The Playwrights Database
JEANNE CHENAULT PORTER
Nationality: USA
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Born in New York City, JeAnne Chenault Porter was for many years a professor of Art History at The Pennsylvania State University, as well as Hunter College, Finch College, and The University of Tennessee. She received her B.A. in Art History and English Literature at Barnard College (Columbia University) and for seven years studied piano at The Juilliard School of Music. Her M.A. and Ph.D are from The University of Michigan where she was granted a Fulbright to Rome to do research on Italian Baroque Painting. Her art history publications are numerous and she is included in Who's Who in the East and Who's Who in American Art. JeAnne was always an enthusiastic supporter of the theatre and, encouraged by her actor husband, Richard James Porter, she started to write plays in 2011. Since then she has had nine produced/presented in New York theatres and festivals some of which were international. Her theatre education has included courses at Primary Stages (Einhorn School of Performing Arts), The Samuel French Institute, and the Impossible Casting company. Her recent book, New Plays From New York, was published in 2013 and her varied accomplishments are cited extensively on Google and Linkedin.
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below is a list of Jeanne Chenault Porter's plays - click on a Play Title for more information
Darkroom, The Divvy, The Falling Star Fast Forward Flutter Punch Isadorable Mightier Mouse Not in the Cards Parting Company Rescue the Perishing Thy Neighbor! To Buttzville and Beyond Twenty-Twenty Visiting Hours While You Were Out. . .Darkroom, The
This play is about survival. "Part of this we have to leave behind; the other part we must never forget," says Ben, a retired and lonely photographer who has found Nazi photographs in the basement of his New York apartment building. His living room becomes his so-called "darkroom" where he shares this discovery with a visiting nephew. Good and bad things begin to happen as both men start to heal and bond.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
The Jewel Box, New York City
15 Jul 2014
Organisations:
Midtown International Theatre Festival
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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:
Drama (30 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageDivvy, The
The time is the present in New York City. Charlie, a little man who stumbles along but gets nowhere, has a rare and extraordinary gift. Known as a "divvy," he can authenticate works of art by merely holding them in his hands. He is a true lover of art but also a thief with a prison record. Charlie steals art in order to liberate art from unappreciative "philistines." Despite his special gift he remains vulnerable in a ruthless world filled with hoarders, thieves, forgers, and even murderers.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Roy Arias, Stage II, 300 West 43rd Street, New York, N.Y.
24 Feb 2015
Organisations:
Midtown International Theatre Festival
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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:
drama 45 min
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageFalling Star
On New Year's Eve in New York City a selfish and socially ambitious mother encourages her young son to choose a glamorous dinner invitation from a socialite over a romantic date with the girl he loves. He foolishly complies but soon regrets his decision.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Organisations:
Fall One-Act Competition, Manhattan Repertory Theatre
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama (30 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageFast Forward
A young business man in middle America is alarmed when he starts to receive premature sympathy cards referring to his elderly father. Although increasingly senile, his Father is still very much alive. As he discovers the reason for this disturbing occurrence, he begins to ponder the process of death.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
Royal Theatre, 348 West 44th Street, NYC
01 Jan 2011
Organisations:
Brief Acts Company, Love Creek Productions, New York City
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama (30 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageFlutter Punch
After the death of his mother a sensitive young man known as "Butterfly Guy" retreats into his childhood while his bullying older brother, Pete, tries to cheat him out of his inheritance. With the help of Ethel, his unhappy sister-in-law, butterfly guy succeeds in striking a decisive if fluttering "punch." Jeffrey Stocker, Acting Director and Coach, New York, Pennsylvania, Oregon: "Very funny play. . . Love it!"
Notes:
St. Jean's Players, New York City (winner of the OOBR)
1st Produced:
St. Jean's Players, 173 East 75th Street, NYC
21 Feb 2014
Organisations:
A Festival of On-Act Plays, St. Jean's Players
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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 (20 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageIsadorable
Middle-aged Clarice Conyngham has come to New York from Kentucky and founded a dance company in the tradition of Isadora Duncan. Managing the troupe has become an increasing effort and she sees several of her best dancers departing to pursue personal goals. She is passionate about her art and believes that when artists leave Manhattan the entire city will culturally die. The only option left for Clarice, "a strong woman of the South," is to persevere.
Notes:
This play was nominated for Outstanding One-Act Drama by Love Creek Productions.
1st Produced:
Beckmann Theatre, 314 West 54th Street, NYC
01 Jun 2011
Organisations:
Brief Acts Company, Love Creek Productions, New York City
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama (30 minutes)
Parts:
Male: - Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMightier Mouse
Wilbur Tompkins is a timid man, bullied by both his wife, Hilda, and his boss, Mr. Mayhew. A former proof reader, his day job consists of writing "Ask Lisa," a love advice column for the local newspaper. At night, as Fabian Sartana, Wilbur turns out torrid adventure stories on his blog which soon goes viral and attracts many women admirers. No longer "a mouse," Wilbur is able to transform his life and takes off to write a movie script in Hollywood.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
The St. Jean's Players, 167 East 75th Street, New York, N.Y.
22/2015
Organisations:
The St. Jean's Players
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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 30 min
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageNot in the Cards
Sofia, a chic and intelligent young woman from Argentina, is overwhelmed by Celeste, her intimidating mother, a fortune-teller in New York City. Celeste has forced Sofia to impersonate her and, for one day, manage the business. Reluctantly Sofia makes an attempt but, when her first and only client turns out to be an undercover policewoman, chaos reigns.
Notes:
A live parrot, on stage with vocal backup provided, added greatly to the comic effect. Sofia speaks with an Argentinian accent although a different ethnicity could be as effective
1st Produced:
Bridge Theater/Shetler Studios 244 West 55th Street, NY
25 Jul 2015
Organisations:
Blue Pearl Theatrics
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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 (part of ActSense)
Parts:
Male: - Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageParting Company
The financial world of Victor Maxx is crumbling and he and his petulant wife, Marcelle, have even made a suicide pact. As the play opens they are returning to their luxurious apartment where she has organized a final party, a symbolic farewell, for her family and friends. Everyone there, including relatives, neighbors, and art dealers are corrupt and conniving. The only voice of reason is Louis, Victor's wise older brother who anticipates what will and will not happen. Typically for the Victor and Marcelle, not even their suicide pact is trustworthy!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
June Havoc Theatre, 312 West 36th Street, 1St Floor, New York, NY 10018
01 Jul 2012
Organisations:
Midtown International Theatre Festival (13th Season)
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Dark comedy (30 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageRescue the Perishing
Rescue the Perishing is an historical feminist drama about the struggle for women's rights in 1910. Set in New York City, it focuses upon the elderly Sarah Bird, "Mother of the Bowery," and her blind contemporary, Fannie Crosby, composer of thousands of hymns. For many years they preside in Manhattan's still extant Bowery Mission. Both eventually realize that it is the women and children who are most in need. They are truly "the perishing" and they will have to do even more than pray for them. They will have to fight!
Notes:
Running time: one half hour. Our sets featured historical photographs of the Bowery Mission and New York City in 1910.
1st Produced:
Hudson Guild Theater, 441 West 26th Street, New York, N.Y.
16 Aug 2016
Organisations:
Thespis Theater Festival
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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:
Historical drama
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageThy Neighbor!
While anticipating their wedding which is to take place next week, Mike and Amy, a young couple in a small American town, spend a few final days in their apartment. Next door their new neighbor, Marilyn, and her young daughter, Lori, have just moved in. Marilyn is a flirtatious woman of mystery who keeps dropping in to use their computer. They soon discover she is a poet-writing prostitute who shamefully neglects her child. Amy is especially worried about this little girl and, as she leaves their apartment, she leaves Lori a meaningful memento.
Notes:
This play was advanced to "Wild Night" by the Strawberry One-Act Festival. Six months later it was given a full production by the St. Jean's Players, (winner of the OOBR), 173 East 75th Street, NYC.
1st Produced:
Hudson Guild, 441 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10035
01 Jul 2011
Organisations:
The Riant Theatre, The Strawberry One-Act Festival
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama (30 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageTo Buttzville and Beyond
Chris, a privileged young New Yorker falsely accused of sexual harassment at the college where he taught, decides to relocate in rural Pennsylvania. His overbearing Father refers to his new location as "an idiot Siberia" and constantly pressures his son to return to Manhattan. In his new surroundings Chris meets several funny, lovable, and memorable characters. One is a photographer who secretly photographs the Amish as he fantasizes about one of their young girls. Chris finally realizes that although he cannot fit into such a different culture, he loves central Pennsylvania which has become, in every sense, "his higher ground." Van Dirk Fisher, founder and Artistic Director of The Riant Theatre (Strawberry Festival Theatre), NYC: "It's a delightful play." Nicole Donje, founder of The Artists' Playground Theatre, NYC: ". . .the writing is good. . .this situation was wonderfully drawn."
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Organisations:
The Riant Theatre, The Strawberry Theatre Festival
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama/Comedy (90 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageTwenty-Twenty
The significance of one small object, the token gift of a pair of earrings, produces a life-changing legacy. Married almost twenty years, Nathalie is a young widow mourning the recent death of her husband. While confiding in her protective neighbor, Annie, she sorts his belongings and reminisces. It is with the repair of her husband's watch that she makes a startling discovery and realizes that her life can never be the same.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Lambs (New York's oldest professional theatre club) 3 West 51st Street, New York, N.Y.
12 Apr 2016
Organisations:
Lark Productions
1st Published:
"More Plays from New York", AuthorHouse (14 Mar. 2018)
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:
drama
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageVisiting Hours
In New York, where she is confined to her apartment after a car accident, Aunt Martha finally succeeds in locating and contacting her nephew, Jack, who lives in San Diego. They had been separated for twenty years by Jack's cruel and unstable mother, Estella. Jack gradually reveals to his aunt that he is gay, HIV positive, and terminally ill with ALS. Since both must remain in their apartments they communicate only by telephone and skype but soon discover that they have much in common and are "kindred spirits." Kelly Karavites, actor SAG-AFTRA, NYC: ". . .a superb play, I was really touched by the story. . .very beautifully written."
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
Roy Arias Studios & theatres
300 West 43rd Street, 5th floor, New York, NY 10036 11 Apr 2012
300 West 43rd Street, 5th floor, New York, NY 10036 11 Apr 2012
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama (90 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageWhile You Were Out. . .
The old Jewish saying "a mother is as happy as her least happy child" applies to Beatrice Anderman, a nurturing, kindhearted professor of psychology at a small college in Manhattan. Bea is middle-aged and is intimidated by the new age of technology. As a result she treasures old fashioned office supplies including note pads inscribed: "While You Were Out. . ." Because Bea grieves over her drug-addicted son, Simon, who is in rehab in Texas, she starts to escape into other-worldly pursuits such as ESP, astrology, parapsychology, and spiritualism. This leads to irrational advice which she dispenses to one of her students with disastrous results. Stan, Bea's sensible and supportive husband, is very worried about her and fears she will go off the deep end. When Bea learns that Simon is finally drug free and returning home, she is overjoyed and dramatically rejects her previous behavior. Stan realizes that Bea has returned and her unfortunate phase had occurred "while she was out."
Notes:
This play was first given a staged reading by Planet Connections, June, 2013, at the Gene Frankel Theatre, 24 Bond Street, NYC.
1st Produced:
Grand Theatre, 358 West 44th Street, NYC
24 Oct 2013
Organisations:
Love Creek Productions, NYC
1st Published:
Jeanne Chenault Porter, New Plays From New York, 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:
Drama (90 minutes)
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 5 Other: 3 minor female
Further Reference:
-
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