December 10-11, 2021
December 10-11, 2021
Most Wonderful
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Two unemployed roommates learn the meaning of Christmas with help from a can of beans and some dental floss.
Oh, Tannenbaum
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Liebowitz feels a little weird having a Christmas tree. It's even weirder when the tree starts talking.
Last-Minute Shoppers
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
It's hard to come up with an idea for a gift.
Oy Vey Maria
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
It was supposed to be a silent night in the manger. But then Mary's mother shows up...
Uncle Charlie Sings
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Christmas is nearly ruined when Uncle Charlie sings (like a canary), spilling the beans on the one secret about Santa you never ever tell.
MOST WONDERFUL
OH, TANNENBAUM
LAST-MINUTE SHOPPERS
OY VEY MARIA
UNCLE CHARLIE SINGS
PlayZoomers holiday gift bag for you: five short, funny, and sweet plays that riff on a theme of seasonal celebrations.
Most Wonderful
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Directed by Lisa Hodsoll
AD Sydney Matuszak
With Jen Rabbitt Ring and Michael Calciano
Two unemployed roommates learn the meaning of Christmas with help from a can of beans and some dental floss.
Oh, Tannenbaum
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Rhonda Goldstein
AD Taiwo Aloba
With Joshua Secunda and Don Converse
Liebowitz feels a little weird having a Christmas tree. It's even weirder when the tree starts talking.
Last Minute Shoppers
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Patti Allis Mengers
AD Yoonie Yun
With Norm Thibeault, Mike Cohen, Gary Giurbino, and Jerzy Jung
It's hard to come up with an idea for a gift.
Oy Vey Maria
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Patti Allis Mengers
AD Yoonie Yun
With Nancy Dydak, Jerzy Jung, Morry Schorr, Norm Thibeault, Mike Cohen and Gary Giurbino
It was supposed to be a silent night in the manger. But then Mary's mother shows up...
Uncle Charlie Sings!
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Lisa Hodsoll
AD Sydney Matuszak
With Steve Lebens, Ebie Prideaux, Carol Cadby, Aniko Olah and Sid Ross
Christmas is nearly ruined when Uncle Charlie sings (like a canary), spilling the beans on the one secret about Santa you never ever tell.
November 19-20, 2021
November 19-20, 2021
Queen of the Sea
Written by Michael Brady
Three strangers meet on a cruise ship fo “the Voyage of a Lifetime.” Lilly seeks the possibility of an adventure and an escape from a long and punishing Canadian winter. Workaholic Sylvia would rather be tormenting her fellow workers, while Romero, the ship’s dance instructor, has a private mission only he can fulfill. Three different souls must come together and comfort each other in a very dark time. Because nothing in their lives has prepared them for what is to come.
Queen of the Sea
Queen of the Sea
Written by Michael Brady
Directed by Ansley Valentine
Choreographed by DJ Gray
AD Jessica Dreiling
With Jean Childers-Arnold, Amy D’Aulerio, Dan Goldring
Three strangers meet on a cruise ship fo “the Voyage of a Lifetime.” Lilly seeks the possibility of an adventure and an escape from a long and punishing Canadian winter. Workaholic Sylvia would rather be tormenting her fellow workers, while Romero, the ship’s dance instructor, has a private mission only he can fulfill. Three different souls must come together and comfort each other in a very dark time. Because nothing in their lives has prepared them for what is to come.
October 22-23, 2021
October 22-23, 2021
The Actawr and the Directawr
Written by Art Shulman
The ultra-pompous director of a one-minute play has his first of many planned rehearsals with an inexperienced - but willing - actor.
Curtain Call
Written by Greg Hatfield
The play is a hit, but two of the lead actors don’t feel it’s working and their performances aren’t up to their standard, so they want out.
Talkback
Written by Sam Graber
Having finished reading aloud the first draft of Hamlet, actors deliver feedback to the playwright.
3 Characters Figure It Out
Written by Matthew McLachlan
While trying to work out the play they are in, three characters are forced to act out random, nonsensical things, much to the enjoyment of the fourth character, "Stage Directions." When things get a bit too ridiculous, tensions rise, and the point of the whole thing is questioned.
THE ACTAWR AND THE DIRECTAWR
CURTAIN CALL
TALKBACK
3 CHARACTERS FIGURE IT OUT
Four variations on the theme of backstage drama: dynamics between an ultra-pompous director and a willing actor - a leading lady and man who throw sophisticated tantrums when their performances don’t match their expectations - Shakespearian actors who tell off the Bard after the first reading of "Hamlet" - and three characters desperately trying to make sense of an avant-garde script.
The Actawr and the Directawr
Written by Art Shulman
Directed by Steve Yakutis
AD Kenli Doss
With Kristina Feldesman and Michael Curry
The ultra-pompous director of a one-minute play has his first of many planned rehearsals with an inexperienced - but willing - actor.
Curtain Call
Written by Greg Hatfield
Directed by Sabrina Carmichael
AD Sydney Matuszak
With Blake Walton, Alice Simon, Lana Ford, and Josh Allen Goldman
The play is a hit, but two of the lead actors don’t feel it’s working and their performances aren’t up to their standard, so they want out.
Talkback
Written by Sam Graber
Directed by Stephen Benson
AD Rebecca Wilson
With Shawn Perry, David Fisher, Joaquín Madrid Larrañaga, Jeremiah Benjamin, Akshaya Pattanayak, and Sam Deans
Having finished reading aloud the first draft of Hamlet, actors deliver feedback to the playwright.
3 Characters Figure It Out
Written by Matthew McLachlan
Directed by Joshua Secunda
AD Taiwo Aloba
With Cathy Chang, Don Converse, Gary Giurbino, Mona Bapat
While trying to work out the play they are in, three characters are forced to act out random, nonsensical things, much to the enjoyment of the fourth character, "Stage Directions." When things get a bit too ridiculous, tensions rise, and the point of the whole thing is questioned.
September 17-18, 2021
September 17-18, 2021
Greening Zabella
Written and directed by Thomas W. Stephens
A family Zoom call goes sideways when matriarch Zabella announces an unanticipated change in her final arrangements. Delicate and not-so-delicate negotiations ensue, interwoven with foolishness, Stella Artois celebrations, and the cosmos.
Greening Zabella
Greening Zabella
Written and directed by Thomas W. Stephens
AD Rebecca Wilson
With Jean Childers-Arnold, Gary Giurbino, Patti Allis Mengers, Janit Baldwin, Morry Schorr, Christopher DeSantis,
A family Zoom call goes sideways when matriarch Zabella announces an unanticipated change in her final arrangements. Delicate and not-so-delicate negotiations ensue, interwoven with foolishness, Stella Artois celebrations, and the cosmos.
July 23-24, 2021
July 23-24, 2021
Go Fish
Written by Phil Ginsburg
Three fish in a Malibu restaurant aquarium ponder their fate.
Bar None
Written by Barry Weinberg
He’s a self-aware, sophisticated talking dog, and, desperate to find that one person who will relate to his inner self and treat him as just another guy, this dog walks into a bar. . .
Microwave and Fridge
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Two household appliances deal with their respective humans. Teenager Ethan needs to defrost a meal before basketball practice but Mike, an aging microwave oven, refuses to open her door— forever. Meanwhile, Ethan’s neighbor struggles with her new Fridge, which keeps failing her. A play about seeking—and maybe finding— acceptance.
GO FISH
BAR NONE
MICROWAVE AND FRIDGE
Go Fish
Written by Phil Ginsburg
Directed by Ansley Valentine
AD Nicole Pehan
With Jeannine Gaskin, Timothy Grams, Jean Childers-Arnold, Nik Folley
Three fish in a Malibu restaurant aquarium ponder their fate.
Bar None
Written by Barry Weinberg
Directed by Kat Phillips
AD Taiwo Aloba
With Tristan Odenkirk and Sarah Collins
He’s a self-aware, sophisticated talking dog, and, desperate to find that one person who will relate to his inner self and treat him as just another guy, this dog walks into a bar. . .
Microwave and Fridge
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Directed by Joshua Secunda
AD Rebecca Wilson
With Rommel Jones, David P. Kozinski, Maria Eliades, Erin Ring-Howell, Joaquín Madrid Larrañaga, Mona Bapat, Nisha Singh, Sam Deans
Two household appliances deal with their respective humans. Teenager Ethan needs to defrost a meal before basketball practice but Mike, an aging microwave oven, refuses to open her door— forever. Meanwhile, Ethan’s neighbor struggles with her new Fridge, which keeps failing her. A play about seeking—and maybe finding— acceptance.
June 25-26, 2021
June 25-26, 2021
A Romance in the Air
Written by Arthur Joseph Lundquist
In a balloon, sometime in the second half of the 19th Century, Felicity and Herbert, an heiress and a bicycle repairman, ascend into the skies on a voyage of exploration.
The Marriage Tree
Written by Alison Cummins
Two young girls discuss love and life under the protective branches of a peach tree. A story about sexuality, identity, and family, “The Marriage Tree” wonders what it looks like for societal expectations to manifest in children.
Truth be Told
Written by Pamela Morgan
Two people try to find a connection on an online dating site that guarantees to always tell the truth.
Renewing Vows
Written by Art Shulman
An older man decides to renew his wedding vows even though his wife is no longer there to celebrate with him.
A ROMANCE IN THE AIR
THE MARRIAGE TREE
TRUTH BE TOLD
RENEWING VOWS
A Romance in the Air
Written by Arthur Joseph Lundquist
Directed by Spencer Frankebeger
AD Taiwo Aloba
With Lacey Rae and Shashank Sharma
In a balloon, sometime in the second half of the 19th Century, Felicity and Herbert, an heiress and a bicycle repairman, ascend into the skies on a voyage of exploration.
The Marriage Tree
Written by Alison Cummins
Directed by Kristina Feldesman
AD Jess Dreiling
With Alexandra Floras-Matic and Serena Roan
Two young girls discuss love and life under the protective branches of a peach tree. A story about sexuality, identity, and family, “The Marriage Tree” wonders what it looks like for societal expectations to manifest in children.
Truth be Told
Written by Pamela Morgan
Directed by Drew Maidment
AD Nicole Pehan
With David Raccio, Ashley Campbell, and Jamie Soltis
Two people try to find a connection on an online dating site that guarantees to always tell the truth.
Renewing Vows
Written by Art Shulman
Directed by Max Cerci
AD Rebecca Wilson
With Morry Schorr and Caroline Westheimer
An older man decides to renew his wedding vows even though his wife is no longer there to celebrate with him.
May 21-22, 2021
May 21 - 22, 2021
Chasing The River
Written by Jean Dobie Giebel
"Even when life deals you a losing hand, there may be a chance to turn things around. It all depends on how you play the game.”
After serving a 10-year prison sentence, Kat returns to the scene of the events that changed her life forever. As she searches for a way to make peace with her past, new revelations and unexpected reunions clash with long-held beliefs about her childhood. "Chasing the River" is about survival, second chances, and making a bet on the healing power of love.
Chasing The River
Chasing The River
Written by Jean Dobie Giebel
Directed by Sara Thigpen
AD Elizabeth Ramsay
With Katie Healy, Caroline Orlando, Ollie Corchado, Jean Childers-Arnold, Mark Souza, Heather Lee Rogers
"Even when life deals you a losing hand, there may be a chance to turn things around. It all depends on how you play the game.”
After serving a 10-year prison sentence, Kat returns to the scene of the events that changed her life forever. As she searches for a way to make peace with her past, new revelations and unexpected reunions clash with long-held beliefs about her childhood. "Chasing the River" is about survival, second chances, and making a bet on the healing power of love.
April 23-24, 2021
April 23 - 24, 2021
Your Call is Important to Us
Written and Directed by Jan Carpman
Working from home during the pandemic, a woman repeatedly calls tech support at her WiFi company to solve a critical email problem. Thwarted at every turn, she eventually lands on an unexpected solution.
Your Call is Important to Us
Your Call is Important to Us (2021)
Written and Directed by Jan Carpman
AD Sarah Brausch
With Candy Dato, Norm Thibeault, Nic Campos, Jeff Stoodt, Crystal Nuchurch, Veronika Pomyateeva, Cathy Chang, Scott Callenberger. Sound effects by George Hicks.
Working from home during the pandemic, a woman repeatedly calls tech support at her WiFi company to solve a critical email problem. Thwarted at every turn, she eventually lands on an unexpected solution.
April 23-24, 2021
April 23 - 24, 2021
Me and Mrs. Cheverly
Written by Ernie Joselovitz
Alan's tribute to a mentor, Mrs. Cheverly, a relationship that spans nearly 40 years, from the first meeting to the final phone call.
Me and Mrs. Cheverly
Me and Mrs. Cheverly (reprise)
Written by Ernie Joselovitz
Directed by Mary Ann Nichols Hubbard
AD Kat Phillips
With Ted Gibson, Jean Childers-Arnold, Dana Hubbard, Lisa White
Alan's tribute to a mentor, Mrs. Cheverly, a relationship that spans nearly 40 years, from the first meeting to the final phone call.
March 19, 2021
March 19, 2021
The Paris Test
Written by Martha King De Silva
In 2018, Will takes his daughter Emma to Paris, the site where he first met Beth, Emma’s mother. As father and daughter visit iconic Paris sites, they navigate their grief and one another uneasily.
In 1998, Will and Beth meet in front of the Mona Lisa. As the pair visit iconic Paris sites, they navigate their love and one another tentatively.
Can Will and Emma find hope in Paris? Is Beth and Will’s love the real thing? Will they pass The Paris Test?
The Paris Test
The Paris Test
Written by Martha King De Silva
Directed by Steve Yakutis
AD Alyssa Rae
With Dan Goldring, Kristina Feldesman, Sarah Brackett
In 2018, Will takes his daughter Emma to Paris, the site where he first met Beth, Emma’s mother. As father and daughter visit iconic Paris sites, they navigate their grief and one another uneasily.
In 1998, Will and Beth meet in front of the Mona Lisa. As the pair visit iconic Paris sites, they navigate their love and one another tentatively.
Can Will and Emma find hope in Paris? Is Beth and Will’s love the real thing? Will they pass The Paris Test?
February 19, 2021
February 19, 2021
Two-Timing Loaf of Bread
Written by Ryan Bultrowicz
Can a loaf of bread betray you? Two women discover the extraordinary lengths they will go to when they find out they are being scammed by a loaf of bread. Be prepared to never look at your morning toast the same way again!
Listening
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Stuck for the weekend at her preoccupied, divorced dad’s house (and never mind having to deal with Dad’s new girlfriend, Sandra), sixteen-year-old Hailey learns that listening to old-people music can be life-altering.
Lotto & Raffles & Sweepstakes, Oh My!
Written by Zan Hall
Mamie Fleischbottom just won the million-dollar sweepstakes - much to her regret.
I Hope This Email Finds You Well
Written by Aidan Scully
It's only been an hour since Sedna Callaghan last checked her email, but life moves quickly in the digital age. The misadventures of family, friends, potential employers - and one particularly insistent company - jump to life in her inbox.
Two-Timing Loaf of Bread
Listening
Lotto & Raffles & Sweepstakes, Oh My!
I Hope This Email Finds You Well
Two-Timing Loaf of Bread
Written by Ryan Bultrowicz
Directed by Elizabeth Appleby
AD Kristina Feldesman
With Allison Brooks and Alexandra Floras-Matic
Can a loaf of bread betray you? Two women discover the extraordinary lengths they will go to when they find out they are being scammed by a loaf of bread. Be prepared to never look at your morning toast the same way again!
Listening
Written by Jennifer O’Grady
Directed by Sabrina Carmichael
With Sarah Brackett, Rick Larimore, and Erika Quintana
Stuck for the weekend at her preoccupied, divorced dad’s house (and never mind having to deal with Dad’s new girlfriend, Sandra), sixteen-year-old Hailey learns that listening to old-people music can be life-altering.
Lotto & Raffles & Sweepstakes, Oh My!
Written by Zan Hall
Directed by Mary Spence
With Nessa Amherst, Mona Bapat, Cathy Chang, Sam Deans, Christopher DeSantis, Gabriel Portuondo, Joshua Secunda, Howard Raik, and Jamie Soltis
Mamie Fleischbottom just won the million-dollar sweepstakes - much to her regret.
I Hope This Email Finds You Well
Written by Aidan Scully
Directed by Jan Carpman
With Scott Callenberger, Michael Cyll, Candy Dato, Ted Gibson, Laura Hubbard, Kimberly Nicole, Jessica Schneiderman, Roy Stanton, Norm Thibeault, and Rasheed Townes
It's only been an hour since Sedna Callaghan last checked her email, but life moves quickly in the digital age. The misadventures of family, friends, potential employers - and one particularly insistent company - jump to life in her inbox.
January 22, 2021
January 22, 2021
When I Leave This Place Behind
Written by Thomas W. Stephens
Primed for a heavenly uplifting, elderly Martine abandons the home she shares with her older sister Rosa and heads for the nearby hill.
Your Favorite
Written by Ken Green
At a major art museum, a guard is asked, “What’s your favorite painting?” - for approximately the 5,347th time. In attempting to answer (or rather, not answer) the visitor’s question, the guard takes the visitor on a short journey into art, standing, annoying people, privacy, and whether the question matters at all. “Your Favorite” is a slightly absurdist comedy that answers the question of whether scrambled eggs or yogurt go better with Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.
In This Time
Written and Directed by Steve Yakutis
And what a time we’ve had! I started writing down my own experiences and the experiences of friends during the pandemic as a series of stories back in May 2020. When I encountered PlayZoomers that summer I realized that this material was best presented as fictional first-person interviews in a Zoom format. My hope is, that despite all the hardships, we emerge from this year with a changed sense of ourselves and our world, with lessons to be carried forward and a determination to have learned something from it all: to remember what we value most in ourselves and those around us. - Steve Yakutis
I'm Herbert
Written by Robert Anderson
After multiple marriages, elderly Herbert and Muriel reminisce about their lives and become confused in a touching and hilarious way about who did what, with what, and to whom.
When I Leave This Place Behind
Your Favorite
In This Time
I’m Herbert
When I Leave This Place Behind
Written by Thomas W. Stephens
Directed by TammyRa’
AD Doriette Jordan
With TammyRa’ and Denise Chapman
Primed for a heavenly uplifting, elderly Martine abandons the home she shares with her older sister Rosa and heads for the nearby hill.
Your Favorite
Written by Ken Green
Directed by Joshua Secunda
AD Kristina Feldesman
With Nic Campos, Gary Giurbino, Laura Hubbard
At a major art museum, a guard is asked, “What’s your favorite painting?” - for approximately the 5,347th time. In attempting to answer (or rather, not answer) the visitor’s question, the guard takes the visitor on a short journey into art, standing, annoying people, privacy, and whether the question matters at all. “Your Favorite” is a slightly absurdist comedy that answers the question of whether scrambled eggs or yogurt go better with Les Demoiselles d'Avignon.
In This Time
Written and Directed by Steve Yakutis
AD Sabrina Carmichael
With Nessa Amherst, Mona Bapat, Cathy Chang, Michael Curry, George Dougherty, Mary Carroll Dougherty, Dan Goldring, Joaquín Madrid Larrañaga, Webster McDonald, Crystal Watford Nuchurch Marc Verzatt, and Alyson Wood
And what a time we’ve had! I started writing down my own experiences and the experiences of friends during the pandemic as a series of stories back in May 2020. When I encountered PlayZoomers that summer I realized that this material was best presented as fictional first-person interviews in a Zoom format. My hope is, that despite all the hardships, we emerge from this year with a changed sense of ourselves and our world, with lessons to be carried forward and a determination to have learned something from it all: to remember what we value most in ourselves and those around us. ~ Steve Yakutis
I’m Herbert
Written by Robert Anderson
Directed by Morry Schorr
With Morry Schorr and Catherine Cavender
After multiple marriages, elderly Herbert and Muriel reminisce about their lives and become confused in a touching and hilarious way about who did what, with what, and to whom.