December 9-10, 2022
December 9-10, 2022
Santa Noir
Written by James McLindon
Santa pauses on his rounds for a snack ... and comes face-to- face with his darkest secret.
Best Present Ever
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
A woman spends Christmas away from her family and gets some truly awful Christmas presents. But she misses the Best Present Ever.
Love, The Andersons
Written by Vicki Riba Koestler & Allen Morrison
Linda and Charles are all set to be admitted to heaven. They’ve lived good, productive lives, and even brought documentation. But all does not go smoothly at the pearly gates.
SANTA NOIR
BEST PRESENT EVER
LOVE, THE ANDERSONS
Santa Noir
Written by James McLindon
Directed by Joshua Secunda
AD Taiwo Aloba
With Jamie Zemarel, Alexandra Hess, Alexandra Floras-Matic
Santa pauses on his rounds for a snack ... and comes face-to- face with his darkest secret.
“Wow! Who knew? Santa’s naughty secret was well hidden! ”
“Jamie Zemarel brought just the right “Scotch and Marlboros” characterization to his Santa Noir. ”
“Terrific acting by Alex Hess as Goth Noelle and Alex Floras-Matic as sexy Donna. ”
Best Present Ever
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Morris Schorr
With Ann E. Nunez, Frederick Slate, Howard Raik
A woman spends Christmas away from her family and gets some truly awful Christmas presents. But she misses the Best Present Ever.
“This made me laugh out loud! ”
“I thought pets were the best present ever, but this cat and dog made me understand otherwise!”
“Great ensemble acting by the Chicago 3!”
Love, The Andersons
Written by Vicki Riba Koestler & Allen Morrison
Directed by Rhonda Goldstein
With Lynda Joel, Dana Hubbard, Don Converse
Linda and Charles are all set to be admitted to heaven. They’ve lived good, productive lives, and even brought documentation. But all does not go smoothly at the pearly gates.
“I’ll certainly think twice before I write another holiday newsletter! ”
“I hope I eventually go to heaven so I can meet Don Converse’s S.P. (Saint Peter)! ”
“It was a treat to watch Charles (Dana Hubbard) sweetly cringe as his wife (Lynda Joel) reveled in her annual bragfest!”
October 28-29, 2022
October 28-29, 2022
How We Saved The World
Written by Jack Beatty
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, two Cold War enemies engage in a confrontation that could end the world. Two words make the difference.
Lost Angela: Night Terrors
Written by Jean Childers-Arnold
Terrified by his inability to recover from his WWII military experiences, and panicked by his wife’s disappearance, a young veteran calls in a detective agency to help find her.
HOW WE SAVED THE WORLD
LOST ANGELA: NIGHT TERRORS
How We Saved The World
Written by Jack Beatty
Directed by Stephen Benson
With Dana Hubbard, Joshua Secunda
During the Cuban Missile Crisis, two Cold War enemies engage in a confrontation that could end the world. Two words make the difference.
“
We’re especially grateful for Jack Beatty’s bridge from this fraught moment to the Cuban Missile Crisis’ unlooked-for moment of grace. ”
“Terrific direction by Stephen Benson and splendid acting by Joshua Secunda and Dana Hubbard. It felt like we were there! ”
Lost Angela: Night Terrors
Written and Directed by Jean Childers-Arnold
With Kyle Fiorelli, Tim Giebel, Michael Dwiggins, Nancy Dydak, Christopher Centinaro
Terrified by his inability to recover from his WWII military experiences, and panicked by his wife’s disappearance, a young veteran calls in a detective agency to help find her.
“Compelling script and great ensemble acting! A needed dramatization of PTSD! ”
“
Wonderful scene-setting in music, video, and backgrounds! Impressed by how 40s noir LA has such an abiding allure in our collective consciousness. ”
September 23-24, 2022
September 23-24, 2022
May Tag
Written by Thomas W. Stephens
Russian émigrés Rudolph and Natalia sort through their relationship during a washing machine repair call.
Scripted
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
A couple wakes up to find the script of the play that they are in -- the very play we're watching. Everything they do, every word they're about to say has already been written down for them.
That Froelich Girl
Written by Thomas W. Stephens
After years and lives apart, a not-so-casual encounter reunites high school sweethearts.
MAY TAG
SCRIPTED
THAT FROELICH GIRL
May Tag
Written by Thomas W. Stephens
Directed by Kenli Doss
With Christian Arden, Veronika Pomyateeva
Russian émigrés Rudolph and Natalia sort through their relationship during a washing machine repair call.
“
“Beautiful, tender story!””
““Heartwarming””
““Who knew a mundane laundromat could be the setting for a tiny gem of a love story?””
“
”Fine portrayals of both characters.”
”
Scripted
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Morris Schorr
With Mary Carroll Dougherty, George Dougherty
A couple wakes up to find the script of the play that they are in -- the very play we're watching. Everything they do, every word they're about to say has already been written down for them.
““Unique and wonderful!””
““As always, playwright Mark Harvey Levine puts his finger on the space bar between sweet and funny.””
That Froelich Girl
Written by Thomas W. Stephens
Directed by Bari Biern
With Morgan Duncan, Hilary Kacser
After years and lives apart, a not-so-casual encounter reunites high school sweethearts.
““Tom Stephens gives a fresh take on the saying, “Love never dies.””
““Touching!””
““Poignant!””
““Tom Stephens nailed the characters perfectly.””
““Quite delightful!””
June 17-18, 2022
June 17-18, 2022
Chemistry Date
Written by Lenny Hort
Dating show host, Iona Bond, tries to find the chemistry between Chlorine and Sodium.
On Queue
Written by Morey Norkin
Two strangers, drawn to an unexplained event, try to fill time while waiting for something, anything, to happen.
Sex is for the Heart
Written by Art Shulman
A man recovering from a heart attack has good reason (so he thinks) not to satisfy his sex-deprived wife.
The Kiss
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Dennis asks his best friend Allison to judge his kissing skills, Can he help it if she has to kiss him to do it?
A First-Draft, Second-Rate Love Story
Written by John Busser
Will our lovers - John and Vivian - find the love that's eluded them for so long, or will her shocking past prove too much?
CHEMISTRY DATE
ON QUEUE
SEX IS FOR THE HEART
THE KISS
A FIRST-DRAFT, SECOND-RATE LOVE STORY
Chemistry Date
Written by Lenny Hort
Directed by Jan Carpman
With Alice Simon, Lisa Graham Parson, Justin Hanks
Dating show host, Iona Bond, tries to find the chemistry between Chlorine and Sodium.
“My husband, being quite a chemistry nerd, fell down laughing. Really well written, and exquisitely acted! ”
On Queue
Written by Morey Norkin
Directed by Patti Allis Mengers
AD Rosa Stern Pait
With Mike Cohen, Norm Thibeault
Two strangers, drawn to an unexplained event, try to fill time while waiting for something, anything, to happen.
“The Queue boys made me laugh out loud! ”
Sex is for the Heart
Written by Art Shulman
Directed by Morry Schorr
AD Kenli Doss
With LB Zimmerman, Joel Snyder
A man recovering from a heart attack has good reason (so he thinks) not to satisfy his sex-deprived wife.
“Sheila and Ed, great job!! This topic hits close to home. Very entertaining! ”
The Kiss
Written by Mark Harvey Levine
Directed by Scott Sedar
AD Taylor McKenzie
With Mary Carroll Dougherty, George Dougherty
Dennis asks his best friend Allison to judge his kissing skills, Can he help it if she has to kiss him to do it?
“Tension from the get-go. Actors made this so real. Great script and wonderful direction. Everything is utterly convincing. ”
A First-Draft, Second-Rate Love Story
Written by John Busser
Directed by Bari Biern
AD Darius A. Journigan
With Kevin Corbett, Jenny Corbett, Brad Van Grack, Jamie Zemarel, April Linscott
Will our lovers - John and Vivian - find the love that's eluded them for so long, or will her shocking past prove too much?
“I laughed out loud! Wonderful wackiness. Great writing.”
May 20-21, 2022
May 20-21, 2022
NOIR
Written by Stan Werse
An homage to the gritty black-and-white movie crime dramas of the past - movies like “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Big Sleep,” and “Double Indemnity.”
The play is the story of an idealistic, young police detective - Clay Holden - who is promoted after throwing a suspect out of a high-rise window in self-defense. Clay is respected by his boss - Lieutenant Grimes - but there’s something about his story that his new partner - McQue - doesn’t buy.
Clay falls in love with the beautiful and rich Helen Lydecker. She’s being blackmailed by a man named Fritz Klein. She asks Clay to frighten him away. He reluctantly agrees but inadvertently kills Klein. He’s then assigned to his first big case, an unsolved murder. The victim’s name? Fritz Klein.
Clay drags his feet as Grimes tries to help Clay solve the case. The more the facts come out, the more it seems to Clay as if he’s been set up. And all the while, McQue is trying to solve the riddle of who Clay Holden really is.
NOIR
NOIR
Written by Stan Werse
Directed by Steve Yakutis
AD Kenli Doss
With Gary Giurbino, Jean Childers Arnold, Michael Curry, Eric-Jon Tasker
An homage to the gritty black-and-white movie crime dramas of the past - movies like “The Maltese Falcon,” “The Big Sleep,” and “Double Indemnity.”
The play is the story of an idealistic, young police detective - Clay Holden - who is promoted after throwing a suspect out of a high-rise window in self-defense. Clay is respected by his boss - Lieutenant Grimes - but there’s something about his story that his new partner - McQue - doesn’t buy.
Clay falls in love with the beautiful and rich Helen Lydecker. She’s being blackmailed by a man named Fritz Klein. She asks Clay to frighten him away. He reluctantly agrees but inadvertently kills Klein. He’s then assigned to his first big case, an unsolved murder. The victim’s name? Fritz Klein.
Clay drags his feet as Grimes tries to help Clay solve the case. The more the facts come out, the more it seems to Clay as if he’s been set up. And all the while, McQue is trying to solve the riddle of who Clay Holden really is.
“I think you’ve created a new form of theatre. My expectations were exceeded in every way. ”
“Like a great hybrid of a play and a movie! ”
“
Awesome visuals!”
“Fabulous and fascinating!”
“Impressive show! I can’t believe it was live!”
April 22-23, 2022
April 22-23, 2022
The Holiest of Sacraments
Written by Patricia Connelly
Molly Marie Fitzgerald is trying to make her first Confession to make her First Holy Communion the next day, but what sin does she have to confess?
Sex Ed for Mom
Written by Laurie Tanner
Claire has had a rough, lonely, and demoralizing year after separating from her husband. Her daughter Honey thinks she has thought of the perfect birthday gift for her mother. But is Claire ready for the surprise on her doorstep?
Stockholm Syndrome
Written by James McLindon
A princess and her prince seek marriage counseling after their fairytale wedding is over and reality begins.
(The title, “Stockholm Syndrome,” refers to a condition in which hostages develop a psychological bond with their captors during captivity.)
THE HOLIEST OF SACRAMENTS
SEX ED FOR MOM
STOCKHOLM SYNDROME
The Holiest of Sacraments
Written by Patricia Connelly
Directed by James Mumford
AD Raphael Schwartzman
With Jim Lawson, Margo Hera
Molly Marie Fitzgerald is trying to make her first Confession to make her First Holy Communion the next day, but what sin does she have to confess?
“Thanks for bringing humanity and humor to my former little Catholic girl self!”
“ If Molly is really an adult, I’m blown away!”
Sex Ed for Mom
Written and Directed by Laurie Tanner
AD Audrey Napoli
With Kathy Harmer, Jakob Mendoza-Reitz, Audrey Napoli
Claire has had a rough, lonely, and demoralizing year after separating from her husband. Her daughter Honey thinks she has thought of the perfect birthday gift for her mother. But is Claire ready for the surprise on her doorstep?
“Such an open and curious dynamic between Claire and Steve! Such a fabulous job by the actors!”
Stockholm Syndrome
Written by James McLindon
Directed by Doug MacDougall
AD Taylor McKenzie
With Sydney Maloney, Song Wang, Doug MacDougall
A princess and her prince seek marriage counseling after their fairytale wedding is over and reality begins.
(The title, “Stockholm Syndrome,” refers to a condition in which hostages develop a psychological bond with their captors during captivity.)
“The animation added such a fun and unexpected dimension to the wonderful script!”
March 18-19, 2022
March 18-19, 2022
Backstage Fairytale
Written by Michael John McGoldrick
A writer meets up with a former lover, now a successful New York actor, to reveal he’s written a play about her. A romantic comedy about romantic comedies and the psychic needs that fuel the creative instinct.
Backstage Fairytale
Backstage Fairytale
Written by Michael John McGoldrick
Directed by Duchess Dake
AD Darius Journigan
With Roy Stanton, Kate Bergeron
A writer meets up with a former lover, now a successful New York actor, to reveal he’s written a play about her. A romantic comedy about romantic comedies and the psychic needs that fuel the creative instinct.
“That was outstanding! The play, the acting, the tech, everything! Whew! ”
“Just breathtaking!!! You made me laugh and made me cry at the end. You had great chemistry and I was just totally engrossed in the story. ”
“Congrats to the playwright. Love your writing! Amazing direction and acting. Hard to believe the actors were not in the same room. ”
February 18-19, 2022
February 18-19, 2022
Interventions
Written by Greg Lam
A couple’s special plans on a camping trip are interrupted by a succession of time travelers desperate to prevent catastrophe in the future.
Dark Matter
Written by Donald Loftus
Meet Marion and Palmer. They have been married for a long time. Maybe too long. The marriage has gone sour. Marion is not happy. Palmer thinks he is happy, but he cannot be sure. Both wish it could all return to the way it was...before the abduction... but of course, both know it cannot. “THEY” would never allow it.
Infidelity
Written by Tony Manzo
Is adultery contagious? Let’s ask Amy and Sal.
Rosa and Leo
Written by Adam Szudrich
Five decades after secretly falling in love in a Nazi concentration camp, Rosa and Leo rediscover each other on opposite sides of the world.
INTERVENTIONS
DARK MATTER
INFIDELITY
ROSA AND LEO
Interventions
Written by Greg Lam
Directed by Bari Biern
AD Darius Journigan
With Nessa Amherst, Laura Hubbard, Ebie Prideaux
A couple’s special plans on a camping trip are interrupted by a succession of time travelers desperate to prevent catastrophe in the future.
“Wonderful performances! Really deep and thoughtful. ”
Dark Matter
Written by Donald Loftus
Directed by Laurie Tanner
AD Rosa Stern Pait
With Jesus Reyna, Karla A. Rennhofer
Meet Marion and Palmer. They have been married for a long time. Maybe too long. The marriage has gone sour. Marion is not happy. Palmer thinks he is happy, but he cannot be sure. Both wish it could all return to the way it was...before the abduction... but of course, both know it cannot. “THEY” would never allow it.
“An amazing production. Real and intimate! ”
Infidelity
Written by Tony Manzo
Directed by Thomas W. Stephens
AD Joe Chance Dudley
With Janit Baldwin, Dana Hubbard
Is adultery contagious? Let’s ask Amy and Sal.
“Beautifully acted and directed. Bravo! ”
Rosa and Leo
Written by Adam Szudrich
Directed by Stephen Benson
With Mary Ann Nichols Hubbard, Howard A. Raik
Five decades after secretly falling in love in a Nazi concentration camp, Rosa and Leo rediscover each other on opposite sides of the world.
“Left me speechless. So moving. Well done. So very well done. ”
January 21-22, 2022
January 21-22, 2022
Mother’s Day
Written by Michael Brady
That’s my birth mother? No, no, no. She’s way too young!
Pro Bono
Written by Michael Brady
Sometimes you have to share a table with a stranger. His old jokes sound new. But your crisis is all your own.
If I Go First
Written by Michael Brady
Harry and Lizzy have lived a good life together. But Lizzy is sick and in pain, and wants to exit on her own terms. It’s time to have The Talk.
Drinks With The Boss
Written by Michael Brady
There’s a newbie on the corporate team who’s reluctant to take credit where credit is due. Does she need some oomph from the Queen Bee or a good kick in the behind?
Lunch With Dad
Written by Michael Brady
Facing the imminent death of her father, a young singer turns to her music teacher for comfort. Together, they will experience something very different.
MOTHER’S DAY
PRO BONO
IF I GO FIRST
DRINKS WITH THE BOSS
LUNCH WITH DAD
"Did you hear what she said! Did you hear what he said! OMG! I can’t believe what I’m hearing!” Ever wonder what is going on that table with the oh, so intent looks back and forth? Now you can eavesdrop on some very personal conversations. Some are funny, some are sad. But each is an honest, if unexpected, moment.
Mother’s Day
Written by Michael Brady
Directed by Rebecca Wilson
AD Darius Journigan
With Nisha Singh, Joaquín Madrid Larrañaga, and Laura Hubbard
That’s my birth mother? No, no, no. She’s way too young!
“Superb acting! Bravo! Brava! to all . . . ”
Pro Bono
Written by Michael Brady
Directed by Morry Schorr
AD Rosa Stern Pait
With Roy Stanton, Cathy Chang, and Sam Deans
Sometimes you have to share a table with a stranger. His old jokes sound new. But your crisis is all your own.
“Great production values to make all the pieces flow together so well. ”
If I Go First
Written by Michael Brady
Directed by Morry Schorr
AD Rosa Stern Pait
With Howard Raik, Carolyn Wickwire, and Sam Deans
Harry and Lizzy have lived a good life together. But Lizzy is sick and in pain, and wants to exit on her own terms. It’s time to have The Talk.
“I really enjoyed these plays - great variety and laced with humor as well as emotion. ”
Drinks With The Boss
Written by Michael Brady
Directed by Rebecca Wilson
AD Darius Journigan
With Meghan Lane, Aniko Olah, and Laura Hubbard
There’s a newbie on the corporate team who’s reluctant to take credit where credit is due. Does she need some oomph from the Queen Bee or a good kick in the behind?
“Each play had great suspense and kept me hanging on until the very end. ”
Lunch With Dad
Written by Michael Brady
Directed by Jan Carpman
AD Maeve Chapman
With Calla Fuqua, Bill Bodie, and Sam Deans
Facing the imminent death of her father, a young singer turns to her music teacher for comfort. Together, they will experience something very different.
“We really got caught up in the moments! ”
