Bob Cooner Playwright
Hi, I’m Bob.
Welcome to my website. I'm Bob Cooner, a playwright who, for the last 10 years, has been crafting crowd-pleasing stories for the stage and beyond. I love blending humor with serious themes to create plays that make you think and feel, laugh and cry. From exploring identity to poking fun at societal norms, my work aims to capture the complexities of life through relatable characters and stories that stay with you long after the curtain falls. Take a look around to learn more about my plays, how I got started on this creative journey, and how you can read and/or license my plays for production. Thanks for stopping by.
Plays
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A Hercule Poirot radio mystery.
Hercule Poirot and his colleague Captain Arthur Hastings travel to 1920s Egypt to investigate a series of mysterious murders. Are they the result of a supernatural curse -- or might there be more corporal explanation. This 30-minute radio play is adapted from one of Agatha Christie's earliest short stories.
Flexible Cast: 5-10 (any gender).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.
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A Hercule Poirot radio mystery.
Hercule Poirot, Agatha Christie's brilliant Belgian detective, investigates the murder of Count Foscatini, an Italian nobleman living in 1920s London. Accompanied by his loyal companion Captain Arthur Hastings, Poirot discovers that appearances are not as they seem in this fast-paced and humorous mystery, adapted for the radio from Christie's short story. 30 minutes.
Flexible Cast: 5-11 (any gender).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.
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A Hercule Poirot double-feature mystery adapted from the Agatha Christie short stories "The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman" and "The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb."
Agatha Christie’s dapper detective is on the case in two of his earliest whodunnits. In the first mystery, Poirot and his stalwart companion, Capt. Arthur Hastings, investigate the death of the Italian Count Foscatini. In the second, they travel to Egypt to untangle a series of deaths supposedly caused by a mummy’s curse.
Flexible Cast: 1 woman, 6 men (with doubling); up to 4 women, 14 men (without doubling)
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.
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Two Hercule Poirot radio mysteries in one.
Hercule Poirot sleuths again! In this radio play, Agatha Christie’s dapper detective is on the case in two of his earliest whodunnits, “The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman” and “The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb.” In the first mystery, Poirot and his stalwart companion, Capt. Arthur Hastings, investigate the death of the Italian Count Foscatini. In the second, they travel to Egypt to untangle a series of deaths supposedly caused by a mummy’s curse.
Flexible Cast: 5-22 (any gender)
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A Hercule Poirot double-feature mystery adapted from the Agatha Christie short stories "The Adventure of the Western Star" and "The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor."
World-famous detective Hercule Poirot, accompanied by Captain Hastings, his intrepid friend and colleague, solves two baffling mysteries, one involving a rare diamond and the other centering on a curious death at a manor house.
Flexible Cast: 3 women, 5 men (w/doubling) up to 4 women, 10 men (without doubling).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
Published by Next Stage Press www.nextstagepress.com
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A new women-centered comedy.
A New Comedy. Middle-aged and divorced, Shelley Kramer looks forward to drinks and dishing at book club with her three closest friends. But when she invites a young new coworker into the club as a romantic set-up for her grown son, long-buried secrets and rivalries erupt and loyalties are tested. A female-centric play that celebrates the joys and challenges of friendship.
Cast: 5 women, 1 man
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A radio adaptation of the holiday classic.
Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol as a 70-minute, 1940s-style radio play. Meant to accompanied by live music and sound effects, actors portray Ebenezer Scrooge, Bob Marley, Tiny Tim, and the rest in this beloved holiday classic.
Flexible Cast: 5-20+ (any gender)
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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The life of L. Frank Baum and the creation of The Wonderful Wizard of OZ.
How did L. Frank Baum's own life's journey lead him to the creation of what is arguably the most beloved children's novel of all time, The Wonderful Wizard of OZ? From his youth in 19th century upstate New York, to his travels on the road as an actor and playwright, to his stint as a newspaper publisher on the midwestern plains, to his time in turn-of-the- 20th century Chicago as a salesman and ultimately a published author, L. Frank Baum's peripatetic biography is nothing less than remarkable. Characters from both his real life and his imagination come together to tell the story of Baum's own wondrous odyssey.
Cast: Cast: 3 women, 3 men, 3 any.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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Cowritten with Matthew Abergel
An Original Supernatural Comedy
A troupe of traveling actors in 1909 arrive at the Woodland Opera House to perform their latest melodrama, Daughter of the West, complete with a hiss-worthy villain and virtuous young heroine. But mysterious accidents make a maddening mess of their dress rehearsal. Could it be the malevolent meddling of the ghost that reportedly haunts the theatre? Inspired by the real-life heroism of Woodland firefighter William Porter, this charming family-friendly comedy is a celebration the vital role live theatre plays in creating community.
Cast: 4 women, 5 men.
Winner: Best Play, 2023 BroadwayWorld Sacramento Awards
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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An adaptation of the classic O. Henry short story.
O. Henry's beloved Christmas classic takes on new dimensions in this adaptation that moves the action forward to World War I-era New York City. Very much in love, newlyweds Della and James want to make their first Christmas together extra special, but they'll need a miracle to overcome the obstacles posed by family and finances. The young couple encounter colorful New York characters from all walks of life in their quest to give each other the perfect gift.
Flexible Cast: 3 women, 3 men (with doubling); up to 5 women, 6 men (without doubling)
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A radio adaptation of O. Henry's classic holiday story.
O. Henry's beloved Christmas classic takes on new dimensions in this adaptation that moves the action forward to World War I-era New York City. Very much in love, newlyweds Della and James want to make their first Christmas together extra special, but they'll need a miracle to overcome the obstacles posed by family and finances. The young couple encounter colorful New York characters from all walks of life in their quest to give each other the perfect gift. 80 minutes.
Flexible Cast: 4-11 (any gender).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A Golden Age of Hollywood whodunnit.
1937. A Hollywood party celebrating the completion of the filming of Little Miss Miracle, the latest from Audrey O'Rourke, child star and box office darling. When a budding starlet turns up dead and a powerful studio chief is found unconscious, all the glittering guests become potential next victims as well as suspects. A twisty and funny mystery that captures the glamour and history of the period.
Cast: 6 women, 3 men, 1 pre-teen girl
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
Published by Next Stage Press www.nextstagepress.com
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A jazz-Infused 1950s murder mystery.
1957. San Francisco. Dee Dee Desmond, a singer at the Night Hawk jazz club, finds herself implicated in the murder of the club's owner when he's found dead with a bullet in his back. Can Dee Dee discover the real killer before she winds up arrested--or dead? Imbued with the jazz sounds and noir sensibilities of the 1950s, Murder 'Round Midnight will appeal to both jazz junkies and mystery mavens.
Cast: 5 women, 5 men
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A new adaptation of the tale by Hans Christian Andersen.
It’s not easy being 13, especially not for Calvin. His father, the kingdom’s beloved emperor, has died, and now Calvin is expected to assume the throne—the last thing this shy, awkward boy wants to do. And just when Calvin needs his family most, his jealous Uncle Giles conspires with a couple of slippery con artists to steal the crown away from his vulnerable nephew. Can Calvin overcome his insecurities and thwart Giles’s dastardly plot? All will be revealed in this surprising new twist on the Hans Christian Andersen classic.
Cast: 3 women, 4 men (1 boy).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A new retro holiday comedy with music.
It’s December 1966, and all of America is primed to watch their favorite happy TV couple, Cookie and Ray, in their annual holiday musical special. Little do fans know that Cookie and Ray’s marriage is on the rocks—and what’s worse, the prerecorded special has gone missing. The only fix is a live telecast from their home, but can the show go on with Cookie and Ray at each other’s throats? Features original music and arrangements by Sam Schieber.
Winner: BroadwayWorld Sacramento Region "Best Original Script of the Decade" (2020)
Cast: 4 women, 5 men
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A new comedy for families.
Peter Rabbit and his family in Sherwood Glade have already been victimized by big business food company MacGregor Corp. Now, they might lose even more unless Peter and his friends can stop MacGregor Corp CEO Jonathan Prince's plans to destroy their home and food supply. Rabbit Hood is a very funny and contemporary mash-up of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and the tales of Robin Hood.
*Winner, One Act Play, Chameleon Theatre Circle 26th Annual New Play Contest (2025)
Cast: 6 women (2 adults, 1 older teen, 3 younger teens), 3 men (1 adult, 2 older teens) with doubling. 8 women (4 adults, 1 older teen, 3 younger teens), 4 men (2 adults, 2 older teens) without doubling.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
Published by Next Stage Press. www.nextstagepress.com
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A new adaption of the novel by E. M. Forster.
A holiday in 1907 Italy with her spinster cousin changes everything for young Lucy Honeychurch. After experiencing adventure, romance, and passion in Florence, will Lucy ever reconcile herself to a more conventional life in England with her family and fiancé? Brimming with eccentric characters, humor, and charm, A Room with a View is the perfect romantic comedy.
FlexibleCast: 8 women (1 young teen), 7 men (with doubling) up to 17 women, 18 men (without doubling)
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
Published by Next Stage Press www.nextstagepress.com
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A modern family dramedy.
Last summer, Andy Cavanaugh had a wife and a career. Now widowed and retired, he faces the meddling of his well-intentioned family who are convinced they know what's best for him. Little do they know that someone from Andy's past will challenge all of them to navigate a future they never expected. As you join the Cavanaughs for three summer celebrations, you'll see your own family's quirks in the ups and downs of this modern blended family.
Cast: 6 women (1 teen), 4 men (1 teen)
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
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A contemporary teen adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night.
V (Veanne), recently separated from her twin brother Baz as a result of their parents’ divorce, starts her senior year at a brand-new school in Elmira, NY. With her boyish appearance, manner, and nickname, V gets misgendered by the other kids at school—but she goes along with their misconception because she feels surprisingly welcomed by them. Misunderstandings, miscommunication, and misdeeds abound in this freewheeling, contemporary, high school-set adaptation of William Shakespeare’s classic comedy.
Cast: 5 women (teens), 6 men (teens), plus extras (teens).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.
Published by Next Stage. www.nextstagepress.com
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A new holiday play for families.
New York City, 1897. Christmas is almost here, but eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon suddenly is facing a crisis of belief: Is Santa Claus real or not? Famously, she writes a letter to a local paper to give her a definitive answer to that most crucial of questions. Funny and heartwarming, this new holiday play will delight audiences of all ages.
Cast: 7 women (3 adult, 4 girls), 2 men
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org
Published by Next Stage Press www.nextstagepress.com
Selected Productions
Prime Time for the Holidays
Winner, BroadwayWorld Sacramento Region "Best Original Script of the Decade” (2020).
Woodland Opera House, 2016
The New Emperor’s Clothes
Woodland Opera House, 2018
Agatha Christie’s
The Count & The Curse:
A Play for Live Radio
Woodland Opera House, 2021
Twelfth Grade
Elk Grove High School, 2025
Finding OZ
The Acting Company, Yuba City, CA, 2026
Press & Reactions
Prime Time for the Holidays
“[T]he annual demand for a Christmas play gave Cooner all the motivation he needed to fill that need, by writing Prime Time for the Holidays — a comedic throwback to the days of I Love Lucy, The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Dean Martin Show, and The Carol Burnett Show. … Set in 1966, America’s favorite TV couple, Cookie and Ray, has built their careers on their seemingly perfect marriage — but now there’s trouble in paradise. … The production is riddled with references to the civil rights movement, the women’s movement, the generation gap and others that come up in the show. … Sam Schieber, a brilliant composer and musician from Sacramento, has dipped into both the jazz and rock influences of the 1960s to create sparkling new arrangements of several holiday classics, such as ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘Deck the Hall,’ and ‘Up on the Housetop.’ And as an added treated, Schieber has composed some original musical material for the show, including a sensational title song ‘It’s Prime Time for the Holidays.’”— Sarah Dowling, The Daily Democrat, October 2016
The Gift of the Magi: A Play for Live Radio
“This is a brand-new adaptation of “The Gift of the Magi,” said [Heartland Theatre’s] Sandra Zielinski, director of the radio play. Written by Bob Cooner, the play stays true to O. Henry’s original tale of love and sacrifice during the holiday season, while expanding the scope and adding new details. … ”What Bob Cooner did was take all of the characters that James and Della would have met and brought them into the story,” said Zielinski. … Cooner’s character additions brings a new richness to the classic tale, said Zielinski. In Cooner’s script, character gaps are filled in with an array of people. … “So, it’s really very interesting. He takes a broader view of the story, whereas O. Henry focuses very tight on Della’s hair and the watch fob. I think Bob has done a great job with filling out their life so that we see it in a different way.” … “The Gift of the Magi” is a good fit for the medium of radio, noted Zielinski. Although the company is still in rehearsals, the story and characters are easily taking root and blossoming in their mind’s eye.” — Laura Kennedy, WGLT’s Sound Ideas, December 2020
The New Emperor’s Clothes
“Cooner’s hilarious rewrite of the 18th-Century Dutch fable shows the more things change, the more they stay the same. He preserves the essence of the famous story by making a child the hero, but he modernizes the script with a comedic rearrangement of the plot. … Calvin, the young emperor-to-be, … learns to trust himself and identify the people who have his best interests at heart. To learn those lessons, Calvin navigates his way around a pair of dubious fashion designers … who conspire with his Uncle. His faithful servant Sam provides a compass along the way. Calvin’s grandmother, the Dowager Empress, also races to solve the family’s problem alongside Sofia, her immigrant ladies maid.” — Linda DuBois, The Davis Enterprise, March 2018
Little Miss Murder
“A classic Hollywood mystery in which a gossip columnist infiltrates a party full of actors, each of whom fears she is ready to reveal their deepest secrets. So the columnist is murdered. Right? Wrong. But then, why would someone kill the starlet and try to kill the studio head? The answer lies in a fascinating but little-known historical conspiracy. Everyone involved will have fun with this one, particularly the cast, the costumer, and the props master -- and, most assuredly, the audience.” Donald E. Baker, New Play Exchange
Agatha Christie’s The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb: A Play for Live Radio
“A good, old-fashioned, and wonderfully entertaining mystery thriller, Bob Cooner’s delicious adaptation of an Agatha Christie short story (featuring the lovably irascible Belgian detective, Hercule Poirot) captures her intricately structured plotting as well as her dry British wit, and perfectly suits the audio drama format. One can imagine sitting by one’s radio, breathlessly hanging on every word from its intriguing beginning to its thrilling conclusion.” — Doug DeVita, New Play Exchange
Best Sellers
“Women. We are complicated creatures. We are competitive, loyal, forgiving, and ambitious. Bob Cooner has represented us well in this poignant and humorous look at longstanding female relationships. Bob has inspired me to possibly join a book club!”—Kathy Rasmussen, New Play Exchange
Finding OZ
The Acting Company’s world premiere production of "Finding Oz" sits on the edge of something remarkable and timely.
Written and directed by Bob Cooner, the play looks beyond the yellow brick road and into the complicated life of L. Frank Baum, the man whose imagination gave the world "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz." With a biographical storyline reminiscent of "Finding Neverland" or "The Greatest Showman," "Finding Oz" explores the political ideals, family influences, personal failures and flashes of inspiration that shaped Baum’s imagination at the turn of the 20th century.
Coming on the heels of renewed interest in Oz-related stories, including the recent "Wicked" movie craze, the production seems well-positioned to attract audiences.
. . . . .
At the center of "Finding Oz" is Baum himself, portrayed not as a mythic genius but as a restless, flawed and often frustrating man. The play follows his many failed or short-lived ventures, including newspaper editor, salesman, chicken breeder, shopkeeper, theater producer and even baseball team owner, before he eventually finds success with "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz."
. . . Baum is shown as a man influenced by progressive ideas, particularly through his connection to women’s suffrage and the strong women in his life. At the same time, the historical Baum is also remembered for deeply troubling writings calling for the extermination of Native Americans, specifically the Lakota Sioux, during his time as editor of "The Aberdeen Saturday Pioneer" in South Dakota. The play attempts to explore those contradictions with nuance . . . Was Baum a visionary or did he simply stumble into success? Is he worthy of this much attention or is the more interesting story found in the people who supported him?
As a world premiere, "Finding Oz" carries the excitement of a new work meeting its first audiences. It may not answer every question it raises, but it makes the journey to Oz feel stranger, more human and more complicated than the familiar story audiences think they know. . . . It also raises an interesting question: Was Baum really telling his own story or was he simply borrowing from fairy tales, political movements, family influences and cultural imagination until something finally stuck?
This line of questioning is ultimately what makes "Finding Oz" quietly effective. It challenges the myth that great and famous works must come from great and famous people. More often, they come from flawed, failing and deeply human individuals who are simply trying to make a living, leave a mark or find their way home. [It] offers audiences something thoughtful and worthwhile: a reminder that even the road to Oz was paved with failure, contradiction and persistence. —Shamaya Sutton, Territorial Dispatch
FAQ
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I'm a playwright, director, and actor in Sacramento, California. After growing up in Houston, Texas and earning my B.A. in Drama from the University of Houston in 1979, I moved to New York City to pursue my dream of a life in the theatre. From 1979-1989, I worked as a professional actor and director in New York, regionally, and on tour. In 1989, I moved to Chicago where I was a founding member of the Cactus Theatre Company and continued to perform in and direct other theatre projects as well. There, I also returned to school to get my M.Ed. from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995. I met my husband-to-be, Matthew Abergel, in Chicago, and, in 1999, we moved to California, first to the Bay Area and then in 2001 to Sacramento. In 2020, I retired from a long career as a high school teacher of English and theatre. Both Matthew and I have been active in Sacramento area theatre since then, most significantly at the historic Woodland Opera House in Woodland, California. My plays have been produced in regional and educational theaters throughout the country.
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Several of my plays (A Room with a View; Agatha Christie's Diamonds & Death; Finding OZ; Little Miss Murder; Murder ’Round Midnight; Rabbit Hood; Twelfth Grade; Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus) are published by Next Stage Press. Check out their website www.nextstagepress.com. Those, along with the rest of my plays, are also available at New Play Exchange, www.newplayexchange.org.
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For one of my published plays (A Room with a View; Agatha Christie's Diamonds & Death; Finding OZ; Little Miss Murder; Murder ’Round Midnight; Rabbit Hood; Twelfth Grade; Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus), please contact Next Stage Press at www.nextstagepress.com. For any of my other plays, please get in touch with me through this website or through New Play Exchange (www.newplayexchange.org).
Contact me.
If you would like more information about my plays, licensing productions, or if you just want to drop me a note, I’d love to hear from you.