doollee banner
The Playwrights Database
contact doollee


Rob Lauer

ROB LAUER

  
Nationality:    USA
email:    Click here to contact     Website:    Click here

Literary Agent:    n/a

Rob Lauer is an award-winning playwright, theatrical and television director, and the host of two TV shows in the Hampton Roads region of Virginia. Rob's first play "Digger" won the 1982 Mayhew Award, and later critical acclaim when it was published in 1988. In 1990 he became the first playwright to win both the Best Play of the Year Award (for his satire, "Tom and Penny's Yard Party") and the Paul T. Nolan Award (for his urban drama, "The Church Street Fantasy") at the Deep South Writers conference. Currently Rob has been commissioned by the Mountainside Theatre and the Cherokee Historical Association (in Cherokee, North Carolina) to write a new musical, "Chief Little Will," inspired by the life of William Holland Thomas - the only white man to ever serve as chief of the Eastern Cherokees. This musical will premiere in the summer of 2014 and play every summer thereafter in rep with the acclaimed outdoor drama, "Unto These Hills." Other recent works include the musical "My Jo" (based on the works of Louisa May Alcott), the comedy "Geeks & Gangsters" (inspired by the true story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster - the Cleveland teenagers who, during the 1930's, created Superman) and the recently published novel, "A Southern Christmas Carol." Rob founded and served as Artistic Director of the Olde Theatre Company in Virginia from 1986 until 1990. Rob served as Artistic Director of Sail Productions in New York City from 1996 until 1999. In 2000 and 2001, Rob served as production manager and head writer of MGA Films, Inc. in Colorado. From 2002 through 2005, he was the Artistic Director of "Swamp Gravy" - Georgia's official folk-life play, produced in Colquitt, Georgia. He wrote the critically acclaimed musical "A Southern Christmas Carol" which had its world premiere - featuring a cast of Broadway actors - in Colquitt in 2003, and has sense enjoyed multiple productions in Alabama, Arkansas and Virginia.

Buy Plays with Doollee

Each page of doollee.com has links to play/book outlets, either directly to the Publisher, through Stageplays.com and Amazon to the second hand and 1st editions of AbeBooks. These links will automatically take you to the relevant area obviating the need for further search.
AbeBooks.co.uk   AbeBooks.com   Stageplays.com   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.ca
whether you are a Playwright who wishes to make their entry definitive, an unlisted Playwright or a User with a tale to tell - we want to hear from you.
download WORD submission template

below is a list of Rob Lauer's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

         Beehive State, The         Chief Little Will         Church Street Fantasy         Digger         Emperor's New Clothes, The         Fear No Evil: the Oklahoma City Bombing         First Freedom         Geeks & Gangsters         Geeks & Gangsters: the Musical         Great Dan Thor, The         Gulliver's Travels         Huckleberry Finn         Hundred & One Dalmatians, The         My Jo         New Dominions         Nutcracker         On Ascension Day         Shoe Maker & the Elves, The         Snow Queen, The         Southern Christmas Carol, A         Tom And Penny's Yard Party         Unto These Hills         Wonderful World Of Oz, The

Beehive State, The

Synopsis:
a Mormon family gathers to celebrate Pioneer Day (a Utah state holiday) in July 1904. When Talmadge Cannon (husband and father) announces to his three wives that he is marrying a fourth (at a time when polygamy has become an embarrassment for most Mormons) all hell breaks out. To read script link on to: https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/074-22-44.pdf

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
The Olde Theatre Company (Portsmouth, Va)     01 Aug 1989

Organisations:
the Olde Theatre Company

1st Published:
SUNSTONe Magazine, Nov 1989   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy/Drama

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Chief Little Will

Synopsis:
William Holland Thomas the only white man to be made chief of the Eastern Cheokees

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Church Street Fantasy

Synopsis:
Winner of the 1990 Paul T. Nolan award at the Deep South Writers Conference. a hooker, an African-American transvestite, a drug dealer, a closeted church choir director and a middle-class run away teenage boy (about to begin work as a prostitute) find themselves in a sleazy tiny bar in downtown Norfolk, Virginia on Christmas eve in 1984. a good-natured old fellow with a beard (whom everyone assumes is homeless) come into the bar seeking relief from the cold. Mysteriously knowledgeable regarding the childhoods of each of the bar's patrons, the strangely familiar old fellow causes each of them to confront their personal demons.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Urban comedy/Drama fantasy

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  1            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Digger

Synopsis:
Winner of the 1982 Mayhew award for Drama, "Digger" explores the early life Mormon founder Joseph Smith, his youthful involvement in folk-magic and his evolution into an American frontier prophet. Produced as a Graduate Production at BYU to sold-out crowds, "Digger" praised by critics as "ground breaking" in genre of Mormon Drama. the play published By Sunstone Magazine in 1988 and is available through the magazine's online archives. To read script link on to: https://www.sunstonemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/sbi/articles/068-21-40.pdf

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Brigham Young University Department Of Theatre     01 Dec 1982

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Published in SUNSTONe MaGaZINe, Nov 1988   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Emperor's New Clothes, The

Synopsis:
Hans Christian Anderson's tale of an Emperor who's a slave to fashion is expanded and turned on its head! Lampooning everything from high fashion and pretentious celebrities, to pompous politicians and con artists, this whimsical show has delighted hundreds of thousands of kids, teens, and adults across the country. With music evocative of the Golden Age of Broadway mixed with modern comic sensibilities, this delightfully madcap musical comedy will have kids (and adults) of all ages roaring with laughter!

Notes:
music by Matt Bean

1st Produced:
New York City-Based National Tour     01 Sep 1997

Organisations:
Sail Productions, Inc.

1st Published:
Steele Spring Stage Rights, www.stagerights.com   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical Comedy 65 min

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Fear No Evil: the Oklahoma City Bombing

Synopsis:
Documentary film exploring the lives and of the survivors of the 1996 Oklahoma City Bombing. Written and directed by Rob. Lauer

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Fort Collins, Co     01 Sep 2000

Organisations:
MGa Films, Inc.

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Film

Parts:
Male:  7            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

First Freedom

Synopsis:
a musical comedy Drama about Thomas Jefferson's and James Madison's political battle to establish religious freedom in the United States by separating church and state. Book and lyrics by Rob. Lauer, with music by emmy-award winning composer, Sam Cardon, and Rick Rea. For more information link on to: www.firstfreedomproductions.com

Notes:
Musica by Sam Cardon; lyrics by Rob Lauer; book by Rob Lauer

1st Produced:
Western Wyoming College Department Of Musical Theatre (Rock Springs, Wy)     01 Nov 2006

Organisations:
First Freedom Productions

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  14            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Geeks & Gangsters

Synopsis:
a comedy Drama about growing up and gender roles-inspired by the true story of the two geeky teenage boys from Cleveland, Ohio who, in 1938, created Superman.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Rock Springs, Wy     01 Oct 2007

Organisations:
Western Wyoming College Department of Musical Theatre

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Comedy Drama

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Geeks & Gangsters: the Musical

Synopsis:
Inspired by the true story of the Cleveland teenagers - Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster - who created Superman! Jerry and Joe were typical high school Geeks: the popular kids ignored them, the jocks picked on them and the girls didn't know they were alive. Brought together by their love of pulp magazines and science fiction (then called scienti-fiction ), they funneled their frustrations as high school outcasts into creating comic characters they dreamed would one day make them famous as comic strip artists. And it was while they were still in high school that they created a character that would become a cultural icon and the most universally recognized fictional character of the 20th century: Superman! Inspired by the true story of Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster - the creators of Superman, award-winning playwright Rob. Lauer has created a comic fable about growing up. The frustration of being an outsider, the excitement of connecting with someone who "gets you," the thrill of creating something new, and the pain of losing what you've created-all of this is brought to life in "Geeks & Gangsters."

Notes:
a new musical comedy-currently being written-featuring book and lyrics by Rob. Lauer, and music by Rick Rea

1st Produced:
Western Wyoming Community College     2007

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
Leicester Bay Theatricals, 2013   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  22            Female:  10            Other:  Doubling possible

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Great Dan Thor, The

Synopsis:
Screenplay treatment for production based on Stephen Farley's teen novel.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Fort Collins, Co     01 Sep 2001

Organisations:
MGa Films, Inc.

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Screenplay treatment

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Gulliver's Travels

Synopsis:
an all male-cast musical one-act version of the classic "Gulliver's Travels." Book and Lyrics by Rob. Lauer, with music by Lisa DeSpain

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
New York City-Based National Tour     01 Sep 1997

Organisations:
Sail Productions, Inc.

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Huckleberry Finn

Synopsis:
a more adult version of Mark Twain's classic-emphasizing the dark humor, scathing satire and strong racial content of the original. Script by Rob Lauer, featuring the music of Peter Lewis.

Notes:
the original Cotton Hall Production starred edmund Bagnell (2005 revival of "Sweeny Todd") As Huck Finn.

1st Produced:
Colquitt, Ga     01 Jul 2005

Organisations:
Cotton Hall Theatre (Colquitt-Miller Arts Council)

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
a Play with Music

Parts:
Male:  7            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Hundred & One Dalmatians, The

Synopsis:
the only musical version of "the Hundred and One Dalmatians" authorized by the estate of Dodie Smith (the author of the original novel.) Book and lyrics by Rob. Lauer, with music by Matt Bean. . For more info visit: www.sailproductions.com

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
New York City-Based National Tour     01 Sep 1998

Organisations:
Sail Productions, Inc.

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  4            Female:  4            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

My Jo

Synopsis:
Set during the American Civil War. Tom-boy Jo March dreams of becoming a writer of gothic thrillers, and has no interest in boys, romance or marriage. When her sisters begin pursuing romantic attachments, Jo-torn over the gender roles of the time-moves away to New York City to pursue a career. Family ties eventually pull her back home and threaten to undermine her dreams and aspirations. Through family trials and tragedies, Jo eventually finds her true voice as a writer-and a companion who loves her for the woman she is. First produced in 2007 by the Western Wyoming College Department of Musical Theatre in 2007. The show is rapidly gaining a following not only for its fresh, mature approach to "Little Women," but also because the show (which has a smaller cast for a musical of this scope) features nine strong female characters of all ages and types--each of whom has at least one major solo number. So if your theatre wants to show off a female cast, this is a great show to do. . .and the women are all different types and ages.

Notes:
a new musical inspired by "Little Women" and the life of Louisa May Alcott. Book and lyrics by Rob Lauer, with music by Rick Rea

1st Produced:
Western Wyoming Community College     2006

Organisations:
Western Wyoming College Department of Musical Theatre

1st Published:
Leicester Bay Theatricals, 2014   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  5            Female:  11            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

New Dominions

Synopsis:
a two act play based on facts surrounding the established of england's first permanent American colony. Two kingdoms-the england and the Powhatan Confederation-are both expanding their domain, establishing new dominions in the same region. But each side has a non-conformist high in its ranks. among the english there is so-called Captain John Smith-a loud braggard who makes seemingly impossible claims about hmself though he is only the son of modest farmer. among the Powhatan there is the haughty nine-year old daughter of the King who, although she is the daughter of a nameless, long forgotten concubine, asserts her self and exerts great influence on her powerful. Seen as a trouble maker, the child is called "the little wanton one"-or, in the language of her people-"Pocahontas." after endless fictional films and Dramatizations, "New Dominions" presents the little-known TRUe story of John Smith and Pocahontas.

Notes:
originally entitled "First Landing: 1607. Originally commissioned by the Richmond (Va) Shakespeare Festival in 1998 to be produced At Cape Henry State Park As part of the 400th Anniversary of the British settlement of Virginia. Cape Henry State Park pulled out of production in February 2000, And in 2007 produced A one-act entitled "1607: First Landing" which neglected most of the Actual history of the england's first permanent American colony in favor of A fictional story of A young Native American warrior At the time.

1st Produced:
Not Yet Produced As Off March 2010    

Organisations:
Richmond Shakespeare Festival

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  15            Female:  1            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Nutcracker

Synopsis:
a one-act play version the original Hoffman story that served as the basis for the famous ballet. Produced in December 1984 by the Pleasanton Children's theatre Project, and in December 1985 by the Tidewater Dinner theatre (Virginia Beach, Va)

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Pleasanton, Ca     01 Dec 1984

Organisations:
Pleasanton Children's Theatre Project

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Children's theatre One act

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

On Ascension Day

Synopsis:
the sprit of a recently deceased elderly amish man watches unseen by the living over preparations for funeral. the spirit of his childhood best friend-who committed suicide in his late tees-appears to him, and confronts him with the reason for his suicide. the sprit of the elderly amish man is forced to face the secrets he kept from his wife, children and community for his entire life.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Norfolk, Va     01 Apr 1989

Organisations:
Tidewater Gay & Lesbian Theatre Project

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama. - - Gay/Lesbian, of interest

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Shoe Maker & the Elves, The

Synopsis:
Holiday musical based on the classic fairy tale. Book and lyrics by Rob. Lauer, with music by Matt Bean and Dan Hoye. . For more info visit: www.sailproductions.com

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
New York City-Based National Tour     1986

Organisations:
Sail Productions, Inc.

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Snow Queen, The

Synopsis:
Musical based on the tale by Hans Christian andersen; book and lyrics by Rob Lauer, with music by Dan Hoye. For more info visit: www.sailproductions.com

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
New York City-Based National Tour     01 Sep 1996

Organisations:
Sail Productions, Inc.

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Southern Christmas Carol, A

Synopsis:
Dickens' classic tale set in 1933 rural Georgia at the height of the Great Depression and Jim Crow laws. Book, lyrics and music by Rob. Lauer-with musical arrangements by Jeffery Joyner. as of 2010 annual productions are being presented in alabama, arkansas and Virginia. For more information link on to: www.southernchristmascarol.blogspot.com

Notes:
Produced by Cotton Hall theatre in 2003, 2004 And 2005-cast out of New York City. Original cast members included: Peter Lewis; Marissa McGowen ("a Little Night Music" 2009 Broadway revival); Karen Beyer ("army Wives" on Lifetime Channel); Rubin Singleton (PBS, MTV); Michael Mahany ("Disney's High School Musical on Stage") ; Andrew Frace (Disney's "the Lion King"); Matt Gibson (2009 Broadway revival of "Gypsy")

1st Produced:
Colquitt, Ga     01 Nov 2003

Organisations:
Cotton Hall Theatre (Colquitt-Miller Arts Council)

1st Published:
Leicester Bay Theatricals, 2013   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  4            Other:  Optional ensemble

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Tom And Penny's Yard Party

Synopsis:
Inspired by the early careers of Jim and Tammy Bakker, and Pat Robertson, this satire of the first years of so-called "Christian TV" (set in 1969) won the Deep South Writers Conference's Best Play of 1990 award. Tom and Penny Babar host an daily evangelical kiddie show called "Tom & Penny's Yard Party." the off camera politics of the station and the stress with their troubled marriage come to a head when a devout but troubled viewer deserts her young son on the set during a live broadcast so that she can "go home to Jesus"-by committing suicide.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Portsmouth, Va     01 Dec 1990

Organisations:
the Olde Theatre Company

1st Published:
Steele Spring Stage Rights, www.stagerights.com   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Comedy 105 min

Parts:
Male:  6            Female:  2            Other:  2 girls, 2 boys

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Unto These Hills

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Wonderful World Of Oz, The

Synopsis:
a one-act play based on three of L. Frank Baum's famous Oz book: "the Marvelous Land of Oz," Ozma of Oz" and "Dorothy & the Wizard in Oz." Dorothy returns to Oz and helps her old friends find the rightful ruler of the emerald City. First produced by Brigham Young University in 1982. Produced by the Performing Arts School of Portsmouth (Va) in 1983 and the Tidewater Dinner theatre (Virginia Beach, Va) in 1984

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
The Whittlin' Whistlin' Brigade (Brigham Young University)     01 Jan 1982

Organisations:
-

1st Published:
-   -

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

Booksellers:

Genre:
Children's theatre One act

Parts:
Male:  7            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page