A short play collection by Jack J. Berry consists mainly of short comedies. Berry loves to stand the world on its head. A comedy about attempted assassin John J. Hinkley? Travel from Old Testament to WWII in a matter of minutes? These short plays can be produced as an evening of theater or individually as introductions to meetings and events.
This one-act, two character play opens during the pre-dawn hours of November 5, 1831. It is the day that Nat Turner, leader of a bloody slave rebellion, will be tried, convicted and sentenced to death. In the predawn hours before the trial a mysterious woman enters to purify the courtroom. Seven days later she is there by the hanging tree when Turner is executed and thrown into the darkness of death - where he fears he has been eternally abandoned.
A large cast play for High Schools with history interest, the story of Marco Polo's arduous journey through exotic lands back to his birthplace after decades in the service of Kublai Khan, Emperor of the Yuan dynasty, and the dangers and adventures that befell him and his companions as they braved deserts, oceans, and mountains to return to Venice.
In Ten After Ten, Jack J. Berry uses unique settings to highlight current problems and issues. These short comedies can be performed as a single evening or used separately as part of a larger presentation to underscore a point. Excellent for classroom, church, or senior facility.
This full-length comedy play with music brings rapid-fire dialogue to an old classic. With a flexible cast, it is an excellent play for high school performances, college theaters, or community productions. Elvgren has selected the bawdiest and most satirical tales for this version. A sense of Chaucer's language is maintained but is made accessible to a modern audience.
(Lead sheets available)
A 45-minute appealing comedy adaptation of The Tempest to be relished. It has all the exciting elements: of the original play: shipwrecks, a love story, an evil plot, and the fun exploits of the spirits Ariel and her adversary, the rebellious fish-man, Caliban. The flexible cast roles ensures a part for everyone. A must-see for young audiences.
