This is the third annual showcase of short plays chosen for production from over 250 submissions from playwrights near and far.
By Carol Edger Germain
A wide range of subjects was explored, and we saw the sometimes unexpected, sometimes extremely creative, sometimes hilarious plots presented in comedy, personal drama, satire, and thoughtful social commentary. The sets were changed quickly and minimal props were required, since most of the storyline was in the dialogue. It was obvious a lot of thought went into the order in which the plays were presented, and a sense of progress and continuity was felt even though the subjects were unrelated.
Following is a brief synopsis of each play. The plays are done in the small upstairs theater, which was perfect for this production since all the plays lent themselves well to a space which let the audience feel like they were in the room and part of the conversation.
Clifford’s
Writer: Lawson Caldwell. Director: Cheryl Crosland.
Two weddings, two cakes, four people with a meeting of the minds.
Whose Plot Is This?
Writer: Pamela Weiler Grayson. Director: Linda Alznauer.
Life goes on……and on…..after a spouse dies, you know…but in the hereafter the chapters combine and the plot is finished; lots of laughs in this one.
Blue Bench
Writer: Aleks Merilo. Director: Helen O’Brien.
Subtle and winding, and touching on serious subjects like a young boy’s mystery, secrets, and physical deformity.
The Librariest
Writer: Dan O’Day. Director: Jack Csenger.
There’s a reason she’s not called a “librarian” – this is a very special library, with books of particular interest to…whoever is visiting the library.
The Unforgiveable Sin of Forgiveness
Writer: Rich Orloff. Director: Stan Mazin.
Very funny cat-and-mouse/bait-and-switch conversation between a cheating spouse and a spouse who takes the fun out of it with word play.
Art Attack
Writer: Cary Pepper. Director: Victor D’wayne Little.
A determined but frustrated art connoisseur impatiently waits for the artistic light bulb to switch on in his girlfriend’s mind so she can appreciate the abstract, subtle yet profound, monumentally meaningful art exhibit they are viewing; but you be the judge of whether he sparks her passion for the artist.
A Misinterpretation of Events
Writer: Margie Semilof. Director: Bruce Nehlsen.
Phil turns the family factory over to his daughter, who fires him #MeToo.
Infesting the Mob
Writer: Joe Starzyk. Director: Kathleen Delaney.
Two entry-level mobsters with exaggerated perceptions of their hardcore toughness, meet for espresso and learn their limits. Hilarious!
Destiny & Damage
Writer: Chris Shaw Swanson. Director: Barbara Brownell.
Even a personal, final, lonely decision regarding choosing when your life ends can be interrupted without invitation.
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