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Malton Community Theatre, Malton, Ontario

1992

Ascension Drama

Heuer Publishing

2000

If the Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased direct, otherwise
(below) are AbeBooks for secondhand & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Absurdist comedy

Absurd

-

-

3

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a hilarious satirical comedy that attacks the conventions and expectations of many competitive drama festivals. With strong allusions to Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot, and Laurel and Hardy, this play illuminates two inept and apathetic actors on stage trying to win a drama competition by accomplishing all of the elements of a great drama while remaining on stage for the required fifteen minute minimum that their drama competition requires.

Cawthra Park Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

1999

Hall Drama

-

-

Comedy (with Percussion)

Comedy

5

1

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
an exploration of the life, feelings and background of six squeegee kids. Through the use of monologues and short dialogues, the play illuminates the art of washing windshields, their reasons for working the streets, and their attitude toward the government's recent legislation banning their practice. In between these scenes, percussion STOMP-style improvisations, using their tools-of-the-trade, squeegees, cans, buckets, garbage cans, serve as transitions.

Cawthra Park Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

1993

Ascension Drama

-

-

-

Comedy

6

3

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a play whose content and structure is directly borrowed from literature, drama, and film. BERKOFF is an adaptation of Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness, a satire of Stephen Berkoff's Greek, a parody of Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now, and a continuation of the Cohen brother's Barton Fink. Ultimately, however, the play is about none of these works. BERKOFF is about the fundamental search for God and the consequences of finding him. The majority of the play is set in the backstage of a theatre. There are minimum or no stage lights used in the play; only a variety of stage specials are used to illuminate the scenes; all lights and cables are in full view of the audience; there is no attempt to hide them from the audience's view. Some actors will serve as Stage Crew; there is no attempt at hiding these alternating roles from the audience. The first scene takes place, however, in the bachelor apartment of a "starving" playwright while the following scenes take place in the backstage and rehearsal areas of a professional theatre.

Cawthra Park Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

1996

Hall Drama

-

-

-

Dance Drama

-

4

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a dance drama with both dance and theatrical elements. It incorporates ballet, modern jazz, farce, slapstick, burlesque, and classic physical comedy. Influenced by Disney's Fantasia, this play is a visual representation or interpretation of a classic piece of music. In this case, Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue."

Mayfield Theatre, Caledon, Ontario

1995

Hall Drama

-

-

Drama/tragedy

Tragedy

3

4

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a modern homage to Arthur Miller's DEATH OF A SALESMAN. DEATH and PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS maintains Miller's focus on the modern dysfunctional family and how one generation can significantly affect the next. The play has a similar plot, beginning with an attempted suicide and ending with a completed suicide. The play has the same basic structure, with the story slowly unfolding and the audience eventually piecing together the whole history of the family. The play makes use of the flashback technique and of the two-story staging technique. The play maintains the use of selective lighting and music to separate reality from flashbacks. And finally, DEATH and PRIVATE CONVERSATIONS incorporates the use of symbolism as embodied by certain objects and setting used during the play. A teenage girl goes into the boy's washroom of her high school in order to kill herself by slashing her wrists. While there, she has a number of flashbacks, including the time she caught her father snorting cocaine in the washroom of their home, the time her mother died in a car accident because of her father's drug addiction, the time her father seduced her, and her mother's funeral. While in the boy's washroom, a couple of boys go in, creating some comic relief, and a couple of girlfriends try to get her out, having no idea that she plans to kill herself. Overwhelmed by her mother's death and her father's drug abuse and sexual advances, the girl finally kills herself with her father's straight edge razor.

Cawthra Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

1996

Hall Drama

Directplays.com

-

If the Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased direct, otherwise
(below) are AbeBooks for secondhand & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Drama/tragedy

Tragedy

4

2

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
EL PICADOR is in many ways a classic tragedy. On a basic level, it examines the relationship between a great picador and his family, and chronicles its eventual downfall. More profoundly, it explores the themes of honour and respect, the art of bullfighting and of dressage, and the devastating effects of infidelity and divorce. EL PICADOR manages to follow the style of classic Greek tragedy while remaining contemporary and topical. EL PICADOR is also a play with several literary influences. Ernest Hemingway's Death in the Afternoon provides the necessary background on the art of bullfighting. Peter Schaffer's Equus proves a model for one of the plays' tragic moments. And David French's Leaving Home provides the style for the final battle between the father and son. Although admittedly influenced by these singular works, and by classic tragedies in general, EL PICADOR stands on its own as a unique blending of the above, within a modern Canadian context, and with a modern cautionary message. Sonya and Maria are excellent dressage riders and have just finished one of their best exhibitions ever. Behind the equestrian arena, their friends, Pedro and Frankie, and Sonya's older brother, Marcos, celebrate their success and possible championship. Marcos, however, has disturbing news. Marcos and Sonya's father have decided to enter their prize winning dressage horse, Caesar, into a bullfighting event, an event that could maim or kill the horse. Marco confronts his authoritarian and overbearing father who calls him a coward and weakling. In order to prevent the father from taking Caesar, Marcos takes matters into his own hands, exits the stage and stabs the horse in the eyes with two picas. The father finds the maimed horse and shoots him dead. Marcos and his father have a huge argument, Marcos accusing his father of eliminating the horse the way his father eliminated their mother. During the argument, Sonya tries everything she can to break up the fighting. The father finally loses his sense and begins whipping Marcos with a horsewhip. Marcos eventually takes the horsewhip from him and begins whipping the father. Sonya, trying to get between the two, trying to stop the violence and anger, gets pushed back by both father and brother into a pile of razor sharp picas. She is stabbed in the back by a dozen picas, killing her.

Heritage Theatre, Brampton, Ontario

2004

Theatre Anon Productions

-

-

-

Comedy

5

-

-

Notes:
written by Frank Adriano and Roberto F Ciccotelli

Synopsis:
In order to improve his chances at getting a partnership with his company's marketing firm, Gianni Buonamamme agrees to enter a team in his boss' annual Lawn Bowling Tournament. After some coercion, Gianni manages to convince his Italian grandfather, father and younger brother to form the team. Unfortunately, Gianni's family thinks they're entering a typical bocce match. Once Gianni's family arrives at the pristine Brampton Lawn Bowling club, they begin, to Gianni's dismay, unloading their pick-up truck with a gas BBQ, coolers, lawn chairs, etc. The grandfather begins making tomato sauce; the father begins repairing the Club House, and the brother begins sun tanning. What ensues is a chaotic attempt from Gianni to keep up appearances and his dignity in front of his boss, while arguing and fighting with his embarrassing family. THE FINE ART OF BOCCE is both a comedy of manners (Italian manners) and a drama about the relationships of three generations of Italians, and their feelings and thoughts concerning Italian culture, parenting and relationships

Mayfield Theatre, Caledon, Ontario

2002

Hall Drama

-

-

Comedy/drama

Comedy

4

-

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
follows the lives of four boys, friends since toddlers, and shows them at ages four, eight, twelve and sixteen. The play begins in 1972 in the basement rec room of one of the characters. As they gather to watch the Olympics, their individual joys and sorrows are slowly revealed. And what starts off as a look at childhood innocence and wonder, ends with an exploration of fate, parenting, friendship and death.

Rose Theatre Brampton

2006

Hall Drama and Theatre Anon Productions

-

-

Musical comedy

Musical

10

8

-

Notes:
Book, lyrics and music written by Frank Adriano and Roberto F Ciccotelli

Synopsis:
a comedic musical set in a Parisian Spa. The employees of the Parisian spa Le Petite Morte Spa are competing in an annual spa competition called the International Spa Grand Prix. Under great duress from their manager, Monsieur de Monnee, they must compete against an esoteric and holistic team from California and an aggressive almost violent team from Turkey.

Mayfield Theatre, Caledon, Ontario

2001

Hall Drama

2007

If the Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased direct, otherwise
(below) are AbeBooks for secondhand & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

45 min

Farce

4

2

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a classic farce with a Shakespearean twist. It incorporates many classic comedic elements, including mistaken identity, cross-dressing, innuendo, deceit, word play, romantic entanglements, and also, a dog. Set in the backstage area of the Globe Theatre in 1595, it focuses on a famous actor's attempts to seduce a beautiful French woman while avoiding various suitors, both male and female. Performed with dizzying speed and multiple costume changes, the play rushes forward in a whirlwind of humour, lust and chaos.

Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto

2003

Hall Drama

-

-

drama

Adaptation

17

4

10

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a modern adaptation of Shakespeare's original. Set in modern day Glasgow, the story follows the rise and fall of a young, street hustler, commonly known as Mac, as he takes over the organized crime ring of his block by any means possible. Influenced by the style and content of Irvine Welsh and Stephen Berkoff, MACBETH takes Shakespeare's classic story and fuses it with contemporary, Scottish language and references. Although updated for a modern audience, MACBETH still remains a story of blind ambition, violence, self-determination and fate.

Mayfield Theatre, Caledon, Ontario

2002

Hall Drama

2007

If the Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased direct, otherwise
(below) are AbeBooks for secondhand & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

40 min

Farce

3

2

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
an absurdist piece of theatre that seeks to explore the great 20th Century surrealist artist's life, theories and philosophies. Combining references to actual works of art, documented statements, and biographical details, the play explores, both in a comical and profound manner, the brilliant Spanish painter that was Salvador Felipe Jacinto Dali.

Cawthra Park Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

2000

Hall Drama

-

-

Drama/tragedy

Tragedy

-

8

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
an intense drama with strong allusions to William Golding's Lord of the Flies and explores the contemporary phenomenon of extreme violence among affluent, middle/upper class, suburban teenagers. Based on two real stories, one from Vancouver, the other from Toronto, that involved teen swarmings and homicide, SMACK! CRACK! explores the lives of eight life long girl friends, from recess to first kisses, who one day, in a blood lust, beat one of their friends into a coma and eventual paralysis. Combining humour, fun and song with shocking violence, anger and profanity, SMACK! CRACK! ! is a thoroughly thought provoking and emotional experience, leaving the audience with profound questions and an emotional uneasiness.

Cawthra Park Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

1998

Hall Drama

-

-

Dramatic musical

Musical

2

2

7

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
explores a major crisis and personal struggle in the life of a teen Jesus Christ. Set in modern times, the play begins with JC's (Jesus) post-graduation night out. Although all of his friends have made plans for post-secondary education, JC is struggling to decide what to do with his life. His friends, however, know exactly what he must do, but JC resists his fate and destiny until a tragic event forces him to accept his role in history. And in typical classic tragedy manner, a Gospel Choir (the Chorus) compliments the action with song and encouragement. JC and his friends (disciples) are at a fast food restaurant celebrating their high school graduation and their final meal (last supper) together as high school students. His friends reflect about their future in post-secondary schools, but JC is depressed and unsure about his future. His friends try to cheer him up by reminding him of the time they went to see Bishop Milton Norman Faithful. Flashback to this event, where we see the Bishop spewing out religious rhetoric and JC, fed-up with his hypocrisy, attacks him on the alter. Back at the restaurant, his friends are annoyed with JC's pessimism and lack of motivation, and perform a mock game show where JC is the contestant. It is clear that JC's friends know exactly what JC should be doing, but JC refuses to bend to his fate. Enter Jude, JC's ex-girlfriend. They argue, Jude calling JC an immature imp who refuses to see his own destiny. When Jude leaves, JC see Mary, a former classmate and now living on the streets. JC helps her a little but is too preoccupied with getting back to his friends. After he returns to his friends, a few drunken idiots beat on Mary and almost kill her. JC rushes to her rescue and condemns himself for not helping her properly. This event changes his life and after speaking to his dad (God) on a cell phone, he finally sees his future and agrees to pursue it.

Malton Theatre, Malton, Ontario

1991

Ascension Drama

-

-

-

Farce

3

3

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a modern farce that explores the following questions: What if Katherine and Petruchio of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew had been friends of Romeo and Juliet? What if Petruchio was trying to set up Romeo while Kate was trying to set up Juliet? What would develop if characters from both The Taming of the Shrew and Romeo and Juliet were fused together in a contemporary context? What if we applied the techniques and devices of classic English farce to the product of this fusion? The result is a hilarious, classic English farce with characters missing each other by split seconds, mistaken identity, cross-dressing, innuendo, chase scenes, comic fight scenes, and a happy, romantic ending for all three couples.

Malton Theatre, Malton, Ontario

1990

Ascension Drama

Heuer Publishing

2000

If the Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased direct, otherwise
(below) are AbeBooks for secondhand & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

-

Play/Drama

3

2

4

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
a loose adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. It is also, more importantly, an exploration of the drug problem prevalent among the youth of today. The majority of the play is Aly's first, and last, drug trip; the play is essentially her drug induced hallucination personified by characters and scenes from Carroll's novel; moments of confusion, illogic and irrationality are, therefore, intentional and deliberate.

Winter Garden Theatre, Toronto, Ontario

2005

Hall Drama

-

-

Drama with Percussion

Play/Drama

10

5

15

Notes:
contemporary adaptation of Dickens' Oliver Twist

Synopsis:
a modern adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. The play is set in the dangerous streets and poor favelas of Rio de Janeiro, a city plagued with abandoned orphans, youth gangs, corrupt police, indifferent politicians, illicit narcotics trade, weapons and violence. The story follows the plight of orphaned Li'l Ol as he goes from enslaved orphanage to gang controlled favela to the home of his wealthy patron; all the while, trying to stay alive combating corrupt police, violent pickpockets, and armed teen drug dealers. Furthermore, weaving through the play, enhancing the place and setting, heightening tension and momentum, and providing transitions are STOMP-style percussive scenes, Latin rhythms and samba music.

Cawthra Park Theatre, Mississauga, Ontario

1997

Hall Drama

Heuer Publishing

2000

If the Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased direct, otherwise
(below) are AbeBooks for secondhand & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

-

Play/Drama

1

7

-

Notes:
-

Synopsis:
an exploration of the chronic and tragic problem of drinking and driving among teens in our society. Although the play alludes to the deaths of the six young people who passed away on the Forks of the Credit Road in Caledon, Ontario on Mother's Day in 1992, the story is a fictionalized account of the senseless deaths of eight members of a girl's school volleyball team. Through the use of humour, song, and conflict, great empathy is created for the girls, heightening the inevitable tragic ending, and forcing home that familiar, but more often forgotten, saying, Don't Drink and Drive.