,' a poor tutor must find one red rose to win a chance to dance with the princess at the ball. In 'The Happy Prince,' the statue of a prince comes to life and is determined to help the poor by giving away the jewels and gold that adorn him. And in 'The Star-Child,' a poor woodcutter rescues an infant and raises the child as his own even though he barely has enough food for his own family. These tales of self-sacrifice and love have charmed young audiences for more than a century.

-

-

-

in Sneezing With Your Eyes OpenBig Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

black comedy

Ten Min

1

1

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
A married couple ponders divorce as they load sharp knives into the dishwasher.

-

-

-

in Sneezing With Your Eyes OpenBig Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

comedy

Ten Min

3

1

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
features a love triangle that has gone very, very wrong

Oxbow: Prairie Heights School, Saskatchewan

2000

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Comedy

One Act

1

5

optional extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 35-45 minutes

Synopsis:
Annie and Cindy have sprung Grandma Puddle from the old-folks home for a lovely spring walk through the park. Suddenly, the sisters realize that they are missing something...Grandma Puddle! After Annie and Cindy find a mysterious note in Grandma's purse, they begin to suspect that Grandma Puddle may not be as innocent as she looks. With the "help" of a ditzy bubble-blowing babysitter, two kooky joggers, and a smart-alecky 8-year-old, the elder Puddle eventually turns up...but not where you'd expect. In this case, it's not just spring that's in the air-there's a little romance, too!

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Romantic Comedy

One Act

1

1

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Synopsis:
When Todd and Jenny manage to escape their annoying roommate and get their own apartment, the couple is overjoyed. But they soon find their bliss is short-lived. This hilarious play examines the age-old questions couples must face every day: Is it better to tell love stories to each other, or just watch TV? Should men be forced to go to the mall? Should the fan be on even though it makes an annoying sound? Is love just a bunch of hooey?

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

comedy

Ten Min

2

1

-

Notes:
Three 10 min plays: Cutlery; The Yogurt Collection; The dead Body Play

Synopsis:
A woman gets the sniffles when two men sit next to her and begin to kiss passionately. Does she have a cold or is she allergic to homosexuals? Achoo!

-

-

-

in Sneezing With Your Eyes OpenBig Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

comedy

Ten Min

1

1

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
A man and woman fight over a container of banana yogurt in the dairy section. Is it love or merely a craving?

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

History/Comedy, full length

-

7

8

1 girl, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 70-80 minutes

Synopsis:
Told with warmth and plenty of down-home humor, this play chronicles Davy Crockett's early life (1801-1804) in a series of easy-to-stage scenes. The story features Davy's life at the Crockett family tavern, Davy's wilderness adventures after he runs away from home, and Davy's return to Tennessee and his engagement to Polly Finley. There's also a delightful town dance and Davy's infamous recitation of an ill-written love poem, which he devised to win Mary Hutch's heart. Davy Crockett is best known as a frontiersman, congressman, storyteller, and author, but it was Davy's early years that laid the foundation for his place in American history.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Spoof, full length

-

8

4

3 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 90 minutes.

Synopsis:
There are mysterious circumstances, arduous quests, improbable events, exaggerated emotions, melodramatic blithering, high adventure, doom and gloom, and even a ghost-and that's just the original version of Wuthering Heights. This over-the-top spoof pokes fun at all the exaggerated elements of Emily Brontë's classic Gothic romance novel. Nelly Dean, a servant at Blithering Heights, relates the touching "love" story of how shallow, materialistic Cathy throws her true love, Heathcliff, aside to marry her boring but rich neighbor, Edgar Linton. After all, "What is love without possessions?"

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Notes:
Original Playwright - Valentin Krasnogorov

Synopsis:
-

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Interactive Comedy

Youth Audience

-

-

20 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Synopsis:
A narrator attempts to tell the tale of a farmer, a fisherman, and a weaver, but he keeps getting interrupted by an unruly host of characters. It seems that everyone has something to say, but nobody will listen! There's a talking dog, a talking fish 'even a talking throne' all of whom feel they've been misused and neglected. Based on a West African folktale, young actors will love this action-packed play, which blends sight gags, wordplay, and slapstick humor. Even the audience can get in on the fun!

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Drama

One Act

4

2

1 young boy

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Synopsis:
On the surface, Terry's family appears quite ordinary, but underneath the small talk lies a fierce battle for control. Suffering from schizophrenia, Terry has been committed to a mental hospital, leaving her husband, Joey, to care for their two children. Joey has restricted Terry's family from visiting her at the hospital. But fearful that family secrets may be exposed, Terry's mother and brothers contact Terry by telephone to try to convince her to come home. Terry, torn between her family and her husband, soon finds herself on the verge of being swallowed whole by the dark secrets of her past.

Raleigh: Artspace, NC

2003

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Satire/Theatre of The Absurd

One Act

2

4

1 flexible, optional extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes

Synopsis:
Three nameless female death-row inmates spend their days writing empty slogans on a blackboard as they await death. Prison personnel hired to "help" the inmates include an ineffectual prison counselor and a reverend who would rather watch soap operas than preach the Gospel. In this world, there is no room for humanity. God has been replaced with the "Intercom"?a menacing, omniscient force that controls all behavior. Inmates are no longer human but rather products of the system: The Governess' only wish is to exact power and to control others; the Can-I-Kid is rendered completely dependent upon the system for her wants and needs; and the Realist has fully surrendered herself to prison life and can no longer hope or dream. This biting satire offers a brutal look into American culture, where empty slogans about individualism mask a system whose only function is to perpetuate itself.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Drama

One Act

1

1

1 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 25-30 minutes

Synopsis:
In this haunting tale of despair, anger, and fear, two teenagers find themselves on the run with their dead baby in the trunk of their car. Still bleeding heavily from giving birth, Bonnie convinces her boyfriend, Duane, to rob a convenience store in order to get enough money to make it to Florida, where they can start a new life together. But as their journey unfolds, Bonnie sees her chance for happiness unravel. This riveting one-act offers tour de force performances for young actors.

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Farce

One Act

7

1

2 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Synopsis:
In a dilapidated funeral home in Dublin, Patrick and Mulligan sit beside the coffin of their dearly departed friend, Jake Kilrain, and drink to Jake's final journey to the heavenly gates. Patrick and Mulligan have vowed to stay with the body until dawn, but when the whiskey runs out, the two head to Clancy's pub and take Jake's corpse with them. At the pub, they prop Jake up at the bar, and continue their drinking vigil without anyone noticing that Jake is deceased. When Clancy demands payment for the drinks, Patrick and Mulligan dash, leaving Jake with the tab. Enraged, Clancy slugs Jake and knocks him off the barstool, which makes everyone think Clancy's blow has killed Jake. The shocking news of Jake's death spurs round after round of drinks-all on the house. With each round of drinks, the story of Jake's death changes until everyone is toasting Clancy as "the darlin' hero."

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Farce

One Act

8

1

-

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 35 minutes

Synopsis:
Ian, a simple Yorkshire country lad, hears of a law, the droit du seigneur, at a local pub. Though it is a medieval law that is no longer enforced, Ian thinks that he must offer up his fiancée, MaryAnn, to the Duke on their wedding night. Dismayed at the thought but fervently law-abiding, Ian takes MaryAnn to see the Duke so that he can set a date for the droit du seigneur. The Duke, horrified and aghast at the notion, but fearful that Ian, a hulking brute, will cause him bodily harm, must rely on his wits and help from his butler, Travers, to convince the stubborn lad that "while there may be laws o' man, ba gun, there's laws o' nature, too."

-

-

-

Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Children's Comedy, 30-45 min

Youth Audience

3

4

4 flexible, optional extras

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
A greedy Mugwump has stolen the thinking boxes of all the Flim-Flams on his planet. Without their thinking boxes, the poor Flim-Flams find that they are completely under the Mugwump's control and must do whatever he says. Determined to help his fellow Flim-Flams, Barpf journeys to earth, lands outside Jackie's window, and convinces her to return with him to retrieve the thinking boxes from the Mugwump's garage. Young audiences will love the Mugwump's adorable but not-too-bright assistant, Cluck, and can join in dancing the Flim-Flam dance and singing the Flim-Flam song. This delightful action-packed play is perfect for both young actors or touring groups.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Farce

One Act

4

1

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 40 minutes

Synopsis:
Set in the remote area of Ireland's heath country, several villagers try to persuade schoolteacher, Michael McDermott, to stop drinking. With teachers' wages so low, they are afraid McDermott will drink himself to death and they won't be able to get another teacher willing to work for so little pay. McDermott not only thwarts their intervention, but his behavior becomes increasingly eccentric as he decides to conduct a secret experiment with a cat named Paddy Shaw. Convinced that McDermott is a lost cause, the villagers are overjoyed to find a substitute teacher, Miss Kilrain, willing to fill in while Mac has a "rest" from teaching. The pretty, literate Miss Kilrain arrives, and things begin to look up until she meets the notorious Paddy Shaw.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

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Children's Comedy

Youth Audience

1

1

11 flexible, extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30-35 minutes

Synopsis:
Ever wonder why bears hibernate, why winter doesn't last all year, and why wolves howl? Well, you see, it all started with one troublemaking bear who loved winter and making snow angels. In fact, Bear loved winter so much, that he convinced the North Wind to stay'permanently! But the other forest creatures didn't like the thought of their forest glade turning into a glacier. Cold, hungry and eagerly awaiting spring, Fox, Owl, and Squirrel send a lone wolf to talk some sense into the selfish Bear and the snobbish North Wind.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Children's Comedy, 20-25 min

Youth Audience

1

4

18 flexible, opt. extras

Notes:
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Synopsis:
In the town of Loaferville, people really like to wear loafers. This is a big problem for Calcie, since she hates wearing shoes (especially loafers) but loves wearing pink furry slippers. One day, Calcie hides her pink furry slippers in her backpack and takes them to school. At school, she secretly slips off her shoes and puts her slippers on. Calcie's teacher discovers Calcie's slippers and reports the incident to the principal. The principal informs the police chief, who then calls the mayor. When the residents of Loaferville hear of Calcie's preference for wearing slippers instead of shoes, the town erupts into chaos until some shocking secrets are revealed at a town council meeting! With a flexible cast, there's a part for everyone in the class. The set is simple and can be composed with classroom furniture including desks, chairs, and small tables.

CAC Dinner Theatre, Fort Payne, AL

2006

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Farce, 100 min

-

7

11

optional extras

Notes:
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Synopsis:
Grab yourself a can of Aqua Net hairspray! There's a hot new beauty craze that's driving the men of Lost Creek mad. It's the beehive hairdo, and the higher the hair, the better. Dixie, a beauty shop owner and a master of beehives, has been inundated with customers who are desperate for high hair. Eager to win the heart of Avis Cruma 90-year-old womanizer who happens to be the only available bachelor in Lost CreekGranny Rose and Wider Snipes decide to get themselves a beehive since There ain't nothin'more sexy to a man than a woman with high air. Determined to become a beehive master herself, Linda Jean sets out to learn the art of the beehive by practicing on neighborhood scarecrows. In the meantime, a couple of city slickers arrive in Lost Creek looking to sign up organ donors. The hospitable folk of Lost Creek are more than willing to oblige. You see, they've been wanting to get rid of their organs for years in order to make way for the hottest new instrument to hit the region, the harmonica. This richly entertaining character-driven farce will charm audiences with its down-home humor and its eccentric and lovable cast of characters.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Interactive Children's Musical

-

-

-

9 flexible (With doubling 4 flexible)

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30 minutes

Synopsis:
A mysterious stranger arrives at a village where everyone is grumpy, gloomy, and just plain glum. The stranger's arrival marks one of the most magical days of the year'winter's first snow. But the freshly fallen snow fails to cheer up any of the grumpy villagers until the stranger decides to make a magic snowman. This interactive musical offers an abundance of warmth, spirit, and goodwill that will delight children of all ages.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Musical

Youth Audience

2

3

2 flexible, extras, optional chorus

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 30-45 minutes

Synopsis:
In search of a new home, Lenora the ladybug comes across a beautiful garden. But Bennie, the bean plant, and Special, the rose, tell poor Lenora to bug off and go live in a nearby English garden. Rejected, Lenora ventures off to find a new home. But in the meantime, some rascally aphids invade the garden and begin chewing up all the plants. Can Bennie and Special, with the help of the other garden insects, convince Lenora to come back and scare away the aphids before the garden is destroyed? Not only does this play have an important message about accepting others, but it is a fun way for children to learn about photosynthesis and ecology. 50% of royalty proceeds will be donated to the charity, Save a Family Plan.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Children's Musical

Youth Audience

3

3

6 flexible, choir, optional extras

Notes:
Performance Time: Approximately 60 minutes

Synopsis:
Annie, a young green-winged macaw, is eagerly awaiting her first flight. But before the big event, Annie's parents go to the river to gather some nuts for breakfast. While they are gone, loggers cut down all of the trees, including the macaw's home. Annie escapes to another part of the rainforest but gets lost and cannot find her way home. As Annie searches for her parents, she meets a tree sloth, a pair of singing tree frogs, leaf-cutter ants, and a beautiful Morpho butterfly. With the help of the jungle creatures, Annie is able to summon her courage and continue her journey home. But on her way, Annie must escape the talons of Ego the eagle and the jaws of Con the boa constrictor. This charming musical features irresistible characters, richly entertaining songs, and a fun way for children to learn about rainforest ecology and conservation.

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2006

Christmas Musical, 60-90 min

-

4

1

17 flexible, opt. extras (Doubling possible)

Notes:
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Synopsis:
Includes a FREE performance/rehearsal CD! When three magi notice a star announcing the birth of a new king, they load up their camels and set out across the desert bearing gifts. Sammy, the smallest of the camels, yearns to go along on the journey but due to his small size is left behind. Determined to see the new king, Sammy secretly follows the caravan into the desert. Along the way, Sammy proves that though he may be the smallest camel, he has the biggest heart. This light-hearted, uplifting musical features 11 original songs and will charm audiences with its warm Christmas spirit and message of hope and goodwill.

Los Angeles: Playwrights' Arena, CA, USA

1997

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Big Dog Publishing, FL, USA >>>

2005

Monologue Collection

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12

7