playS and MuSicalS - Contemporary Drama Service

Wishful Thinking
by KENNETH R. PREUSS
A classroom situation comedy
Cast: 21 players, mixed, adjustable
Age level: Junior High to High School
Playing time: About 30 minutes
Complete playkit with 10 scripts and
rights to reproduce copies: $20.95
Order #R-P1406
In English class, some weird things happen. No one’s there
to give a quiz on “The Monkey’s Paw,” the short story
about wishes that tempt fate. The students look on the
desk only to find a rabbit’s foot. They pretend it’s the paw.
With many hilarious arguments, they wish for the sub to be
Janet Jackson. Mysteriously, a Mrs. Jackson arrives but has
to leave briefly. So they make another wish, that she be
“cool.” She returns, chilled, and turns up the heat. The
class swelters. Some slackers make another selfish wish
which also backfires. But the rest of the class has
discovered that tampering with fate can have unexpected
results. Funny situation, fast-paced comedy dialog. Easy to
stage.
Beowulf on a Budget
by EDDIE McPHERSON
A stage-action comedy farce
Cast: 22 players mixed, flexible
Age level: Middle School to High School
Playing time: 30 minutes
Complete playkit with 10 scripts and
rights to reproduce copies: $22.95
Order #R-P1586
Beowulf, the classic hero, kills the ferocious monster
Grendel — but in a funny slapstick comedy? This
adaptation becomes a farce when someone steals all
the costumes and props the night before the show. But
the show must go on! It gets even more hilarious every
moment. Imagine Beowulf using a plastic bucket for his
helmet, a mop for his sword, and his armor is a suit of
mail (letters and postcards). The director, acting as the
narrator, helps the actors agonize through the
preposterous adventure. The characters, dressed in
improvised costumes using impossible props, bravely
accomplish their mission. Every student will want to
read the true Beowulf story after this delightful fiasco.
Easy to stage.
Large Cast One Act Plays
The Actor’s Challenge
by HARRY M. BAGDASIAN and LISA LEVIN ITTÉ
A fast-paced play to showcase
several acting styles
Cast: 10F, 5M
Playing time: About 20 minutes
Complete playkit with 10 scripts and
rights to reproduce copies: $22.95
Order #R-P1187
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35
Olympic Idol
by LAVINIA ROBERTS
A Greek myth parody of “American Idol”
Cast: 13F, 9M, 6 M or F (13 players with doubling)
Playing time: About 35 minutes
Complete playkit with 10 scripts and
rights to reproduce copies: $22.95
Order #R-P1795
New!
Characters from Greek mythology come to life in this
TV talent show parody. It’s hosted by Poseidon, the
surfer dude Sea God, and Hades, the stage manager.
All the Greek gods and goddesses compete to see
who’s the ultimate hero based on audience text
message voting. Judges include rock star Apollo and
goddesses Artemis and Hestia. Zeus and his
illegitimate son Perseus keep Medusa’s head covered to
save the audience from turning to stone, but they run
off when Zeus’ nagging wife Hera shows up. Nike runs
in with a victory cheer, but sad messenger Hermes is
obsolete due to text messaging. Appearances are made
by Athena, Medea, Odysseus, Aphrodite, Atalanta,
Ares, Calliope, Clio, Circe, and other gods, muses, and
heroes. All explain who they are and why they should
win. But the texts say that humble Hestia’s homemade
cookies rock, so she’s the ultimate hero. A fun way to
introduce students to the characters of Greek
mythology. Easy to stage.
Fifteen young performers can instantly perform in a
wide variety of comedy styles — melodrama,
Shakespeare, TV soap opera, spy movies, Masterpiece
Theatre, Star Trek and more! Two girls are surfing new
“interactive” remote channels on their TV — every time
they change the channel, the scene and acting style
change. The quick switches add to the humor. The
actors are tossed new props and costumes for each
new scene. Almost like improv for the performers.
Staging is, of course, very simple. Every performance
has its own laughs. Great for exercises or contest use.