Play Suggestions: Valentine's Day production

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Valentine's Day production

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
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URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5182
Printed Date: 11/23/24 at 12:32am
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Topic: Valentine's Day production

Posted By: drose
Subject: Valentine's Day production
Date Posted: 10/12/11 at 8:12pm

I am looking for a G/PG rated script, 2-4 person cast to perform for a Valentine's Day dessert theater. (like dinner theater, only 3 courses of desserts with champagne and coffee). Musical is fine, but non-musical is preferred. Definately romantic - not looking for an anti-love or dark satire. Love Letters is not an option. Any ideas?

Replies:

Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 10/13/11 at 9:55am

I'm very fond of "First Night" by Jack Neary. Witty and wistful, with a smile-on-your-face ending. Check the link.

http://www.jacknearyonline.com/firstnight.html

Or, if you can stretch to a few more actors, "Somewhere In Between" by Craig Pospisil is as funny and heartwarming as you can get.

I highly recommend both.

Posted By: Ogreking4
Date Posted: 10/13/11 at 3:26pm

I would recommend "Star-Spangled Girl" by Neil Simon...

Good luck!

Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 10/14/11 at 3:39pm

This is one that I'll be following as well. I would love to do a Valentine's weekend show of this sort ... and a two person show would be perfect!

Posted By: donzolidis
Date Posted: 10/15/11 at 12:54am

I've said it before I'll say it again: Almost, Maine is a good romantic comedy that touches heartstrings while being very funny. I'm tempting to make a pun about it being sappy, and also since it's set in Maine... yeah...

Sometimes a night of one-acts is also a good idea. I'd recommend Jerry Finnegan's Sister - (if you have youngish actors) and my own play, Anna and August - (doable with a cast of 4 - also very sweet, and done in several Valentine's Day theatres) - here's a link to my show where it can be read online:

http://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=1485 - http://www.playscripts.com/play.php3?playid=1485

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www.donzolidis.com

Posted By: edh915
Date Posted: 10/17/11 at 8:59am

I agree with donzolidis (does that rhyme with tonsilitis?) that "Almost, Maine" is a charming show. You do need at least six actors to make it work. It concerns a dozen couples all having a conversation about love. Mostly funny and quirky and touching, a couple on the sad side. It's presented in twelve separate scenes, but all the scenes are actually all happening at exactly the same point in time on one evening in Almost, Maine. (A town that never legally incorporated themselves into a town, so they became "Almost, Maine.")

"Star Spangled Girl" is the best Neil Simon show that no one has heard of. It should be done more.

On the two-character end of things, there's also "Talley's Folly."

Eight characters will give you "Enchanted April."

Posted By: dri1962
Date Posted: 10/18/11 at 8:54am

Question....

For a 2-3 person play, how many actors do you need assuming that some may bail or not be available for all performances?

Thanks....

Posted By: Thudster
Date Posted: 10/18/11 at 9:23am

Originally posted by dri1962

For a 2-3 person play, how many actors do you need assuming that some may bail or not be available for all performances?

Two years ago, a short play I wrote was selected for a competition. I decided to direct it myself, and needed 3 actresses. Over the summer, and up to two weeks before the performance, I had 15 young ladies accept a part, then drop out after a week or two or rehearsals, leading to a hasty recast. I finally had to drop out of the competition. So in my experience, you need more than 15 (grins). Your results may be happier.

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"Hey look! That's my dad up there whacking himself with silverware!"

Posted By: donzolidis
Date Posted: 10/18/11 at 4:14pm

That's insane.

You should have 2-3 actresses for 2-3 parts. Why assume they'll bail or

miss performances? Ask before you cast them.

Maybe have an understudy that could learn one of the parts as necessary. I know actors aren't getting paid, but if you make a commitment, you keep it.

(And yes - donzolidis is pronounced exactly like tonsilitis. I am a disease.)

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www.donzolidis.com

Posted By: Scott B
Date Posted: 10/18/11 at 6:07pm

Originally posted by dri1962

Question....

For a 2-3 person play, how many actors do you need assuming that some may bail or not be available for all performances?

Thanks....

2 or 3 ... If I knew ahead of time that someone wouldn't be available for all shows then they would not be cast. I've not yet had anyone bail and really in a very small community such as ours ... that actor would probably have a hard time getting on stage again. Many of us are involved in multiple theatre groups and word travels FAST!

Posted By: Lazy Bee
Date Posted: 10/26/11 at 9:12am

Some of http://www.lazybeescripts.co.uk/cgi-bin/Search_Results.asp?iXM=2&iXF=2&iAR=2&iC%285%29=2&sTh=Relationships - these 13 scripts might be suitable. (Some won't be; I don't have a "happy ever after" filter.)

They are a mixed bunch. From that list, I would suggest "Elephants" by Paul Bovino, but that requires a fairly elaborate set - not complex or costly, but an apartment with a theme to its decor - so it depends on whether you intend to run on a formal stage or you want your performers amongst the audience.
If it's the latter approach, then the Blind Date series might suit you. They are two sets of themed sketches, each for two people. These would be very easy to intersperse with serving your courses. (Their drawback is that they tend to emphasise the comedy rather than the romance.)

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Stuart
Lazy Bee Scripts
http://www.lazybeescripts.co.uk - http://www.lazybeescripts.co.uk read complete play scripts on-line