The Dingdong, or Take Me, I’m Yours!, by Mark Shanahan, adapted from Le Dindon by Georges Feydeau, directed by Penny Elaine (farce)

Vatelin is a faithful husband – mostly. Lucy is a faithful wife – kind of. But their “fidelity” is about to be put to the test when a series of importunate suitors and femmes fatales invade their cozy little world. Dive headfirst into the misadventures of one madcap night in a Parisian hotel in this new adaptation of Feydeau’s classic farce Le Dindon, and discover how opening the wrong door in the dark of night can lead to mayhem, laughter, and a few unlikely revelations about the secret to a happy marriage.

The Lady Demands Satisfaction by Arthur M. Jolly, directed by Michael McMillan

When a young maiden who has never touched a sword learns she must defend her inheritance in a duel, she calls upon her domineering aunt – the finest blade anywhere – to help save her house and lands. As she meekly learns to fence, she struggles with a milksop suitor, a servant girl posing as a Prussian fencing master, a Prussian fencing master who thinks he is there to marry her, and a stodgy lawyer who expects her to be killed at any moment. Like all classic farces, everyone gets the ending they deserve in unexpected ways…but will they be satisfied? (farce)

All’s Fair in Love and Theatre by Lindsey Brown, directed by Erik Knapp

The prestigious Theatre Outstanding Competition offers its winners a much-needed boost into the entertainment world, so it’s no wonder participants will do anything to give themselves the edge – including breaking rules and sabotaging others in the process. Up-and-coming director Leah Harris is bearing the brunt of these attacks, but she’s still determined to fight fair. Plus, she’s dealing with feuding stars, divorcing crew members, and a team liaison who barely knows his stage right from his stage left. And she only has 48 hours till show time! It’s going to be the longest, and shortest, weekend of her life. (comedy)

One Day Only 32

Our thirty-second signature play festival: seven short plays, concept to curtain in JUST ONE DAY!

Laura by Vera Caspary and George Sklar, directed by Carol M. Rice

When Mark McPherson first falls in love with Laura, he knows he’s in love with a phantom – for Laura is dead, and he’s in charge of her murder investigation. From her portrait, her letters, her personal effects and from his contacts with the three men who loved her, Mark has created an image of a woman tantalizingly alive and real. When she appears in the midst of a thunderstorm, very much alive after all, it is revealed that Laura’s best friend (and rival) was the true victim of the crime. But now, all the evidence seems to point to Laura’s guilt. Is Mark going to have to pin the crime on the woman he’s falling in love with? (mystery/thriller)

10-Minute Comedies

It’s back! Winners of our 10-minute comedy contest. Funny stuff from playwrights all over the world! Come vote for your favorite!

A Texas Romance by Ellsworth Schave, directed by Janette Oswald

It’s 1928 and Daisy Wilson has been a widow since her philandering husband was shot by his mistress (an action for which she has some sympathy). In her small Texas town, romance reenters Daisy’s life when she finds Garland Steinholden in the front yard awaiting permission to call on her, to her older sister’s chagrin. Daisy must balance her anger and fear with her need for intimacy and her determination to have a second chance while deciding if Garland is a worthy cause, as he politely but relentlessly pursues her. (romantic comedy)

Making God Laugh by Sean Grennan, directed by Glynda Welch

Ruthie and Bill’s grown children – a priest, an aspiring actress, and a former football star – all return home for Thanksgiving in 1980, where we learn of their plans and dreams as they embark on their adult lives. The empty-nester parents contend with their own changes, too, as old family rituals are trotted out and ancient tensions flare up. As time passes, this typical American family discovers that, despite what we may have in mind, we often arrive at unexpected destinations. As Woody Allen once said, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans…” (dramedy)