Hey all! I'm sixteen and started my own community theatre here in town. We just finished off our first show- the female version of the odd couple- went off without a hitch! We are able to do another show next february (rehearsing novemberish up to the show) and I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on a script.

The people like their comedy, but I'd like to do something more serious, more heartfelt- if I do another Neil Simon, i think the people in our small community will come to expect a comedy like that every time, and therefore be less open to dramas and dramadies later on- we have a talented group that fits the glass menagerie just perfect, but fear it's too much right off the bat. Our town isn't used to something that deep. On Golden Pond, Steel Magnolias, Barefoot in the Park and The Spitfire Grill have all been performed recently (within the last six months), so they're removed from the running. We want something with substance, so people aren't walking out when we do death of a salesman or the glass menagerie next fall)

If my attempts at finding something different fail, we're heading for the star-spangled girl.

We are certain of a production for next summer, however- the Little Shop of Horrors.

For those I've confused, here's what I need-

1. Odd Couple (Female Version)

2. _________________

3. Little Shop of Horrors

4. Glass Menagerie or Death of a Salesman

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

Drew Leibel, Producer, Superior Community Theatre

Drew:

Congratulations on bravery to start a theatre company and your success with your first production.

I like your choices. 

For comedies, check out some of Alan Ayckbourn's earlier plays, specifically one of the three in "The Norman Conquests."  Also, Noel Coward's "Private Lives" and "Blythe Spirit."

Suggested second production (following your all girl version of the "Odd Couple") is a wonderful play rarely done these days and that is "The Hasty Heart."  All male but for female nurse.  "Separate Tables" is a great play to do.

"The Glass Menagerie" (excellent classic) and "Little Shop of Horrors" (fun musical) are good choices, to give a variety to your presentations that include your premiere production.  May I suggest one original play per year, running it for your third production?  I have found that audiences like this.  You can put out a call  on the Internet for new works for your theatre company.  This site, as well as The Playwrights' Noticeboard, EnVant Playwrights, and Rosa/Ashley Writers' Forum.

Off hand, some other dramas/comedies you might consider:

"And Then There Were None" (saw this in London and it is still great)

"Brigadoon"

"The Chalk Garden"

"Divorce Sale" (comedy by me)

"The Seven-Year Itch" (wonderfully silly)

"The Great Sebastians" (always works well in community theatre)

"Teahouse of the August Moon" (award winner)

"Crow" (powerful Australian play)

"Goodbye, My Fancy" (great role for actress)

"Susan and God" (ditto)

"Finian's Rainbow" (musical)

"Ring Around the Moon"

"Prelude to a Kiss"

You might want to go online and check out abstracts on plays published through Currency Press, PlayPro, and ScriptCircle. 

The theatre department at the university in the community where I live oftentimes pick a theme to thread together their four productions per year.  You might want to try this.  It is a fun thing to do.  For example, where there is a combination of three:  "Three Sisters," "Macbeth" (three witches), "Sorrento Hotel" (three sisters), and "Living Together" (two sisters and a brother).  Or you could do plays where there are trials.  For example, "The Merchant of Venice," "Witness for the Prosecution," "The Caine Mutiny," and "Trial and Error," a very early comedy by John Mortimer.  (If you're going for one musical per year, there are several with trial scenes.  For example, "Chicago" and "Lady in the Dark." 

I'm afraid I have gotten carried away. Sorry.

Continued G'd luck to you.