Perform (Volume Nine) includes:
“Happily Ever After Toxic Masculinity” by Sandy Maranto
Have you ever wondered what happened to the characters from our most beloved fairy tales after “they all lived happily ever after?” In her send-up of the toxic masculinity exemplified by a few of the world’s most notorious and infamous princes from classic children’s stories, playwright Sandy Maranto shines a spotlight on the ever-changing landscape of toxic masculinity. Under her hysterical microscope, Maranto soon reveals that the princes we knew from our youth are all either divorced or separated; thus, the reason they find themselves seeking help at the Obsolete Prince Therapy Center. One thing is clear: the world has redefined “male gender roles” amidst today’s new cultural definitions of what it truly means to be ‘masculine.’
“Dahlia” by Kassandra Ortiz
Most people who have grown up in a Spanish-speaking household soon learn that Tejano music is an important part of one’s Mexican heritage. In the following narrative poem, critically-acclaimed poet, Kassandra Ortiz, revisits her youth, as she shares how her cultural identity was, not only shaped, but redefined by the legendary performer, Selena Quintanilla.
“Dating Joe” by Celeste LeBeaux
In her fantasy-inspired short story, Celeste LeBeaux introduces us to a teenage girl preparing for the upcoming Winter Formal Dance; however, with no male role model to turn to, she enlists the help from a most unlikely source: Her brother’s G.I. Joe action-figure!
“Puppy Island” by Billy Barnes
Children are often deeply influenced by the people who raise them. In his extraordinary memoir, Billy Barnes shares the true story of growing up with a drug-addicted mother and of the debilitating toll substance abuse took on his family as a whole. This is a powerful story of redemption, love, and learning to forgive the unforgivable.
“Tanika and Taylor’s First Annual Neighborhood Talent Show” by KuShunda Uzoma and Juliet Davis
It has been said that if we simply have the courage to pursue them, all of our dreams can come true! This is especially true of young entrepreneurs, who, each summer, revive the American Dream by setting up lemonade stands and cutting lawns in the hopes of making a little money during their summer vacation. In the following humorous play, Tanika and Taylor, two siblings in an economically repressed suburb, try desperately to raise funds by putting on a neighborhood talent show in their front yard. This is a high-energy comedy—perfect for those who have always dreamed of putting on their own talent show in front of an audience of family and friends!
]]>Perform (Volume Eight) includes:
“How Rebecca Fortinbras Became a Legendary Superstar!” by Gregory T. Burns
Most children have big dreams of becoming famous someday. For Rebecca Fortinbras, her dream is about to become a reality. This fantasy-oriented comedy is the perfect performance vehicle for the actress (or actor) adept at playing “deadpan” or “dry” humor. In this darkly, humorous play, Rebecca is actually represented by two personalities: Becky, a five-year-old kindergartner, and Rebecca, her alter-ego, which, of course, is knowledgeable and mature decades beyond her years. This is an outstanding selection for talented comedic performers!
“What the Stormtrooper Saw” by Jake Barton
We, as a nation, are a country of survivors. We adapt and have the ability to overcome virtually every obstacle imaginable. In this timely narrative poem, told from the viewpoint of a Stormtrooper action-figure, poet Jake Barton tells the very real story of a young boy with special needs, who, together with his family, is simply trying to survive amidst the reality of a pandemic.
“Genes: A Love Story” by Beth Bucher
In today’s society, we must become advocates for our own personal health and well-being. In her dynamic and powerful essay, author Beth Bucher takes us on an emotional journey. After realizing all of the women in her family had a history of health issues, she makes one of the most difficult decisions for any woman—Beth Bucher decides to save her own life.
“Zero Tolerance” by Shirlie Wright
According to statistics, there are over 11 million unsupervised school-age children in America today, thereby, forcing the “older siblings” to take on extra responsibilities as they attempt to fill their parents’ shoes and take on the role of “guardian.” In her dramatic first-person narrative, author Shirlie Wright introduces us to a young teenager who is forced to take on the role of a surrogate parent—managing all of the household logistics, as well as caring for two younger siblings.
“Meanwhile, Under the Covers” by Gregory T. Burns
Most children have a fear of the dark, and their active imaginations run wild when the lights are turned off; however, while many children feel there’s a monster lurking “under” their beds, many little monsters think there is a small child lurking on “top” of their beds. This clever comedy allows for two performers to showcase their talents both as a small child or little monster, as well as the frustrated parent of a small child or little monster. This is a sweet, humorous tour de force for two “go-for-it, think-outside-the-box” performers!
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