Topical Dramas

These plays are meant to promote discussion about important topics and issues. They are about 20 – 45 minutes in length.

Several were commissioned by Muhlenberg College to present on tour to area churches and promote discussion on pertinent issues.

“Roasted Shoes” was commissioned by the Round House Theater in Maryland and toured schools in that area for several years, and was later produced by an Ohio State touring company.

	TOPICAL DRAMA 1 Before I Wake

Jo is a woman who is being treated for cancer, but knows that she is dying. However, no one wants to talk with her openly about this. So she decides since they won’t talk, neither will she. People don’t know why Jo has lost her speech. What happens when Jo gets a new roommate in the hospital who is also being treated, and who faces similar fears?

	TOPICAL DRAMA 2 Roasted Shoes

What happens when two students – one the preppy honor-roll student and one the supposed “waste” of a student – are paired up in a mysterious project to come up with one answer for substance abuse? The teacher’s voice is so boring that, as they hear this assignment, they both fade off to sleep only to find themselves trapped somewhere where the only escape is to really get to know the truth about each other.

	TOPICAL DRAMA 3 Room For Rent

What happens when an elderly father decides to rent a room of his house just in order to have someone around to look after him and an apparently less-than-ideal young woman shows up? The daughter, who cannot be there as much as she would like, is not happy about the arrangement. This play explores issues of how elderly people struggle with issues of care late in life.

	TOPICAL DRAMA 4 P.S.

This humorous and bizarre play deals with what we confess and/or believe happens to us when we die. It takes place in a chemotherapy treatment facility. All is well until a man rushes in, fleeing for his life from a gun-wielding woman.  He is a con artist who has promised her he can deliver messages to the great beyond by getting dying people to memorize them. She wants HIM to be that messenger.  He is looking for someone else. 

	TOPICAL DRAMA 5 Holy Odors

An excellent play for all people who want to understand that we are all ministers of God and all called to serve. Maggie is studying in the library during her senior year. She is not sure what career choice she should make upon graduating. Her friend Chris reminds her of all the encouragement she receives to pursue the “ordained ministry.” She is interested in archeology. How can archeology be ministry? Are all “odors” of life related to sacred “orders” to which we are called? A mysterious visitor from history visits Maggie in a dream to help her sort all this out. No, it is not Martin Luther.