The Playwrights Database
CONI CIONGOLI-KOEPFINGER
(1957 - )Nationality: Russian-Italian
email: Click here to contact Website: Click here
Literary Agent: agent - julieann Govang, JaC Publishing & Promotions
Coni Ciongoli-Koepfinger believes that creative energy is never lost. . .it just changes hands, heArts and minds. She holds an Ma in Literary and Cultural theory from Carnegie Mellon University and teaches composition and literature courses at Point Park and Duquesne University. Yearly, she also directs an original new work with students in her class for the spring production at Penn State University, Greater allegheny Campus. Her play Candledancing was recently published and is slated for a staged reading in Soho later this year. It was originally produced in 1999 with British composer, Robert Hugill. Following that collaboration, their operetta, Garrett got raves in Opera News in 2001 for its performance at Hoxton Hall, London. a Post- Gazette review of her play Sideshow compared her thematic style to Twilight Zone's master, Rod Serling. as the director of the play reading series Sunday Night Live, she was one of the named one of "Ones to Watch" in Pittsburgh Magazine excEllence in the Arts awards. although, Koepfinger resides in Pittsburgh, most of her avant-garde work follows her spirit, which has thrived in New York City for the last twenty years. Other productions include Coffeehouse Magik at Brooklyn's Museum of Sound Recording, and Garrett, the Blue Giraffe at the Bay area Festival in SonomA. Her children's plays, Jack and the Talkback Beanstalk and Rudolph's Big Secret were named the most produced by its publisher Dramasource. Most recently, her piece the Guardian won acceptance into the 2009 Mother Daughter Monologues by the International Center for Women Playwrights. She is an elected Member of the Board of Directors of ICWP, an associate Member of the Dramatists Guild. Koepfinger is also a member of Theatre Without Borders, the National Italian American Foundation (NIaF) and the International Theatre Network
Research: Member of the Dramatists Guild of America (as at 2015)
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below is a list of Coni Ciongoli-Koepfinger's plays - click on a Play Title for more information
Candledancing: the Voice Of Julian Of Norwich Coffeehouse Magik Garrett, The Blue Giraffe Jack And the Talkback Beanstalk Rudolph's Big Secret Saints In Revolt Shadow Dancer, The Sideshow Sleeping With DestinyCandledancing: the Voice Of Julian Of Norwich
CaNDLeDaNCING examines the synthesis of humanity's physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions by weaving together the thoughts and feelings of its characters who seek to understand life. a street urchin inexplicably shows up at the dilapidating east abbey with money that can saves this sacred landmark from demolition. Will's melodious voice is oddly prompted by the flickering flame of a perpetual light in the chapel. Father Peter andrews, the choir director, learns that his words belong to Julian of Norwich, a Medieval anchorage, who comes to fulfill a divine appointment. Forced to focus on proper appearances and public opinion, church officials call in Father Peter for an inquest because without permission, Father Peter began an investigation at the university in efforts to uncover Will's link to the divine. Regardless of innocent intentions, scandal is created by the media and he is subject to reprimand by Cardinal Roland. In the end, truth prevails as new light is shed on the human condition as the voice comes through the choirboy, and makes its decree, "When you ask God to be your dance partner, the music never stops!"
Notes:
a brilliant piece of Drama i that captures the essence of medieval theology within A modern scenario. A must-read for students And scholars of religious studies, history, philosophy And literature. An honest And easily Adaptable piece for theatrical magic for university or community players, CaNDLeDaNCING weaves A medieval myth that Allows us to envision "spiritual horizons" knowing that the garment made will, like A baptismal garment, cover the "new person," the one reborn into higher consciousness." Stephen Steinbeiser, Director of Liturgy And Music Ministry, Duquesne University
1st Produced:
Pius Street Theatre, Pittsburgh, Pa 1998
Organisations:
Veronica Veil Players
1st Published:
Tate Publishing (2009) >>> 978-1606046265
Music:
-
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Genre:
Play/Drama
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 4 Other: SaTB choir
Further Reference:
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Top of PageCoffeehouse Magik
Coffeehouse Magik gently probes the integration of life's metaphysical dimensions by weaving together dreams and waking reality into one seamless garment. Howard Suffect, a dissillusioned, and loveless university professor plans to spend an ordinary evening in his favorite coffeehouse. as usual, Howie is writing to complete the final draft of his newest Dramatic masterpiece, "BIRDBaTH: NaTURe OF BeING". Suddenly, Howie's literary solace is intruded upon by an uninvited guest named, Derrick Wyman. He is an aggressive little man with an enchantingly big voice who claims to be Howie's actual dreamweaver. He has come to forewarn Howie of his upcoming visit with Destiny warning him that if he doesn't pay attention to her, well, he just might not wake up, ever again.
Notes:
Coffeehouse Magik is Also Also Available As A radio Drama And was performed on WXVX's Afternoon performance series "air Play And on RIS Radio for the visually impaired.
1st Produced:
The Museum Of Sound Recording, New York, New York 1997
Organisations:
New York University
1st Published:
JAC Publishing & Promotions -
Music:
-
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Genre:
metaDrama
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
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Top of PageGarrett, The Blue Giraffe
Synopsis:
Garrett, the Blue Giraffe is a metaphysical tale of a sad, shy and lonely young giraffe who longs to become a rhinoceros so he arranges to meet his guardian angel for a divine appointment so that he may request molecular reconstruction. Israfel, the heavenly messenger, greets the audience with his charming smile, then begins to chant a medieval lovesong with bewitching passion. Garrett, a towering yet meek figure comes forth and Israfel welcomes his guest with a warm and dazzling reception. It seems that the young giraffe has a burning desire to become a rhinoceros and has finally come with the courage to question his fate. During this process of transmutation, Israfel awakens Garrett to the part of himself that has been asleep deep within his soul.
Notes:
Crical Press- "This tale is for the 1990s what the Velveteen Rabbit was for the 1970s. every Adult can identify with Garrett's search for identity." Italian translation by Alex Franchini.
1st Produced:
Lester Hamburg Theatre, Pittsburgh, Pa 1998
Organisations:
the Healing Arts Theatre / Heinz Multicultural Arts Initiatve
1st Published:
Heniford, Inc., 1998 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Psychological One act
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: - Other: an angel
Further Reference:
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Top of PageJack And the Talkback Beanstalk
Synopsis:
In this updated version of the old storybook favorite, Jack is aspiring puppeteer, who is trying to save his family from losing everything. Lo and behold, the magic of his creative vision comes alive and his bleak situation sends him into a castle in the clouds and beyond. Jack runs the neighborhood puppet theatre. He believes in the magic of theatre with his whole heart. . . If only he could make enough money to help out his family, his dad just lost his job and they are on the verge of having to move to Uncle Zeke's farm, which would only mean one thing worse. . .Jack would be forced to give up his theatre! Since Jack believes in it, the magic happens and his puppet creation Benny Zee Beanstalk, suddenly comes to life! and voila! Benny Zee, the French director, helps Jack to grow creatively and find his dream awaiting fulfilling all his needs, only after he learns a very big lesson about magic in theatre and in life. the play appeals to all ages, from two to ninety-two, and plays well on tours and outdoors at festivals too.
Notes:
Piano score And original music by Lynn Super. Other performances include the CampGroup LLC in White Plains, NY; the Shadyside Arts Festival; the Monville Arts Festival; Alliquippa embraces Art Festival; the Attic Readers theatre And Brigham Young University theatre in Utah.
1st Produced:
Children's Museum Theatre, Pittsburgh, Pa 1998
Organisations:
Pittsburgh Children's Museum
1st Published:
Dramasource, St. Anthony, Idaho, 2000 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
children's musical
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: 4
Further Reference:
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Top of PageRudolph's Big Secret
Synopsis:
a holiday tale sure to warm the heart of winter's chill that takes an up close and personal look at that famous reindeer, Rudolph. When the song's hero meets up with the dismayed and down on her luck elf, Suzie McSneezer, he shares a glimpse of his past that is sure to inspire and bring holly red cheer and ever green to all.
Notes:
Piano score And original music by Donna Howard. Other performances include the Gemini Children's theatre, St. Maurice elementary, Pittsburgh, Pa the Davis Musical theater Company in Davis, Ca; And Lakeview elementary School in McCalla, Alabama.
1st Produced:
106 7th Avenue East, Springfield, Tn 2004
Organisations:
the Ramsey Group
1st Published:
Dramasource, St. Anthony, Idaho, 2001 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Children's musical - seasonal
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 1 Other: elves
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSaints In Revolt
Synopsis:
Brought back from the age of Mysticism, the characters of Saints in Revolt are real flesh and blood acquaintances as well as holy and dream-filled visionaries in this powerful and interesting band that includes Hildegard, Joan of arc, St. Bridget and Julian of Norwich. as the sprit d-corps of this metaphysical revolution, each woman in her own right has a claimed conflict with Thomas acquinas, our antagonist. the play tells a tale of intrigue, love and faith against the oppressive forces of the Inquisition and sexism in the embodiments of these powerfully centered mystics. No one involved with them could walk away unchanged as the message of love, freedom, faith and equality that these holy women were so inspired to be witnesses of so many centuries ago.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Theatre 409, Ny Ny 1998
Organisations:
THaT, Inc. Maureen OMalley, Producer
1st Published:
R.C. Halligan, 1999 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
MetaDrama One act
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 5 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageShadow Dancer, The
Synopsis:
It is New Years eve, 2112 in New York City. Jonathan, the surrealist painter, was once the darling of society now lives poor and drinks heavily. Carl, the priest and composer, believes that his divine spirit is suffocating since most churches no longer have followers, he lives in the memory of celebrating his Catholic faith. and Sharon, the actress, who gave her all to Broadway. She has remained a faithful wife to the stage although it constantly abuses her. Now so depressed about the recent death of live theatre that she is about to commit suicide on the icy rails of the Brooklyn Bridge during a blizzard. Driven by a moment of compassion, Carl grabs Jonathan and they attempt to save Sharon from killing herself. Something uncanny happens when they touch each other, there is strange lightning and thunder and they can't seem to let go of each other. Suddenly they find themselves on a mystifying journey searching for this truth of the moment. This light that links them leads them to create a new theatre in the east Village, until one night onstage Sharon suddenly vanishes into thin air and this is where the search for truth really begins.
Notes:
Book & Lyrics by Coni Ciongoli-Koepfinger; Music by Stephen G. Baldanzi
1st Produced:
The Apollo Stage, Apollo, Pa 1995
Organisations:
apollo Theatre Company
1st Published:
R.C. Halligan, 1997 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Broad Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSideshow
Synopsis:
Until recently Jim Dandy was the carefree son of the world's most successful female CeO, Leona Dandy of the Dandy Candy Corporation, an international firm maintaining immense capital assets from fad candy, junk toys, and hi-fashion to eclectic vacation centers. Leona never thought too highly of her son or his wife but right now they hold a card that could make her entire empire crumble. as the play opens we learn that Jim and Gloria's long-awaited newborn child, Andrea is born a hermaphrodite. afraid of scandal, Leona insists on a sex change operation. Due to health risks and religious reasons, Gloria refuses. Thus Jim finds himself tom between the desires his devoted wife and the demands of his overbearing mother. To make matters even worse, Leona dangles nine million dollars in front of his nose to persuade his decision or she'll cut him off from her fortune. It all seems quite hopeless until VT comes along- that is VT-901M angelic Drone of the 87th precinct of the legion of light. He is a dispatcher of hope. . . and that is exactly what he can offer Dandy family. . .for a "small" yet not monetary price.
Notes:
Compared to Twilight Zone's Rod Serling in its 1996 Post-Gazette review by Richard Rauh.
1st Produced:
The Upstairs Theatre, Pittsburgh, Pa 1996
Organisations:
Pittsburgh New Play Festival
1st Published:
R.C. Halligan, 1999 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Tragi-Comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: a Cosmic Being, News Reporters
Further Reference:
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Top of PageSleeping With Destiny
Synopsis:
the Universal Park is the standard setting for this "acceptable" outdoor interaction amongst the breeders. the three young, pregnant women, Destiny, anna, and Clara sit on a bench talking while Simon wanders about unnoticed in this world where men are forbidden to be seen. a blaring, mechanized "VOICe" bellows out commands periodically. anna questions whether or not Destiny has the endowment to make it through basic training as a first time breeder in the baby factory in the New World Society. as a first timer, she still has perceptual resonances to the "Memory of What Was" and this allows a portal for Simon to enter, as he was her former lover. In this New World Society humans are forbidden to touch each other. the new physics has proven that the manifestation of love through the interaction between corporeal bodies can only weaken and deform the vital unit thus weakening the species as a whole. Yet Simon has been assigned the mission to return to this reality by reconnecting with Destiny, who was his former bride beloved, lost during childbirth. He has been establishing contact with her in a dream and created a strong enough mental thread to manifest.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Theatre 409, Ny, Ny 2000
Organisations:
THaT, Inc. Maureen OMalley, Producer
1st Published:
C.R .Halligan, 2005 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies
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Genre:
MetaDrama
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 3 Other: 1 voice
Further Reference:
-
Top of Page