Plays

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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, 6 men.

    Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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.

    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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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 Press, November 2024. Currently available for pre-order. www.nextstagepress.com

  • 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