The Playwrights Database
JACK SHARKEY (1931 - 1992)
Nationality: USAemail: n/a Website: n/a
Literary Agent: n/a
Jack Sharkey was born on May 6, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois. He began writing when he was 10 years old. He graduated from college with a BA in the Creative Writing Field of the English Major. After that, he taught school for two years from 1953 to 1955. In mid 1955, Jack enlisted in the Army. He served at Sandia Base, New Mexico as a Special Services worker. He wrote, produced, and directed one show per month for the Enlisted Men's Club. After the Army, he worked as a copywriter for Sears, Roebuck and Company from 1957 to 1958. In 1958, Jack went to New York to begin a full-time freelance writing career. He wrote Science Fiction stories and novels, humor articles, and mystery novels. Jack wrote his first stage comedy in 1965. Soon afterwards, he went exclusively into playwriting which he continued until a few months before his death. He has 82 published plays written under his own name and four others --- Rick Abbot, Monk Ferris, Mark Chandler, and Mike Johnson. Mike Johnson wrote only stage thrillers. All the other plays are comedies and/or musicals. The plays are performed all around the world. Jack passed away on September 28, 1992 after a bout with cancer.
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below is a list of Jack Sharkey's plays - click on a Play Title for more information
100 Lunches 3½ Musketeers, The And on the Sixth Day And Then I Wrote Betsy Cinderella Meets the Wolfman Coping Creature Creeps!, The Double Exposure Dream Lover Gentleman And A Scoundrel, A Great All-American Disaster Musical, The Here Lies Jeremy Troy Hold High The Torch Honestly, Now! Hope For The Best How Green Was My Brownie I Take this Man Ichabod It's Not The End Of The World, Is It? Jekyll Hydes Again Just Say Yes! Kiss Or Make Up Love With A Twist M Is For Million Meanwhile, Back On the Couch Missing Link Money, Power, Murder, Lust, Revenge Murder Room, The My Husband The Wife My Son the Astronaut Nell of the Ozarks, or, "Tobacco Island Meets Treasure Road" Not The Count Of Monte Cristo?! Oh No! A Nuclear Musical! Once is Enough One Toe In The Grave Operetta! Par for the Corpse Picture Of Dorian Gray, The Pinchpenny Phantom Of The Opera, The Pushover Rich is Better Roomies! Saloonkeeper's Daughter Saving Grace Second Lady, The Sherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra Slow Down, Sweet Chariot Sorry! Wrong Chimney! Spinoff Star on the Door Take A Number Darling Time And Time Again Together Again Turkey in the Straw Turnabout What A Spot! While the Lights Were Out Who's On First? Woman In White, The Woman Overboard! Your Flake Or Mine? Zingo!100 Lunches
Synopsis:
Successful mystery playwright Chuck Reynolds has had his plays lauded by all critics except Charity Starr. When she shows up at his home and has the unmitigated gall to ask his expert help in writing a play of her own, Chuck fiendishly insists that their teacher/pupil sessions be held over lunch with Charity footing the bill at the most expensive restaurants in New York City. Lunatic waiters provide a uniquely hilarious touch to these meetings. Love blossoms despite the scheming of Chuck's amorous neighbor. Charity's play opens on Broadway and she finds out what it's like to be a target for all her critical confreres. Non stop fun, romance, and explosive hilarity make this an ideal show for the entire family. " 100 Lunches isn't too difficult to digest. . .. Will be a favorite across the country. . .. [The Waiter] was funny, taking exaggeration to its height as seven related waiters [with] a different costume, demeanor and accent for each, adding a touch of lunacy to the menu." The Arizona Republic .
Notes:
written with Leo W Sears
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1989 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of Page3½ Musketeers, The
Synopsis:
Take three bold, brave Musketeers, toss in a brash pint-sized would-be Musketeer, add a king who's a giant chicken, blend with a thieving, conniving cardinal, and you've got the recipe for a musical meloDrama that is goofiness at a gallop. - Daily News. Here is Alexandre Dumas' greatest swashbuckling novel turned inside out and the result is sheer musical hilarity. Darth Canyon, a country lad, dreams of becoming a King's Musketeer. In Paris, he joins up with three of the best: Armistice, Pothole and Applesauce. Because Darth Canyon is very short they decide to be known as The 3 ½ Musketeers. Soon Darth Canyon is smitten with one of the Queen's handmaidens, the lovely Custard (she's sweet and always running). The Musketeers find themselves smack in the middle of a wild plot concocted by the evil Minister of State, Richelieu, and his number one spy, the devastatingly beautiful (and wicked) Countess De Whimper.
Notes:
Book by Tim Kelly. Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Bakers Plays, Boston, MA, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 14 Female: 8 Other: chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageAnd on the Sixth Day
Synopsis:
This musicalization of the Bible from creation to the nativity is a reverent, a light hearted romp. Satan employs increasingly ludicrous efforts to upset God's plan for mankind-- only to find he's making people turn to God even more fervently. The verbal battles between God and Satan are theologically sound and hilarious. Here are Adam and Eve, Abraham, Samson and Delilah, David and Bathsheba, Noah and many more in an inspirational and entertaining show that is suitable for year round productions and ideal at Christmas. Musical numbers include Satan urging the lions to devour Daniel and a quartet in barbershop harmony during Samson's shearing.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1982
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1984 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical Drama Musical
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 5 Other: or more
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageAnd Then I Wrote
Synopsis:
a producer, his secretary and associates try to re-write an epic Drama by a neophyte playwright into a broad farce
Notes:
written with Mel Buttorff
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1984 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageBetsy
Synopsis:
A musical about Betsy Ross and how she came to sew America's first flag.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1975
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageCinderella Meets the Wolfman
Synopsis:
Cinderella encounters a Prince who has inherited "The Charming Curse" and becomes a wolf every full moon. Igor, hired by King and Queen Charming to keep an eye on their son, a movie star who's come to attend the royal wedding (which will occur if Prince Charming can take a bride without devouring her), and a gypsy who can get a fortune for a genuine stuffed werewolf (she's got a silver bullet) add to the hilarity. This romp through sweet romance and bloodcurdling terror is fun for audiences of all ages
Notes:
Book by Tim Kelly. Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 9 Female: 14 Other: (doubling possible), optional chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageCoping
Synopsis:
How do you cope with a nuclear power plant in your neighborhood? With your daughter bringing home swains whose purple hair doesn't quite hide their earrings? With fickle lovers-- your husband's Other Woman-- sojourns in the hospital-- early retirement-- a fiance whose hobby is stealing cars-- in fact, with just about any problem one has to face? This hilariously informative and Machiavellianly educational shows that absolutely nothing that occurs in life cannot be summarily and rather delightfully dealt with. Only three players, minimal props, and no set at all, and guaranteed to keep audiences howling with glee from opening curtain to riotous finale.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1987
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Theatre Musical revue
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 2 Other: pianist
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageCreature Creeps!, The
Synopsis:
This hilarious send up of the horror story genre has an ancient castle, creaking doors, a mad scientist, his misshapen assistant, a grim housekeeper, secret laboratory, shrieks from the depths of the cellar, disappearing villagers, an incredibly stalwart and stupid hero of sterling character, the scientist's absolutely dopey daughter, and so many laughs you'll lose count. The setting (designed for both proscenium and in the round performances) is the parlor of Castle Von Blitzen in the Carpathian Mountains of Transylvania. Where is the Baron Von Blitzen's secret laboratory? That's what the terrified villagers would like to know and when the scientist and his assistant convert the innocent parlor into a fiend's experimental station, the ingenuity of the set provokes both laughter and applause.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1977 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 8 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageDouble Exposure
Synopsis:
About the Bronte family focusing on weak and neurotic Branwell, his infatuation over a married woman who - he has convinced himself - returns his love. Also the intricate and tormented relationship of the unforgettable family are set and studied. Charlotte tries to make Branwell face reality but he prefers to retain his illusions. And when Charlotte leaves him on a mission not unconnected with what has passed between them, he seeks comfort in the stronger arms of his sister, Emily, whether she is willing or not.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
New York 1978
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageDream Lover
Synopsis:
Who cracked up Moose's Maserati? Why is his business associate the judge at his trial? Did Doreen really make hubby's sloppy Joes out of Alpo? Who's going to do the commercials for Superjock Toiletries? And why is Moose's wife letting GAlan Del Suefio go mad with amore while pro footballer hubby is in the room? Is any of this happening or is Emily ready for the funny farm? When "football widow" Emily daydreams herself an attentive Latin lover, lover boy decides it's more fun being real and no harried housewife ever found herself in a funnier fix. Audiences howl as the frantic fullback tries to fend off a figment of his wife's imagination before the figment carries her into the end zone.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1977 -
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:
Fantasy Farce
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageGentleman And A Scoundrel, A
Synopsis:
An underpaid worker hires himself in disguise as his own assistant to increase his income. His sweetheart falls for his phony self and he becomes his own rival. "Side splitting." Lerner Voice. "A comedy with the accent on fun." Beacon News. "Delightful . . . lighthearted, fast paced quality entertainment." Daily Chronicle.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
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
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageGreat All-American Disaster Musical, The
Synopsis:
Film producer Junior Dover(Jr.) hasn't made a picture since his last flop, Zombies of the Stratosphere. But his latest project has everything, "from earthquakes to savage lobsters." Junior induces every major Hollywood star, a few has-beens, and even a maybe, to appear by tailoring separate scripts to meet each star's personal requirements. Each star assumes he or she "is" the whole picture, with the other Greats relegated to supporting roles. How Junior manages to stay one jump ahead of disaster makes this play a champion laugh-getter.
Notes:
Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey, book by Tim Kelly
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Bakers Plays, Boston, MA, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Booksellers:
Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 6 Other: extras, optional chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageHere Lies Jeremy Troy
Synopsis:
A lawyer who is up for a partnership is visited by a school chum who lives by sponging off classmates. He blackmails the lawyer into putting him up on the very night the boss is coming for dinner whereupon the wife leaves. The sponger discovers that the lawyer's degree is a fraud. A model is hired to play the wife's, a dumb beauty whose attempts to help backfire. More trouble erupts when the wife returns. Fortunately the boss thinks such a devious man would make a good lawyer!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1969 -
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:
Farce
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageHold High The Torch
Synopsis:
The 1984 Los Angeles Olympic games are revisited in this hilarious musical.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
unproduced 1984
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
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageHonestly, Now!
Synopsis:
The premiere of this wacky expose of slick criminals on the French Rivera drew unanimous raves throughout Southern California. "Hilarious comedy blends expertly . . . surprises and complications at high speed." Register. "Crackles with wit." Anaheim Bulletin. "The most outlandish complications . . . [are] carried off with flourish. . .. It becomes the thoroughly enjoyable task of the audience to find out which players are really the jewel thieves. The plot cannot be divulged without seriously robbing the playgoer of the fun of figuring out who is who and what they're up to. . .. A fun evening." Daily Pilot.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1981 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Booksellers:
Genre:
Crime Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageHope For The Best
Synopsis:
"Haute Couturiere" Hope Chapman and her pessimistic assistant. Deslie, are about to file bankruptcy for their business when a great opportunity comes by. Can they turn a millionaire's daughter from ugly duckling to swan in three days, to attract the attention of rich Gregory Tarlton? But daughter Angela, is a real project-- almost irretrievably unattractive, totally wrapped up in her hobby, fish survival, and madly in love with the family butler. Then Gregory mistakes Hope for Angela and, Hope not realizing who he is, they fall madly in love with one another. But Gregory and Angela are set for a mutually unwanted marriage-- and everybody else is equally unhappy. Complications mount until finally true love unites the proper parties-- at least they hope it's proper-- because everybody may be related to everybody else! Some twenty hilarious and/or romantic musical numbers add to your audience's enjoyment.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1976
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Booksellers:
Genre:
Musical Farce Comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageHow Green Was My Brownie
Synopsis:
madness is loose in this jolly jaunt through a superstition ridden environs where nothing is what it seems
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
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
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 5 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageI Take this Man
Synopsis:
young woman finds unconscious man and has him taken to her apartment , he has lost his memory so she tells him they are married etc
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1991 -
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:
Farce
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageIchabod
Synopsis:
A musical version of the well-known story by Washington Irving
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
unproduced 1977
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Booksellers:
Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageIt's Not The End Of The World, Is It?
Synopsis:
A musical comedy about a family and some of their neighbors who go to the safety a backyard atomic bomb shelter when an erroneous alarm is issued. An electrical pole falls on the entrance which not only traps them but cuts off all communication, so the shelter inhabitants assume that the attack actually took place.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
unproduced 1983
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageJekyll Hydes Again
Synopsis:
This is the tale of Junior Jekyll, fresh out of medical school, who arrives to clear up his late father's estate and rediscovers Formula Number One, the dangerous potion that turned Dad into Mr. Hyde. Junior is soon ears deep in a mess-- wanted by the police, plunged into poverty, in love with the lab assistant and-- worst of all-- engaged to marry Grumby's rotund daughter Gretchen. As Hyde he encounters a saloon singer who knows the secret of Jekyll's Formula Number Two. By show's end Formula Number Three is unearthed and all ends happily for everybody except nasty old Grumby. This show is ebullient; the dialogue is priceless and the songs range from frightening to charming to hilarious.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1984
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 5 Other: (minimum), plus optional extras
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageJust Say Yes!
Needing to prove his theories work, an author of books on success through self confidence picks the world's biggest loser and makes him a winner nearly losing everything to him in the process.
Notes:
written by Jack And Tom Sharkey. Just Say Yes! was originally titled The Confidence Game when first presented at Playwright's Center in Chicago, IL. The play subsequently moved to Drury Lane South Theater in Evergreen Park, IL. The play was first presented under its new title by Just Off Broadway and the TBA Players in Kansas, City, MO.
1st Produced:
Playwright's Center in Chicago, IL (as The Confidence Game) -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, 2002 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageKiss Or Make Up
Synopsis:
Architect Morgiana Kendrick has found true love at last in the person of Hanley Swope, a city planner for whom she has designed the zoo's new crocodile house. The problem is that, to forestall incessant queries as to why she's not married, she has over the years created an imaginary husband and daughter. Now the Treasury Department, in the person of neophyte agent Barney Benson, is investigating why her husband has not paid taxes. Morgy cons a Casey, a neighbor, into posing as her daughter for Hanely's visit, but Casey's fiance shows up to announce their engagement and she tries to palm off Barney as her visiting brother. A policeman arrives to investigate a peeping tom report thanks to Barney's inept surveillance as all are attacked by parasitic crocodile crabs just when the fiance's Bostonian mother shows up to meet her son's intended. This comedy of mistaken identities, federal foolishness, and desperate romance is one that will have audiences howling.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
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
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageLove With A Twist
Synopsis:
Short stories by O. Henry have never been so charmingly and hilariously staged. The Gift of the Magi, The Last Leaf, The Love Philtre of Ikey Schoenstein and The Marry Month of May are interlinked into a series of overlapping tales. Each is introduced with a mini overture of seasonal music. The finale, with all characters filling you in on what happened to them after their tales ended, is worth the price of admission. The characters are unforgettable, the dialogue is sparkling with wit, and the songs are sensational.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1986
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
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 PageM Is For Million
Synopsis:
Lenore has been living high on the income from her daughter's million dollar trust, but if Meg marries before her 25th birthday she gets the trust and Lenore will be penniless. The wedding is scheduled aboard a Mediterranean bound steamship. Complications abound as Lenore tries to stall the marriage, Meg's secret identity and additional fiances surface, a commercial spy intrudes, and a love mad Athenian is ready to marry mother or daughter. Love potions, a ship that can't decide where it's headed and other zany twists make this madhouse of activity great fun.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
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
Parts:
Male: 13 Female: 5 Other: doubling possible
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMeanwhile, Back On the Couch
Synopsis:
Psychiatrist Victor Karleen is financially pressed between the rental of his posh office apartment and his fiancee's expensive tastes. A colleague has written a best selling case history book and is now rolling in royalties. Good friend Parker Donnelly has rejected Victor's similar work because the public is tired of such things and prefers torrid fiction. Needing cash, Victor reluctantly takes on a new patient who, due to love frustration, is grinding out a rip roaring sex novel. By mistake, his nurse gives the patient's manuscript to Donnelly believing it to be Victor's work. Suddenly Victor has an enormous advance royalty check, a Book of the Month Club selection and a potential Pulitzer prize. When he discovers that it is his patient's inviolate confidences and not his clinical casebook that has saved the day, Victor determines to keep his patient crazy until he dreams up the final chapter. It's fast paced, hilarious and zany.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
French?, -
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
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMissing Link
Synopsis:
Lindy Baxter misses Lincoln Sinclair in fact she's been missing Link since World War II when he vanished in the Pacific. A fall puts her into the hands and the arms of orthopedist Simon Fletcher. They set a wedding date despite her parents misgivings and the fact that the best man and his sister, the maid of honor, are respectively in love with the bride and the groom. On the wedding's eve, Link shows up with an enormous diamond ring and a box of money as his gift for the bride who he thinks is marrying him. A reporter comes with a strange story about another vanished man and Link's mother arrives with a question about an identifying birthmark. Then a cross between an aborigine and a savage shows up and he certainly resembles the missing Link (in more ways than one)! Who's who? What's what? Will have audiences rolling in the aisles.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1978 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Romantic Comedy Comedy
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 6 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMoney, Power, Murder, Lust, Revenge
Synopsis:
The title really says it all! If you have ever laughed at all the ridiculous excesses of the prime-time soaps, you're going to laugh harder than ever as you read this show! A musicalization of Tim Kelly's Destiny!, you'll find that even the tunes are a scream in this version, and wait until you get to the trial scene, wherein Jack Sharkey has performed the highly unlikely task of putting the lyrics to the tune of FrANZ Liszt's Second Hungarian Rhapsody - with hilarious results! How plain Peggy Drabb becomes fabulous Destiny Mink and rises from poverty to fabulous wealth (and beauty!) is the plot of this failure-proof musical. Certain to please audiences and casts alike.
Notes:
Book by Tim Kelly. Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Bakers Plays, Boston, MA, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical Spoof Musical
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 8 Other: large chorus may be added
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMurder Room, The
Synopsis:
When this zany spoof of British mysteries opened in Sydney, Australia, reviewers spouted phrases like "a great vehicle for three ladies," "a plethora of hilarious situations," and "this is a romp!" "Really a minor gem . . . witty and sophisticated." Newcastle Morning Herald. "Murder has never been this funny. A spoof of all crime thrillers . . . it is good clean mirth all the way. The quick, smart, extremely well timed dialogue of Jack Sharkey comes through loud and clear [with] never a dull moment." Times. "There are secret chambers, secret panels and trap lids galore. They're all operated by the most ridiculous contrivances and gloriously mucked up. . .. A high, mad meloDrama." Frank Harris. "Delightful . . . constant humor. . .. A good mixture of Agatha Christie, Monty Python, and Abbot and Costello!" Canon, Memphis.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1977 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Mystery farce Mystery
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMy Husband The Wife
Synopsis:
When a staid attorney falls in love with a wacky younger man, little does she realize that this could lead to something drastic marriage. He promises connubial equality, but what does equality mean? He goes from med student to house husband to his own career while she puts in 16 hour days at the office. They may be equal, but who has time to notice? Eventually, she thinks his late nights involve another woman and she starts singing a different tune.
Notes:
Book by Ira Rubin And Brady Rubin. Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1982
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageMy Son the Astronaut
Synopsis:
This wacky musical is about one George Kipple, whom his archetypal Jewish Mother likes to refer to as a "professional failure". George has never succeeded in anything; but he finally achieves success when he inadvertently becomes an astronaut to Mars, where he defeats the Red Nemesis (a monster who is decimating the Martians), gets the girl (his Earth sweetheart Miriam) and becomes a financial success to boot. Fans of Jack Sharkey are sure to love this show.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1982 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical Comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: 6 m. supporting roles, chorus and one monster
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageNell of the Ozarks, or, "Tobacco Island Meets Treasure Road"
Synopsis:
Nell knows where Grandpa Ninny hid a pirate treasure. Seventeenth century pirates, nineteenth century mountain dwellers and a modern day I.R.S. agent make hilarious attempts to get her to reveal its whereabouts in this zany audience pleaser that is full of hand clapping show stoppers. The finale, which combines a hideous fate for the prime villain and the triumph of true love will have your audience on its feet cheering with delight. Toe tappingly tuneful and very, very humorous, this is excellent comic entertainment for the entire family.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Published, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Community Play
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 4 Other: plus chorus of 3 m., 3 f
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageNot The Count Of Monte Cristo?!
Synopsis:
Three ragtag actors trying to stage a musical version of The Count of Monte Cristo despite limited sets, funds and costumes provide music hall tomfoolery at its best. "Crammed with ridiculous dialogue, absurd situations and a virtual midway of musical styles. . .. The audience booed, hissed and applauded happily.'-- Calgary Herald, Canada. "The silliness is endearing. . .. Corny antics and slapstick characterizations . . . in a non stop comic romp which is at times hysterically funny. . .. No opportunity for humor has been overlooked. . .. You're in for a night peppered with spontaneous applause and raucous laughter."-- Calgary Sunday Sun.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1977
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageOh No! A Nuclear Musical!
Synopsis:
-
Notes:
Book, music And lyrics by Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
- -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageOnce is Enough
Synopsis:
Authoress Erika Linden is writing a manual on man snatching. Erika's secretary, unwilling to expose her fiance to Erika's charms, finds substitute Brian Merrick to aid Erika in her research. Brian is actually from Immigration, sent to check up on would be American Erika's character. Erika finds she's falling in love with Brian but she is too honorable to snatch him away from his supposed fiancee. Her dilemma and gloom prevent her from finishing the book her publisher is anxiously awaiting. This truly delightful romantic comedy was written especially for Elke Sommer.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1977 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageOne Toe In The Grave
Synopsis:
Jason Kingsley is treasurer of a billion dollar patent medicine corporation that requires its officers to be married. Jason claims his wife has a rare disease that prevents her from entertaining or attending corporate functions. A cure is accidently discovered in one of the company's patent medicines and Jason's ecstatic boss is arriving any minute with the company doctor to administer the cure and then bask in the publicity. Jason, however, doesn't really have a wife so he cons his fiancee Nicki into pretending to be the invalid. Other impostors appear: friend Poopsie Magruder who initially refused shows up anyhow and Vonga the Jungle Girl was pressed into service by the helpful housekeeper. The cure involves a two inch needle in the armpit and it develops that the disease is contagious, which only complicates the hilarity.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageOperetta!
Synopsis:
This tuneful show is part nostalgic tribute, and part hilarious send up, of that quaint musical form of yesteryear, the operetta. Every convention of the genre is used, just slightly askew. We heartily recommend this show to all those who love operettas and to all those who hate them.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1978
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 4 Other: chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PagePar for the Corpse
Synopsis:
When novelist Alexandra Ellis throws a party at her Catskills retreat, no one expects a blizzard or a killer. One of the stranded guests is poisoned and the others try to figure out who did it and how. They are baffled until one of them thinks of a ruse to reveal the killer, but he is stabbed before the unmasking. Everyone --- even the hostess --- is a suspect and a number of murky motives emerge during the night's strange events. Just when another guest thinks he knows the culprit, there's another murder his suspect couldn't possibly be responsible for! There are plenty of laughs and shrieks of terror. No one will guess the shocker of a surprise ending!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1980 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Homicidal Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 6 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PagePicture Of Dorian Gray, The
Synopsis:
The author of Look Back in Anger, Inadmissible Evidence and The Entertainer has created a brilliant Dramatization of this classic about a man who retains his youth while the decay of advancing years and moral corruption appears on a portrait painted by one of his lovers. "Osborne has done much more than a scissors and paste job on Wilde's famous story. He has . . . created a sense of evil through implication." Guardian. "John Osborne . . . has found in Oscar Wilde's macabre morality a velveted barouche for his own favorite themes [and he] conveys the fabulous story['s] . . . fascination." Daily Telegraph.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1980
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 11 Female: 4 Other: extras
Further Reference:
-
Top of PagePinchpenny Phantom Of The Opera, The
Synopsis:
Gaston, proprietor and star tenor of a tacky opera house, can only afford a chorus of two (Pristine and Bubby) and one guest soprano per opera. The guest sopranos keep succumbing to ghastly fates such as strangulation, electrocution, enraged bulls, banana peelings underfoot, poison fleas, falling chandeliers and hypothermia. Why? Because unscrupulous Airwick (Phantom of the Opera) wants Pristine to star-- and at the rate he bumps off her rivals, she'll soon be the only soprano in grand opera! This hilarious melange of crazed desire, gruesome death and bone headed ambition-- done with only four players on a single set -- is a romp for audiences and players alike.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1988
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical Mystery Musical
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PagePushover
Synopsis:
This unusual musical tells the story of Samson with reverence for biblical facts, yet with an eye to the wryly incongruous behavior of its hero-- and his impact upon the young Israelites who look up to him, despite his casual approach to his vows. Musical styling will surprise and delight you, ranging as it does from waltz to beguine to ragtime, perfectly suited to the widely varying moods of the plot. The much reprised and hilarious "Sincerity Rag" will start your audiences' feet tapping.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Ken Easton
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical One Act
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 3 Other: chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageRich is Better
Synopsis:
Nona is unaware that her husband Gino owns the company for which she does telephone sales he posed as a laborer during their courtship, fearful of being married for his money, and has yet to explain. When Gino's secretary Pam shows up with papers he forgot to sign, he introduces her as a co worker seeking advice on a romantic problem. Generous Nona insists Pam bring her lover to dinner. Pam cons her chiropodist into coming on what he thinks is a house call. By the time the disastrous dinner party occurs, Nona's misguided gossip has caused a strike she wonders why Gino won't join the picket lines and Gino inadvertently gives Nona the impression that Pam is his big romance. This comedy was written for Kaye Ballard.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1977 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageRoomies!
Synopsis:
Hal Mastik, a masseur on the brink of marriage to emerald mine heiress Miranda Kerwyn, learns to his horror that his college roommate Zenobia Poindexter is dropping by. Though their relationship had been innocent she had everything a man could want: muscles, a moustache, and a dueling scar, a post grad hormone treatment has made her a knockout. He cons jockey Bert Pandangus into dressing as a girl to pose as Miranda during Zenobia's visit except that Miranda meets Bert first and Hal has to introduce Miranda to the real Zenobia each woman believing the other one is "Hal's sister Gretchen" while a supposed "Mastik family curse," an eerie thunderstorm, and total confusion of identities creep toward a hilarious climax and cast and audience have the time of their lives. "Lighthearted full of fun confection . . . invested with wit, cleverness and imagination . . . nutty as a Marx Brothers movie. . . . Comedy of a high order." Jeffersonian, Md.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
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:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSaloonkeeper's Daughter
Synopsis:
Your delighted audience will have ample opportunity to cheer, hiss and boo-- all to musical cues-- in this romp through meloDrama land with include Mannly Rasch (villain), Red White (the saloonkeeper), Lily (his daughter), Parson Kindly and his daughter Charity, saloon girls Cinnamon, Sally and Molly, prospector Grimes, Seedy Shlepper (Manly's stooge) and, of course, hero Rusty Witts (stalwart, but stupid). The insane plot, 19 delightful musical numbers, asides to the audience and the hilarious comeuppance of the villain make this show a classic.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Resier
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, 1982 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical meloDrama Musical
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 6 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSaving Grace
Synopsis:
This zany tale of a warmhearted girl who mistakes a telephone repairman for a burglar, tries to convert him from his life of crime, and ends up having to pretend he's her husband, dismaying her strait laced sister's evangelist fiance, had critics and audiences cheering both at the Maryland and the Chicago premier productions. "Consistently fast moving . . . [and] witty." Baltimore News American. "A light as a feather, smooth as silk comedy with not so much as a smidgeon of smut. . .. Delightful." Jeffersonian, Towson, Md. "A light, fun night out to forget your troubles and laugh." Inside. "Smash hit . . . delightfully lighthearted play, all fun and games, perfect theatre fare." Downers Grove Reporter.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1976 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Romantic Comedy Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSecond Lady, The
Synopsis:
Thanks to an idiotic childhood promise, Presidential candidate Andrew Wright is engaged to Bertha Desiree Sprock a lady as lovely as her name. His unscrupulous campaign manager convinces Bertha she is the target of assassins and he cajoles Veronica Parkhurst, an absolute doll, to stand in for Bertha at the convention. Veronica so captivates the delegates that they want her as Andrew's running mate and Andrew and Veronica fall in love. Will Bertha spill the beans and destroy Andrew's career if he doesn't marry her? What is the codeword that causes the Secret Service to blast anyone who leaves the hotel suite? Why would the Queen of England audition for the Dallas cheerleaders? Where do you find a hotel chef who can provide hemlock? This is one of the most hyperactive political satires ever to romp across a stage.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1983 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 4 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSherlock Holmes and the Giant Rat of Sumatra
Synopsis:
Suggested by the writings of Arthur Conan Doyle. This mirthful adventure involving Mata Hari, Jack the Ripper, Queen Victoria, beautiful Lady Fitzroy, Mrs. Hudson, Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard and of course, evil Professor Moriarty is the only tale Dr. Watson did not write down. A jeweled dagger, miniaturization chamber, opium den, immobilizing gas and a hideous idol are part of the merriment, as the Victorian spoof moves from the London docks to Regent's Park. The score is filled with show stoppers, the lyrics are hilarious, the roles are great fun and the production requirements are minimal. Adaptable to arena staging.
Notes:
Book by Tim Kelly. Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Published, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical mystery Musical
Parts:
Male: 7 Female: 8 Other: chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSlow Down, Sweet Chariot
Synopsis:
When Kitty Shannon dies, she refuses to accompany her guardian angel to heaven when she learns daughter Joan's fiance Norman Gorman is a scheming swindler in love with another woman. Songs range from the wildly funny one wherein Kitty and Joan lament they can't stand half of the invited wedding guests to a lilting romantic number wherein Joan and the man she should be marrying pretend they really don't love one another to a poignant one when Kitty finally must bid goodbye to her daughter. Audience laugh through their tears during this heart warming show with a lively and lovely score, startling special effects and zany plot.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1979
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, 1982 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical Comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 7 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSorry! Wrong Chimney!
David Tuttle is moonlighting as a department store Santa so that he can buy his wife a fur for Christmas. He tells her he's working late at the office, but she finds out he isn't at the office. A suspected other woman, hypnotism, the notorious Santa burglar Kris Kreigle and his gun toting fiancee, and a confused policeman add up to a rollicking tale that is hilarious Christmas or anytime entertainment. "A lighthearted Christmas tale full of mistaken identities and zany foul ups, with a smattering of slapstick. . . What you see is what you get: A couple of hours of uncomplicated laughter and fun." Phoenix Gazette. "Hilarious." Glendale Star.
Notes:
written with Leo W Sears
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1990 978-0573691867
Music:
-
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Genre:
Yuletide farce Farce
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageSpinoff
Synopsis:
Peter Colton, a bank official, unwittingly comes home with the loot from a bank robbery masterminded by Willy Nicholas, his superior at the bank. Willy, frantic to retrieve the money, enlists Peter's services to help him find it, with the help of Victoria Wickey, Peter's secretary. Meantime, Laurel Colton, Peter's daughter, has found the loot and erroneously supposes it is her father who has robbed the bank, so she enlists the aid of her boy friend Carlos Ortega, whose uncle is a retired forger of passports, to help her father flee the country. But the arrival of Sheila Mahoney, a travel agent who is helping Peter plan a surprise vacation to Rio for Laurel, complicates matters even further, since thanks to another plot afoot she thinks Victoria is married to Willy and planning a honeymoon in Rio for the two of them. By the time Victoria shows up with Peter's and Laurel's passports for the surprise vacation, Willy shows up with his and Victoria's passports for a quick escape, and Carlos shows up with a pair of forged passports to help Laurel and Peter escape, everybody is in an ungodly mess, the police may close in any minute, all concerned are fearfully mistaken about everyone else's motives and loyalties, and doom and shame and prison stare them all in the face.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1974 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageStar on the Door
Synopsis:
Cinema legend Doreen Lewis, nervously about to make her Broadway debut opposite her ardent admirer Paul Burnside, intercepts a phone call for her dresser who is secretly wed to Doreen's son confirming that "Mrs. Lewis" is pregnant. Doreen is shocked to learn of "her" condition and decides the likely father is Paul he's never laid a hand on her, but she does tend to be forgetful!. Thinking Paul wants her ousted from the show via her contract's morals clause, she vengefully wears her mink on stage knowing Paul's fur allergy will reduce his dialogue to sneezes. The producer, a shrieking neurasthenic who fears his backer Nunzio will machine gun his knees if the show flops, is terrified, and the Bavarian playwright is reduced to sobbing uncontrollably as his beautiful play goes "to the dogs." A loony resolution caps this evening of non stop guffaws.
Notes:
written with Leo W Sears
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1992 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageTake A Number Darling
Synopsis:
Since concert pianist Duncan Latimer and wife, Ellen, famous soap opera star, lead impeccable lives their P.R. lady has no qualms over having a reporter from a scandal magazine interview them. But just before he arrives, so does Duncan's old Navy buddy and Ellen's former lover from her literally messy past and so does an extra wife Duncan forgot to tell anyone about. It's crazy and comical confusion all the way. "A work of imagination, enthusiasm and happiness [that} . . . continues Sharkey's tradition of clean, funny plays." Lerner Voice Newspapers. "The maximum of laughs and chaos . . . tears of joy and laughter. . .. Heartily and wholeheartedly recommended." The News. "An evening of zany fun . . . brings down the house." Orange County News Post. "Fun and laughter . . . frenetic, high energy comedy . . . sometimes subtle, sometimes shocking . . . slapstick, slip of the lip and close calls . . .non stop humor." Saddleback Valley News.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Comedy
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
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Top of PageTime And Time Again
Synopsis:
It's a blast from the past when young composer Vic Ames finds himself hurtling back in time to the Eisenhower years! Everything is a problem for Vic, who is considered "weird" by the bobbysox crowd. Luckily, he's befriended by Electra, a self-proclaimed "eccentric." Together they manage to get Vic's parents together. Vic's conservative dad turns out to be a beatnik in his youth! They sidetrack Marlon Van Brut and his Wild Ones motorcycle gang and shake up the faculty and student body--but good. The empty stage is the basic set and the script has been written for easy-to-manage rehearsals. The sensational songs are pure dynamite: "Listen to the Beat," "Catch My Dust," Sweet Sixteen Turned Sour," "Ponytails," "All Rootie." If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing, upbeat, absolute joy of a musical comedy, go for this one.
Notes:
Book by Tim Kelly, Music And lyrics by Bill Francoeur And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Published, -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Musical about 90 min
Parts:
Male: 7 Female: 14 Other: plus extras and chorus
Further Reference:
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Top of PageTogether Again
This is a love story that spans the years of a troubling and stormy relationship. This play offers a fascinating glimpse of the trials, trivialities, and triumphs of love without compromise. You'll laugh and cry as these lovers win their way into your heart. You may even recognize someone you love in Together Again. Together Again spans a touching and stormy relationship through three reunions. When Chrissie and Joe meet, something both dreadful and wonderful occurs. The story begins in the apartment of an aspiring young actress. Chrissie, an acting student, is about to host her acting class fi fth reunion, when her hero, Joe, a rising young Hollywood star, arrives an hour too soon. Ten years later, at the fi fteenth reunion party, Chrissie is still studying Drama, while Joe has won an Academy Award. The third reunion, ten years later, finds them together yet again in the hours before the reunion party. She is now a successful stage actress, he a recovering alcoholic. Together Again is a romantic comedy that offers a fascinating glimpse of the trials, trivialities, and triumphs of love without compromise.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc 978-0573700118
Music:
-
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Genre:
romantic comedy
Parts:
Male: 1 Female: 1 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageTurkey in the Straw
Synopsis:
How can a trapped troupe of performers on the straw hat circuit salvage a Broadway bound turkey without the producer author discovering they're changing the show behind his back? And how will the lovelorn set painter make the egotistic leading man fall for her? He has a passion for his co star, a movie queen, he finagled into the show without the producer's knowledge. And how can a heavy handed "message" musical about tolerance and love for aliens from other planets be turned into a smash hit in the show with in the show? A bright, tuneful show you'll enjoy doing with sprightly dialogue and lyrics.
Notes:
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1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, 1979 -
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:
Musical Comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 9 Female: 7 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageTurnabout
Synopsis:
Based on The Book of Esther, Turnabout is a lyrically hilarious tale incorporating the world's first recorded beauty contest and lots of plotting, counter plotting and treachery. Dealing reverently with good guys and irreverently with the bad guys, it offers an entertaining evening that demonstrates the futility of all plotters who dare to scheme against the chosen of God. How Esther is selected as Queen, foils the villain and saves her people from destruction makes for an inspiring and uproarious theatrical event.
Notes:
Book, Music And Lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Ken Easton
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Published, -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical One Act
Parts:
Male: 6 Female: 2 Other: large chorus
Further Reference:
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Top of PageWhat A Spot!
Synopsis:
Take Robinson Crusoe, his friend Friday, an amorous gorilla named Lolita, and two lovely kootch dancers named Ginny and Denise who pretend to be shipwrecked society ladies. Join the castaways on "Stupid Island." Good, clean fun with a double dose of zaniness and mixups and wild special effects. Topnotch music and lyrics. All accompaniment provided entirely by piano and one economical, simple set. Excellent for dinner theatres-- community and school groups too.
Notes:
Book, Music And lyrics by Jack Sharkey And Dave Reiser
1st Produced:
- 1975
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, 1976 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Dinner theatre play with music
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: 1 alt
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageWhile the Lights Were Out
Synopsis:
A Thunderstorm! The lights go out! An agonized voice! A pistol shot! The lights come up! A blonde in black lace stands over the dead man holding a bloody dagger! The detective examines the body and announces "He's been strangled! This is but the opening of one of the most astounding and hilarious murder mysteries ever staged. Every clue is a lulu and the plot twists furiously. The final solution involves the most bizarre motive ever conceived! The delightful evening of mayhem gallops madly about the stage and will leave your audience breathless with surprise and laughter. The mystery is topnotch, the character marvelous and the comedy explosive!
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1988 -
Music:
-
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Genre:
Murder farce
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 9 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageWho's On First?
Synopsis:
Take a husband, wife, lover and friend, add a strange lamp, a gun and a rubber chicken plus a party that begins at 8 p.m., then again at 8 p.m. and then again at 8 p.m. and you have this nightmare comedy." Four people find themselves reliving one horrible hour over and over as themselves, as Japanese, as British aristocrats, as gangsters, and almost anything else you can think of. Camille is giving the party. Don shows up in a jealous funk about his wife, Alice, whom he suspects of seeing another man. When Alice and Ben have arrived, it turns out their relationship is innocent. But by the time Don realizes this he has already shot Ben, Alice and even Camille. Camille wishes that things might have turned out differently and that is what happens. All concerned find themselves back at the party's beginning again and again doomed to live that same hour over and over again until they get it right. Is it all an accident? Or is their dilemma part of someone's fiendish plan? A labyrinth of hilarity exits to a shocker of an ending.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1975 -
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:
Nightmar Comedy
Parts:
Male: 2 Female: 2 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageWoman In White, The
Synopsis:
Sub titled "A Cautionary Chronicle of Monstrous Evil and Black hearted Villainy in Song & Dance", this is a loony musical spoof of Wilkie Collins' grim Gothic novel. Amid murder, madness, betrayal and vile deeds, the music is merry. There are even two fiendish murders set to music! The central character, villainous Sir Percival Glyde, and his cohort in crime Countess Fosco (Proprietor of a madhouse) are two of the vilest-- and funniest-- foul fiends ever set to toe tapping music.
Notes:
written by Tim Kelly And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
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
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Genre:
Musical
Parts:
Male: 4 Female: 8 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageWoman Overboard!
Synopsis:
Contented housewife Peggy Tremayne, taking a Caribbean cruise under the name of her swinging sister in law, begins to live up to her alias's reputation. She nearly wrecks her happy marriage as she tries to promote a romance between her niece and a stuffy archaeologist. A guaranteed fun evening for audience and cast with its hilarious mixture of music and madcap machinations and romantic complications.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1975
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, NY, 1982 -
Music:
-
To Buy This Play:
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Genre:
Musical comedy Musical
Parts:
Male: 5 Female: 4 Other: chorus
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageYour Flake Or Mine?
Synopsis:
Tony Dawson, a greeting card writer, has lost his wife Margo because he talks in couplets on the wrong occasions. She plans to marry her boss, a breakfast food tycoon. Tony, in a last ditch attempt to win her back, offers to throw a no hard feelings engagement party. His plans are complicated by the arrival of a friend who is a perpetual student, the nightclub singer for whom he is writing special material, and his editor who stops by just before the party to collect his monthly greeting card output. Irv is wearing a towel on his way to the shower, Coral gets her dress ripped off, and the editor in the go go outfit is stashed in the closet which Tony pretends is a darkroom. Add to this a nightclub full of midget waiters, a ghastly television show on which Tony accidentally pans Saga more's breakfast cereal, and all manner of people being shoved behind screens, out into halls, into closets and shower stalls and you have one of the wackiest farces ever seen on a stage.
Notes:
-
1st Produced:
- -
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Samuel French, Inc, 1982 -
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:
Farce
Parts:
Male: 3 Female: 3 Other: -
Further Reference:
-
Top of PageZingo!
Synopsis:
Take two rival soda companies, Zingo and Whang, add Zingo's top secret flavor formula, Culture K, stir in the unscrupulously villainous head of the Whang corporation, sprinkle Zingo's headquarters with countless spies working for Whang, blend with an early morning pajama party and a police raid, and heat all these ingredients until the explode in a climactic and catastrophic beauty pageant in Atlantic City, and top with a federal investigation by the U.S. Bureau of Narcotics, and what have you got? Only the craziest, funniest, fastest-moving musical farce offered in years and, three seconds before the final curtain, a visual gag that will leave your audience shrieking with laughter.
Notes:
written by David Reiser And Jack Sharkey
1st Produced:
- 1985
Organisations:
-
1st Published:
Bakers Plays, Boston, MA, -
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:
Musical
Parts:
Male: - Female: - Other: -
Further Reference:
-
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