One-Act Plays

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Runs, Drips & Errors

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This baseball comedy is set at home plate during a game between the Rockwood Scouts and the Chattahoochee Nads. Leo, the umpire, is mercilessly heckled by songstress Luanne Linder, who opens the proceedings by butchering the Star-Spangled Banner. The catcher, Corky Bristol, is grossing everyone out with his stinky feet. And the batter, Goo-Goo Dawkins, attempts to influence the umpire’s calls by helping Leo with his love life. To top it all off, the coach for the Scouts, Greg Wellman, needs to leave the game early to catch a flight to his grandmother’s wedding. So, he asks Leo to eject him. But Leo refuses to do so unless Wellman makes him really mad.

And it all takes place within one at-bat. Will Corky’s feet strike everyone out? Does Wellman get to the church on time? And can Goo-Goo help Leo find true love? Probably not – but it’s a safe bet your audiences will laugh out loud watching them try.

Four men. One woman. One set.

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Tickle My Fancy

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It’s a whirlwind of misadventures when Lonnie Beale, the new wrangler at the Circle Z Ranch – a beauty spa for wealthy glamour models – finds himself fighting off jewel thieves and jeweled women. Romance sparks between Lonnie and Pam, a shapely fitness instructor with a secret identity who’s embroiled in a treasure hunt in a nearby ghost town. Complicating matters further is ranch boss Vera Radford, who makes advances toward Lonnie while expecting him to cater to the whims of her amorous clients. Amidst this chaos, a Swedish chef frantically searches for his missing turkey. Filled with twists, turns, and laugh-out-loud moments, this play, reminiscent of a 1960s Elvis movie, is perfect for stages of all sizes and guaranteed to leave audiences tickled pink! 

Three men. Three women. One set. 

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Cocktails & Highballs

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 Set in a vintage bar called The Rendezvous Room, this comedy takes audiences on an unexpected, interactive journey. Jake, a smooth-talking flirt, and Toby, his well-meaning but over-the-top friend, vie for the attention of Dian, the quick-witted cocktail waitress who’s always one step ahead. But this isn’t your typical night out: audience members are invited to join in on the lively atmosphere, adding a dash of unpredictability to every scene. 

With improvisation woven into the mix, each performance becomes a unique experience, celebrating the delightfully unexpected moments that make any night memorable. “Cocktails & Highballs” offers a front-row seat to laugh-out-loud chaos, where audience reactions help shape each scene and every performance becomes one-of-a-kind. 

Three men. Two women. One set. 

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The Wily Ray Riley

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A dark comedy about a beautiful gypsy fortune teller – Ray Riley – whose gifts of foresight are genuine. But the seeress hides her necromancy by acting as a well-trained expert in the workings of the human psyche. The classic tale of discovering the defrauder is turned on its head when a preacher threatens to expose the sexy psychic as the real deal – unless help is given to raise funds for his church. But the preacher soon learns that mind games can be deadly as sin.

One man. Two women. One set.

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Sadie & Tessa Spill the Tea!

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 In this fast-paced comedy, former stars of the scandalous “Bunnies” movie series, Sadie Tate and Tessa Starr, host a popular podcast where no topic is off-limits -- especially their wild careers in Hollywood. Between sassy banter and cheeky reminiscing, the duo tackles uncomfortable truths about objectification, fame, and reclaiming their identities. When an unexpected guest from their past reappears, tensions rise, and old wounds are reopened, forcing the friends to confront what they’ve tried to leave behind. With plenty of laughs and surprising emotional depth, “Sadie & Tessa Spill the Tea!” serves up a quirky blend of comedy, empowerment, and friendship -- one spicy revelation at a time. 

Four women. One man. One set. 

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The Nightly Evening News Tonight

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A scathing satire that rips the glossy veneer off the modern news cycle. Anchors Rob Parsons and Leslie Mackey deliver a whirlwind of sensationalized headlines, corporate-sponsored outrage, and breaking news that’s already broken. 

From a sewage apocalypse in London to a disastrous bikini car wash, a corporate-controlled AI police sketch artist to a live broadcast from the Running of the Bulls, the GBC-7 News Team brings you all the news they’re allowed to tell you – and then some. Featuring a fearless field reporter who always draws the short straw, a sports anchor unafraid to torch the entire industry, and a weather girl sick of being reduced to a dress size, The Nightly Evening News Tonight skewers the hypocrisy, bias, and sheer absurdity of the 24-hour news cycle. 

In a world where fearmongering sells and truth is optional, GBC-7 reminds you: Your compliance has been noted. 

Three men. Three women. One set. 

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Plumber’s Butt

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Vicki is a bohemian hot mess who has endured a lifetime of nagging health issues – from acute sinusitis to acid reflux to fibromyalgia and everything in between. Then, one day, she calls for a plumber to fix her leaky sink. When he arrives and bends over to go to work, she sees his butt crack . . . and she is instantly healed of all her maladies. Converted, she now feels a calling to get her family to believe, stare at the plumber’s butt, and be healed, too. This comedy is infamous in the Jay Huling canon, and it was the recipient of the 14th Annual New Voice Play Festival’s Golden Curtain Award, presented by The Old Opera House Theatre Company.

Two men. Two women. One set.

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BuhNuh

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 The spirit of “BuhNuh” explores the absurdity of existence and the search for meaning in a seemingly futile world. In a desolate, bleak space, the character Billy sits motionless, observed by two figures, A and B, who question the nature of his being, action, and the universe itself. Their philosophical musings oscillate between hope and resignation, challenging the audience to reflect on the nature of identity and purpose. With minimal action, stark dialogue, and a haunting atmosphere, “BuhNuh” delves into the depths of existential thought, offering both absurd humor and profound insight. As the characters ponder the meaning of Billy’s stillness and whether any action holds significance, the play captures the essence of the human condition: restless questioning in a world resistant to answers. 

Three characters. One set. 

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G.I. Red, White & Blues

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In Frankfurt, Germany’s lively Café Europa, Tulsa McLean, a witty U.S. Army Specialist, is swept into a bet to woo Lili LaFleur, a seemingly unattainable French dancer. Amidst the vibrant nightlife, Tulsa and his buddy Cookey navigate a maze of romantic escapades and cultural blunders. The story unfolds as Tulsa’s playful pursuit of Lili turns into genuine affection, challenging his original intentions. Meanwhile, the intertwining fates of Tina, a shy Italian dancer, Wolfgang, an earnest German businessman, and Marla, the astute bartender, add layers of humor and heart. This spoof of the 1960 Paramount movie “G.I. Blues” humorously explores love, identity, and the joyful unpredictability of life’s encounters. 

Three men. Three women. One set. 

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The Sillage Mirage 

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Robert Dorian is looking for the perfect cologne – something refined, something irresistible. What he finds is Spivy Fragrance, a near-empty boutique with no shelves of bottles, no samples, and a shopkeeper who seems to know him before he even speaks. Madam Agnew does not let customers choose their scent. She assigns it. 

As the boutique’s other patrons come and go, effortlessly accepting their prescribed fragrances, Dorian refuses to play along. He mocks the ritual, demands proof, and pushes too far. Agnew, patient as ever, finally invites him to see how the perfumes are made. 

Behind the counter lies a back room. No one who enters ever returns the same. If they return at all. 

Darkly elegant, laced with biting humor and quiet menace, “The Sillage Mirage” lingers long after the final note fades. 

Three women. Two men. One set. One last scent. 

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Aloha, Hawaiian Style 

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Pack your bags and embark on a hilariously haphazard Hawaiian adventure. Chad Richards, a tour guide with a talent for trouble, and Maile Hudson, his no-nonsense business partner, surf the unpredictable crest of running their new travel agency. But their business relationship is complicated by their past romantic involvement. When they land their first client – the voluptuous Abigail Prentice from the Wharton School for Glamour and her troupe of beautiful models – things between them get even more tangled. From fiery panty predicaments to covert housekeeping disguises to helicopter junkets gone haywire, Hawaiian chaos breaks loose as Chad plunges deeper into mayhem. Will Chad and Maile steer their agency to smooth sailing, or will their business plans be as scrambled as their love life? Find out in this tropical paradise of comedy that your audiences will love. 

Five women. One Elvis. One set. 

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Infidels Aweigh!

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A daringly humorous 10-minute play that delves into the absurdities of cultural and religious misconceptions. Set at a bus stop in a small American town, the play features PFC Jinnger Hudson, a Marilyn Monroe-esque Marine with a penchant for alternative medicine; Sgt. Nathan Kuffar, her earnest squad leader; and Aishah Tatum, a young American Muslim woman. The plot twists around mistaken beliefs, including the humorous confusion between the Qur’an and the Kama Sutra. As the characters navigate their prejudices, “Infidels Aweigh!” satirizes the complexities of modern societal dynamics.

Two women. One man. One set.

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Seven Come Eleven

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At a mysterious craps table in a shadowy casino that may not be of this world, five strangers arrive with desperate hopes, hidden guilt, and battered souls. Each one is betting on something more than money – redemption, healing, forgiveness.

Presiding over the game is the enigmatic Stickman, whose silent gaze and cryptic responses suggest he’s not just a dealer of dice. As the chips fall and the stakes rise, secrets unravel: a woman caught in adultery relives her shame, a disciple confronts his denial, and a traitor counts his silver before his betrayal. With every roll, the lines blur between game and judgment, miracle and memory.

A haunting reimagining of Gospel figures set in a liminal purgatory, “Seven Come Eleven” asks: what are you truly wagering in the game of life – and who, or what, is really keeping score?

Four men. Two women. One set.

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Café Malaise

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Wade walks into a bar and orders a sandwich — but what arrives is a surreal collision of memory, regret, and temptation. 

On one side of the stage: Honkers, a garish breastaurant where lust and escape are always on tap. On the other: a quiet diner that shouldn’t exist, serving the one thing Wade thought he’d never taste again — his mother’s apricot grits. 

As the line between reality and afterlife dissolves, Wade must choose between comforting illusion and painful truth. A theatrical meditation on guilt, grief, and the fast food of the soul. 

Three women. Two men. One split set. 

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Burt Dracula, Jr. 

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Burt Dracula has spent his entire life living in the shadow of his legendary brother, Vlad the Impaler. He wants to be dark and terrifying, but he’s more of a discount lounge act than a Prince of Darkness. Tonight, however, is his big moment – his wife, Lucy, is in labor, about to give birth to what may or may not be the Antichrist. With the wildly unqualified Dr. Hankenstein overseeing the delivery, a Wolfman nurse in the middle of an identity crisis, and an awkward vampire hunter named Skippy Van Helsing crashing the party, things spiral into supernatural absurdity. And just when you think it can’t get any more chaotic, the Invisible Man has been there the whole time... but nobody saw it coming. 

A fast-paced, razor-sharp horror comedy that lampoons classic monster lore while delivering a biting (and possibly cursed) good time. Perfect for theaters looking for a hilarious, high-energy short play with a spooky twist. 

Three men. Two women. One set. 

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The Teeth of Our Skin

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This parody of Thornton Wilder's "The Skin of Our Teeth" juxtaposes timeless themes with the quirky setting of 'Bikini Dentistry' — a brothel-turned Hooters-turned dentist office. Dr. Juliette Hope navigates a series of ludicrous challenges as she confronts a metaphorical 'ice age' of societal change. Her assistant Sabina serves as a witty, self-aware conduit between the audience and the play, highlighting the farce and the underlying social commentary. They fend off the advances of Adam Zapple, a mechanic from 'Lingerie Automotive;' grapple with the protestations of Gladys Antipas against dental sexism; and confront the threats of toothpaste mobster Cain Tremayne, who pressurizes Juliette to endorse Sisyphus Toothpaste, because she's the one out of five who doesn't. The satire in "The Teeth of Our Skin" cleverly intertwines the struggles of humanity with modern absurdities, offering a comical yet poignant critique of social justice warriors, consumer culture, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of relentless, self-imposed adversity.

Three men. Three women. One set.

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Elvis of Nazareth

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On a summer day in 1953, a young, pre-fame Elvis Presley waits nervously at Sun Records to record a song for his mother. But instead of finding his big break, he finds himself in the company of Moses, King Solomon, a Roman Centurion, and Jesus of Nazareth. As the unlikely group gathers in the studio lobby, sacred and secular worlds collide in a rapid-fire mix of biblical parody, pop culture riffing, and existential comedy.

Moses battles technical difficulties with his miracles. Solomon tries to one-up Elvis in a lyric contest. The Centurion strong-arms the front desk. And Jesus — calm, cryptic, and quietly commanding — says very little but shifts the gravity of every scene. At the center of it all is Elvis, torn between worldly ambition and spiritual longing, fame and faith. Is he destined to become "The King," or is he called to something deeper?

As prophetic jokes give way to genuine questions, "Elvis of Nazareth" builds to a surprising moment of clarity: maybe purpose doesn’t always look divine, but it can still serve something holy.

Five men. One woman. One set

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Bob Juan

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Bob is tired of living in the shadow of his womanizing big brother, Don Juan. So, Bob sets out to seduce Donna Julia, the wife of Don Alfonso. When Alfonso nearly discovers the tryst, Bob dresses in disguise as a woman to escape. But Alfonso, believing Bob to be a girl, makes romantic advances toward him. It’s a campy farce where boy gets girl, boy loses girl, and boy gets boy back. This is Jay’s spoof of Lord Bryon’s epic poem Don Juan.

Two men. Two women. One set.

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Rheumatoid Floyd

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This is Jay’s spoof of Orson Welles’ classic movie Citizen Kane. Charles Foster Floyd utters his last word “Rosebud” and falls to the floor. Enter Bradford Thompson, a reporter, who immediately begins to write Floyd’s obituary. But, as Floyd lies there dying, he doesn’t like what he hears Thompson write. So, he wills himself to get up, stay alive, and help Thompson write the piece.

However, Thompson finds Floyd’s memories of his life to be a bit unbelievable. As they bicker about the details, Thompson learns about Floyd the man that the public never knew. And Floyd begins to see that he may have held himself in too high of a regard. In the end, they strike a compromise about reporting the truth and respecting the dignity of a man’s death.

Two men. One set.

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Insert Laugh Here

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“Welcome to The Jungle Room. I’ll be at your service to help you fill your empty life with the fleeting pleasures of alcoholic delusions.”

And so begins Insert Laugh Here – a one-act comedy that takes place at a bar where a simpleton named Les has come to drown his sorrows. Along the way to inebriation, he meets a crazy cast of barflies, including:

  • Neil – who likes women with hairy knuckles. Or as he puts it, “A sound mind is nothing compared to a firm grip.”
  • Margret – who wants a man who doesn’t have callouses on his fingertips.
  • Lotta – a Mary Kay-type sales lady who offers to get Les women who are “out-of-the-box and oven ready.”

And throughout it all, Les waits to see if a mafia hit he has ordered will be successful . . . a hit on himself.

Insert Laugh Here is Jay’s one-act version of his hit full-length play Twelve Bar Blues.

Three men. Three woman. One set.

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Bonjour Raconteur

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When Russ Gettys, a wannabe comic book creator, discovers a Genie in a bottle, he is determined to waste his customary three wishes to prove to the Genie that he doesn’t need them at all. But the Genie was sent to teach Russ a lesson. So, when the wishes are all used up, Russ realizes his true wish is to recapture his imagination and follow the dream he abandoned. But is it too late?

One man. One woman. One set.

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Trilogy for Two

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Marty and Jerry, a writing team whose careers have recently stalled, work on a new script. They improvise scenes to get their creative juices flowing – including: Bad actors performing Hamlet . . . First-timers at a nudist colony . . . Mail that’s never delivered to Buenos Aires, South Africa . . . and a man who is publicly disgraced because he sleeps with his pillow before he marries it.

But nothing works for them because Marty has an emotional need to add meaning to his writing, while Jerry wants the audience to be entertained with belly laughs. As they search through old photo albums for inspiration, they reminisce about their lives, loves, and losses. Who will win the battle between art vs. entertainment? Or is there another battle to be won?

Two men. One set.

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The Flaxen Miss Jackson

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Everything has been going right for Simon Barjonas all year long. And it’s driving him crazy. He’s pinpointed the exact moment his good fortune began: When Mary Jackson said to him, “Have a happy New Year.”

Simon is compelled to confront Mary about her “inexplicable” gift. But he gets more than he bargained for when she turns water into wine before his very eyes.

Mary reveals she possesses an indwelling spirit of a different kind, and – much to his chagrin – Simon realizes he’s used her blessing to break every single one of the Ten Commandments.

Two men. Two women. One set.

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F for F.U.

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A metatheatrical farce for the post-truth stage. 

A rehearsal room. A talkback. A con job. Maybe all three. In this razor-edged dark comedy, a playwright submits a new script — only to discover the theater’s development staff is less interested in the play than in how to dismantle and reconstruct it to match ever-shifting criteria of identity, trauma, and social currency. 

As a dramaturg, artistic director, and literary manager circle like buzzwords in a grant proposal, a seductive narrator pulls the rug out again and again — exposing not just the absurdity of modern theatrical gatekeeping, but the hollowness at the center of the theatrical-industrial complex itself. 

Inspired by Orson Welles’s “F for Fake,” this play is part satire, part sleight-of-hand, and part open letter to every artist who’s ever been told their work is “not what we’re looking for.” No one escapes clean. Not even the audience. 

Three men. Three women. One set. 

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Lucky in Las Vegas

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Set amidst the dazzling backdrop of Fun Town, U.S.A., “Lucky in Las Vegas” is a comedy that follows the intertwined lives and romance of Lucky Jackson, a daring race car driver, and Rusty Martin, the vibrant pool manager at the Flamingo Hotel. Their deepening relationship faces challenges from Elmo Mancini, a rival racer with his sights set on winning both the Grand Prix and Rusty’s heart. The play is peppered with comic interludes from Scarlett Delight, the hotel’s extravagant masseuse, and Edna Sullivan, the witty talent show MC. As the high-stakes race unfolds, humor, romance, and thrilling action blend together, leading to a climactic and unexpected finale. This comedy is Jay’s modern spin on the 1964 Elvis Presley movie “Viva Las Vegas.” 

Three women. Two men. One set. 

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It Happened at Kings Island

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When awkward romantic Fritz takes a shot at love in Kings Island amusement park, he finds himself head over heels for the perfect woman -- beautiful, charming, and eager to hear all his cheesy pickup lines. There's just one problem: she’s a robot. As mechanical malfunctions and comic misunderstandings pile up, Fritz is forced to reckon with what he really wants -- perfection, or something real (and slightly annoying). A sharp, fast-paced comedy about artificial affection, human connection, and why daffodils have webbed feet.

One man. Two women. One set.

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The Sardonic Soul 

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This 15-minute drama delves into the reflective final chapter of Mark Christopher Sterling’s life. Confined to the stark reality of a hospice bed, Mark Christopher sifts through a lifetime’s worth of memories and missteps. As he confronts his past, his visitors bring their own shared history of youthful regrets, unrequited love, and complex entanglements. Their encounters weave a narrative exploring the sadness of loss and the human desire for redemption. It’s a poignant portrayal of a man’s final act, a subtle yet powerful exploration of life’s finality and the enduring human spirit. 

Five women. Two men. One Set. 

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Bridesmaids Anonymous 

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In the heart of wedding season, Meshella’s dream celebration is thrown into disarray by the unexpected arrival of Sara Wilson, armed with a dossier that threatens to unravel not just the bridal gown but the very fabric of trust among friends. As accusations fly faster than the bouquet, the bridesmaids find themselves entangled in a web of secrets where loyalties are put to the test. Meshella’s quest for the truth about her fiancé, Dave, leads her down the aisle of self-discovery, challenging her ideals of perfection. With a blend of sharp wit, suspenseful twists, and raw emotion, this one-act comedy peels back the veil on love and friendship, delivering a finale that redefines happily ever after. 

Five women. One set. 

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Graceland Gone Wild

 Graceland Gone Wild 

Newlyweds John and Diora Burrows embark on an extraordinary honeymoon adventure by breaking into Elvis Presley’s iconic Graceland Mansion. Their plan, however, gets hilariously complicated when another couple, Alan and Carlotta Cody, appear with the same idea. 

Their adventurous night takes an unexpected twist with the arrival of Mindi Newmar, a sultry cat burglar intent on pilfering Elvis memorabilia. Amidst the chaotic capers and the couples’ comedic rivalry, Juanita Williams, the pragmatic security guard, confronts the unfolding mayhem. This one-act play humorously explores themes of idolatry, passion, and extreme fandom, paying tribute to Elvis’s sense of humor and flamboyance. 

Four women. Two men. One set. 

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Peter Perfect Picked a Peck of Pickled Perfection

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Peter Perfect is perfect. So is his partner Poppy Perfect, and so are their friends Pokey Perfect and Pepper Perfect. But when Peter’s daughter Piper brings home her new fiancé Bruce Kerfuffle, things get a little pesky. This play will challenge your audience’s politics and your actors’ pronunciation.

Three men. Three women. One set.

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