PUBLISHED PLAYS
Click on title for more information
A LITTLE PRINCESS
A one act version of Burnett’s classic novel about a strong, intelligent girl orphaned in Victorian London and saved by her kindness and imagination. Premiered as the full length SARA CREWE by Seattle Children’s Theatre – see below. (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
2-6M 7-12F (Expandable) area staging 35-40 min
ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
A faithful adaptation of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel of the red headed orphan girl who longs to find a home. Premiered by Seattle Children’s Theatre and performed to sold-out houses at theaters all over the country, ANNE was selected as one of the best plays of the year by ASSITEJ, the International Organizational for Youth Theatre. (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
3-5M 5-6F (Expandable to 20+) unit set 100-110 min (full length)/ 40-45 min (one act)
CAN’T BELIEVE IT
Tracing the intertwined lives in school and out of the naïve, malleable Teresa and the sharp, popular Ron, this play raises questions about honesty, trust and personal responsibility for teens, their parents and teachers. Presented at the Indiana Rep as a winner of a Bonderman National Playwriting Award, CAN’T BELIEVE IT was called true to life, powerful and complex, with a brilliant, haunting ending. (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
2-4M 4-8F area staging 55-65 min
FRANKENSTEIN
Set in the icy polar regions where scientist Victor Frankenstein has chased the creature he brought to life, this theatrical, emotional play sticks closely to Mary Shelley’s novel, tracing Frankenstein's path to the final confrontation with his intelligent, articulate and powerfully violent “child.” VARIETY called the play "An intriguing drama ... delving into the powerful subtext of the novel ... to become a complex psychological drama." (Published by Playscripts)
3-5M 2-3W unit set one act (50-60 min) or full length (90-100 min)
IN BETWEEN
In a world marked by social pressure and peer disrespect, three teenagers struggle to find peace in school and within themselves. IN BETWEEN focuses on the fragile identities and emotions that make decision-making difficult for young people. From 1999 when this show premiered to 2009, George Street Playhouse played this show to approximately 15,000 students per year. Students in Houston, Raleigh and Seattle have also responded enthusiastically. (Published by Playscripts)
2M 2F (Expandable) simple staging 40-45 min
JARPTEETZA/THE FIREBIRD
Ten traditional Russian characters are brought together in this new magical story. Kashei the Immortal has held Russia under his evil power for hundreds of years, but the new Tsar, Prince Ivan, is determined to break his hold. When Kashei kidnaps Ivan's beloved Vasilisa, Ivan joins forces with Maria the Skillful, Ilya the Strongman, and the clown Skomorokh. Together they must journey through dangerous forests and battle a desperate robber, enchanted demons, and the wily witch Baba Yaga to save Vasilisa -- and all of Russia. But even with their skill and courage, how can they overcome an enemy who is immortal? "Filled with action, intrigue, magic, and suspense ... visually stunning and intellectually challenging ... easily holds the interest of adults and teens." Seattle P-I. (Published by Playscripts)
3M 2F 5Either (10-15 total) multiple locations 75-90 min
MARTINA: LOST AND FOUND (Originally FRANKENSTEIN’S CHILDREN)
Martina is an almost teenager who knows her life is simply the worst. Her face is breaking out. Her hair is monstrous. Her life is unfair. Her world is full of pressures, boundaries and contradictions. When she slams the door to her room and yells that she wants everybody to get out of her life, her “wish” is granted. Martina’s waking nightmare journey brings her face to face with not only her fears, but also important choices she must make to set her course on a path of growth and responsibility. Called "a treasure to parents and educators searching for a way to make sense out of the confusion all children face" (St. Louis Magazine) in the Metro Theater Company Premiere. (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
2m 3w (as many as 11 actors) area staging 60 min
THE MOONSTONE
A romantic mystery adapted from the Wilkie Collins book which has been called the first modern detective novel – and one of the best. The story concerns a stolen, sacred Indian gem that brings a curse upon an English family. That curse can’t be removed until the thief is found and the gem returned to its rightful place. The Moonstone has a suspenseful plot, a romance of wit, charm and heartache, and a cast of wonderful characters that actors will relish bringing to life. (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
6-7M 5-6F 1Child unit set 150 min
THE ODYSSEY
Developed at NYU’s Provincetown Playhouse and toured nationally, this version of Homer’s story focuses on Telemachus’ need for his father as well as Odysseus’ journey home. Written originally for 4 actors, the show is highly theatrical, filled with humor and finds contemporary resonance in the ancient tale. (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
2-6M 1-5F (Expandable) area staging 35-45 min
SARA CREWE
Based on the Francis Hodgson Burnett story that became A LITTLE PRINCESS, this adaptation captures the joy, grittiness and romanticism of Sara’s descent into poverty and magical redemption. In the Seattle Children’s Theatre premiere, it was called “a winner,” “a solid affecting piece of theatre” and “a fantastic play for any parent hoping to present positive female role models to their children.” (Published by Dramatic Publishing)
2-6M 7-12F (Expandable) area staging 80-90 min
THE SHIRT
Hardy is the top dog, the leader of the pack, the one most other students look up to, or fear. When conflict over a new shirt develops, however, Hardy and three classmates discover something about themselves and their relationships. (Published in The Bully Plays by Dramatic Publishing Company)
4 actors , gender flexible bare stage 10-15 minutes
THIS LAND
Based on actual events, this moving drama of the first Americans to settle Washington state – the mulatto George Bush, his white wife Isabella, son Owen – traces their friendship with the Nisqually Indians, the coming of the American government, the resulting wars and the continual struggle to make a home amidst human and natural obstacles. The Journal American called the play “continually interesting and entertaining.” (Available in Roger Ellis (Ed.) International Plays for Young Audiences from Meriwether Publishing or from rsand@princeton.edu)
8M 5F (with doubling) + extras unit set 100-105 min
UNPUBLISHED PRODUCED PLAYS
For more information, contact Susan Gurman at susan@gurmanagency.com
FULL LENGTH
THE BODY OF CHRISTOPHER CREED
Adapted from the award-winning novel by Carol Plum-Ucci, CREED follows the impact of the disappearance of a teen on his classmates. Has he committed suicide or run away? What does it mean for their lives, friendships and loves? Can they find him – or find out what drove him to do it? A tale of social conflict and growing up.
5-8M 5-8F (Expandable) area staging 80-90 min
DONE
Four young people struggle with vulnerability, social pressure, music, humor, sex, violence and a genuine longing for human contact. Imaginative movement sequences, on line exchanges and straightforward realistic scenes tell the story in a uniquely theatrical way. Developed in theaters in New Jersey, Texas, Seattle and New York City, and premiered at the Providence Black Rep.
2M 2F area staging 75-90 min
CONVIVENCIA
The lives of three young people (one Muslim, one Jewish, one Christian) are turned upside down as Ferdinand and Isabella's army re-conquers Granada from the Muslims. Music, dance, and poetry heighten the forceful dramatic struggle as the three try to survive war and persecution and find a way to live together. Published in an anthology of international plays, workshopped at Borderlands Theater, CONVIVENCIA is timely and compassionate. (Available in Roger Ellis (Ed.) International Plays for Young Audiences from Meriwether Publishing or from rsand@princeton.edu)
4-10M 2-4F area staging 60-80 min
ROBINSWOOD
In modern day England, an unemployed young man has to decide whether to sell his plot of land by Sherwood Forest for development as a Robin Hood theme park – or to stay true to himself. Romance, sword fights and magical happenings make this comedy fun as well as moving. Premiere – Snoqualmie Falls Forest Theater.
3M 3F single set 100-110 min
ROUNDELAY
A wild, multi-character, globe-hopping tale of love in all of its complexity. From Boston to India to the Kenyan coast, Roundelay spins a rich, funny, and deeply moving tapestry that explores what it means to pursue, run away, and finally surrender to the siren song of love and desire. Critics called it "a dramatic surprise that will make you believe in destiny" and a "must see entertainment of the year" in the Passage Theatre premier.
3M/3W area staging 110-115 minutes
WHAT CAN'T BE SEEN
Fran, a molecular biologist, and Talia, her 16 year old artistic daughter, have just lost the man they love most in the world. How they cope with his death is explored in this sometimes comic, sometimes dream-like drama. Close friends, potential lovers, and an array of eccentric strangers flow in and out as Fran and Talia try to maintain their equilibrium, vent their grief, and understand what lies beyond the surface of their lives. Developed in workshops at the Provincetown Playhouse and Passage Theatre.
3M/2W unit set 100-110 minutes
A WOMAN OF MEANS
Commissioned by the Idaho Shakespeare Festival, this rollicking comedy with songs is the story of a couple Shakespearean actors who go west to find fame and fortune and encounter down on their luck miners, love, a gold strike and corruption Old West style. “Idaho Shakespeare Festival struck gold with its premiere of ‘A Woman of Means.’ . . . what a celebration it is” – The Idaho Statesman
5M 3W multiple locations 105-110 min
ONE ACT
AMOR ES UN TREN
In mock telenovela style, two passionate sisters struggle with their love for a man, each other, and the Merengue! Singing, dancing, emoting! Written for New York’s 52nd Street Project as a showcase for teen actors but great fun for any age.
2F (1M voice) simple staging 10 min
BICYCLE BUILT FOR TWO
Through a series of short scenes, songs and scientific lectures, snapshots of a couples’ entire life together - courtship, marriage, careers, family – are presented with humor, warmth, pain and confusion. Produced by the Yale Cabaret.
1M 1F simple staging 15-20 min
GOODBYE DOLLY – Music by David Rodwin
The life story of Dolly the cloned sheep, told with dark humor, zany theatricality and great warmth – all in 10 minutes! A sung through musical which played La Mama and the New York Music Theatre Festival.
3M 3F simple staging 10 min
IRL (in real life)
When two students find their feud surfacing on friends’ cell phones, emails and the web, insecurity, fear, and humiliation surround their every move. Commissioned and toured by George Street Playhouse.
2M 2F simple staging 50-60 min
STOP IT NOW (K-3) and TALK ABOUT STUFF (4-6)
Open Door Theatre toured these plays designed to prevent sexual abuse to schools, community organizations and U.S. military bases around the world from 1992-2015. STOP IT NOW uses rhythmic chanting, hand clapping and audience participation to teach the basic safety rules. The story of Tim and Nancy then allows the audience to apply the rules and help solve Tim and Nancy’s dilemmas. Their story is dramatized more fully in an age appropriate manner for older children in TALK ABOUT STUFF.
STOP IT NOW 2M 2F simple staging 30 min + workshop
TALK ABOUT STUFF 2M 2F simple staging 40 min + workshop
TAKING CARE OF THEIR BUSINESS OR A TIC IN THEIR TONGUES
A quirky farce, written in mock traditional French style, but with distinctly direct, modern takes on sex, passion and the important things in life. Premiered at the Yale Cabaret.
3M 2F 3Children (Best played by adults) a French café 35-40 min
Banner image: Done at Providence Black Rep (photo: J. Deputy).