doollee banner
The Playwrights Database
contact doollee


Lauren Gunderson

LAUREN GUNDERSON  (1982 - )

 Nationality:    USA
email:    Click here to contact     Website:    Click here

Literary Agent:    Creative Artists Agency NY  


Lauren is a NYC (by way of Atlanta) playwright, screenwriter, short story author, and actor. Her work has received national praise and awards including the Berrilla Kerr award, and has been produced off-Broadway (Parts They Call Deep), off-off Broadway (Sus Manos), recently had many new plays produced in Atlanta (including Leap, Background, Van Gogh Cafe), as well as regionally (Embody). She is currently working on a second commission for South Coast Rep, and written commissions for the alliance Theatre's Collision Project, actors Express Theatre, City University of New York, and Synchronicity Performance Group. Her play Leap is published with Theatre Emory's Playwriting Center, and her first collection of plays Deepen The Mystery: Science and the South Onstage was published with iUniverse. She has developed plays with The Magic Theatre in San Francisco, Kitchen Dog Theatre in Dallas, actor's Express in Atlanta, JaW/West in Portland, WORDBride, Brave New Works, and others. Her short story The ascending was recently awarded the Noremberga Short Fiction award and is included in the forthcoming collection, The Shape of Content. She has spoken nationally and internationally on the intersection of science and theatre at conference all over the world. She has her Ba, from Emory University, her MFa from NYU Tisch School of the arts, and is a Reynolds Fellow in Social Entrepreneurship. She is interested in science, history, feminism, and global humanism.

Buy Plays with Doollee

Each page of doollee.com has links to play/book outlets, either directly to the Publisher, through Stageplays.com and Amazon to the second hand and 1st editions of AbeBooks. These links will automatically take you to the relevant area obviating the need for further search.
AbeBooks.co.uk   AbeBooks.com   Stageplays.com   amazon.com   amazon.co.uk   amazon.ca
whether you are a Playwright who wishes to make their entry definitive, an unlisted Playwright or a User with a tale to tell - we want to hear from you.
download WORD submission template

below is a list of Lauren Gunderson's plays - click on a Play Title for more information

 Amazing Adventures Of Dr. Wonderful And Her Dog, The !         Background         Class         Embody         Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight         Exit Pursued By A Bear         Fire Work         Happy Elf, The         I And You         Leap         Parts They Call Deep         Rock Hill: Southern Gothic         Short History Of Nearly Everything, A         Silent Sky, The         Sus Manos         Toil And Trouble         Van Gogh Cafe, The

Amazing Adventures Of Dr. Wonderful And Her Dog, The !

Synopsis:
There are no puzzles in space, right? Wrong! Space is one giant puzzle waiting to be put together by physicists, astronomers, and a brainy girl who goes by the name Dr. Wonderful. Fly through the solar system with Dr. Wonderful and her amazing adventure team of Newton (the dog) and Ben (the human) in this all-new musical! Saving a super star from disappearing is no small task, especially when the star is 1.3 million times the size of Earth and 93 million miles away. But when Dr. Wonderful receives the call, her team leaps into action from their laboratory/bedroom into outer space. With a couple of butterscotch candies and a rock song from Mom in the mix, the mystery solvers are amazed by their final discovery. Girl-detective-noir meets science-geek-chic in this super cool astronomical event! For age 6 and up.

Notes:
Book And Lyrics by Lauren Gunderson, Music by Brian Lowdermilk

1st Produced:
The Kennedy Center, 2700 F Street NW, Washington, DC.    15 Oct 2011

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
childrens' musical 60 min

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Background

Synopsis:
Based on the true story of New York Cosmologist Dr. Ralph alpher. The play moves backwards, as does the study of the origins of the universe, to trace the path of the forgotten and unaccredited scientist, who before the technology was capable, provided the mathematical proof of the existence of Cosmic Background Radiation. Twenty years later after two other scientists found the actual radiation and received Nobel Prizes for their accidental discovery, Ralph suffers a heart attack due to the stress of being snubbed. It is from this moment he traces backwards through his life and, ultimately, to the beginning of time. The play relies on silence, pace, and metaphor to deliver a striking, sometimes mystical look into the science of behind humans, and the humanity behind a scientist.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Essential Theatre    2005

Company:
Essential Theatre

1st Published:
iUniverse.com,   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama - science Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Class

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Embody

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
New Phoenix Theatre, Buffalo, New York    2007

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Emilie: La Marquise Du Chatelet Defends Her Life Tonight

Lauren Gunderson
Passionate. Independent. a great beauty. a prodigious scientific intellect. These are the qualities that inspired this story of 18th century Parisian noblewoman Emilie du Chatelet and her lifelong affair with the Enlightenment superstar Voltaire. In this highly theatrical rediscovery of one of history's most intriguing women, Emilie must defend her life by tallying her achievements in Love and Philosophy-and searching for a formula that will convince the world of her worth.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
South Coast Rep, Costa Mesa, California    24 Apr 2009

Company:
South Coast Rep

1st Published:

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Exit Pursued By A Bear

Synopsis:
Nan has decided to teach her abusive husband Kyle a lesson. With the help of her friend Simon (acting as her emotional -- and actual -- cheerleader) and a stripper named Sweetheart, she tapes Kyle to a chair and forces him to watch as they reenacts scenes from their painful past. In the piece de resistance, they plan to cover the room in meat and honey so Kyle will be mauled by a bear. Through this night of emotional trials and ridiculous theatrics, Nan and Kyle are both freed from their past in this smart, dark revenge comedy.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Synchronicity Theatre, Atlanta, GA    Mar 2011

Company:
-

1st Published:
Playscripts, Inc   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
revenge comedy

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  2            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Fire Work

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Rehearsed reading at Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, Waterford    09 Jul 2009

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Happy Elf, The

Synopsis:
tells the story of Eubie, a North Pole elf who always wears a smile. Eubie's overly optimistic outlook is put to the test when he decides to bring Christmas joy to the sad little town of Bluesville, which has fallen into a state of permanent blues. If Eubie can fix Bluesville, he may win a coveted spot on Santa's sleigh team.

Notes:
Based on the book by Lauren Gunderson And Andrew Fishman; Music And Lyrics by Harry Connick, Jr

1st Produced:
The Parilla Performing arts Center, 51 Mannakee St, Rockville, Md.    Nov 2010

Company:
Produced by adventure Theatre and Montgomery College

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Musical

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

I And You

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
South Coast Repertory's Pacific Playwrights Festival    Apr 2012

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Leap

Synopsis:
LEaP, a historical and scientific fiction, opens with Isaac Newton returning home. Enter Brightman and Maria Bains, ages 16 and 12, two girls with a plan and a job with seemingly universal and timeless importance of which Isaac is to play a major role. The mystery girls (muses? angels? messengers?) approach him and offer him their curiosity and creativity in exchange for his participation in games. after grudgingly agreeing a cold-shouldered Isaac finds that the girls and their games inspire the brilliance we still celebrate. as their work together becomes more intense Brightman realizes that she has unorthodox feelings for her "student", and tricks both Isaac and Maria. as his creativity heightens Isaac begins to want more than his share of knowledge - a desire that, if Brightman were to humor, could rock the entire course of human thought.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Theatre Emory    2004

Company:
Theatre Emory

1st Published:
iUniverse.com,   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama - history, science Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Parts They Call Deep

Synopsis:
In response to a series of personal crisis, Sarah takes her daughter and mother on a spontaneous road trip to Florida. Not wanting to leave her life forever but enjoying new freedom, Sarah is oblivious to Emma's confusion and spitefulness concerning her parent's separation. Thrown into the journey is Emma's grandmother, Bea, who is "among other things, very sick" with a broken heart - from the loss of her husband and high blood pressure. after a brief episode of Bea's heart arrhythmia, Emma tries to contact her father from the road and almost succeeds in reuniting her parents. But Sarah's pride blinds her to Emma's needs. Traveling further and further from reality, alex plays all the men in all the three women's lives: Emma's admirer, Bea's late husband, Sarah's late brother, and finally as a stirring mix of all three. alex uncovers parts of the women even they didn't know existed.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Essential Theatre    2002

Company:
Young Playwrights Inc., Essential Theatre

1st Published:
iUniverse.com,   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama - comedy Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  1            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Rock Hill: Southern Gothic

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Rehearsed reading at Lieberman Theatre, Mill Valley, Ca    23 Sep 2009

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Short History Of Nearly Everything, A

Synopsis:
adapted from Bill Bryson's award-winning science book, this 45-minute play exudes a funny, fast, bumbling race for knowledge. Einstein, Newton, Curie, and Darwin lead you through a little bit of everything to prove that science - whether atomic or cosmic, flora or fauna, mineral or movie star -is really all about "you."Great for middle and high schoolers, great to add to your science curricula, OR inspire general interest in the science.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Actors Express Theatre    2006

Company:
actors Express Theatre

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Educational theatre for young audiences Youth audience

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  4

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Silent Sky, The

Synopsis:
Pastor's daughter Henrietta Leavit joins the astronomy team at the Harvard Observatory. It is the early 1900s so she, as a woman, is not allowed to even touch the telescope and her theories are pooh-poohed by her male co-workers

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Segerstrom Stage, Costa Mesa, Ca    01 Apr 2011

Company:
South Coast Repertory

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Sus Manos

Synopsis:
On the eve of the first rebellion in the Mexican Revolution of 1910, an American filmmaker arrives on Marco Marcado's hacienda in the outskirts Oaxaca, Mexico. Marco's hacienda is the region's biggest producer of a sweet Mexican liquor called pulque. Christian plans on making a Mexican-American version of Othello. Marco found Lolita, the main actress, at a familiar brothel in the city; a fact that enrages his wife Julia. Marco, an elitist misogynist, is an example of Diaz's administration's, giving all the power to a few while the rest suffer in poverty. as the film progresses, the story of Othello and the story of the hacienda intertwine and parallel. Meanwhile, Julia rages against Lolita, who tries to make Julia understand their power if united. Eventually they make a pact: they will befriend each other in order to get back at Marco. as their game gains momentum the two women begin to sincerely connect, eventually finding the beginning of real love.

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
Flying Fig Theatre    2005

Company:
Flying Fig Theatre

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
Drama - history Play/Drama

Parts:
Male:  3            Female:  3            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Toil And Trouble

Synopsis:
Three overeducated and underemployed San Franciscans are desperate to beat the recession. Adam has a lot of ideas, but most of them involve inventing some kind of robot. Then he hits upon a foolproof plan: take over a tiny South American island nation and shear its rare miniature vicuņa inhabitants of their ridiculously soft wool that can fetch a fortune on the black market. He enlists the help of his roommate, Matt, and their friend, Beth, for whom both Adam and Matt have the hots. Alliances form, friendships are tested, and someone dies. Did we mention this was a comedy?

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
La Val's Subterranean, 1834 Euclid, Berkele    Nov 01 2012

Company:
Impact Theatre

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
comedy

Parts:
Male:  2            Female:  1            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page

Van Gogh Cafe, The

Synopsis:
-

Notes:
-

1st Produced:
-    -

Company:
-

1st Published:
-   -

Music:
-

To Buy This Play:
If Publisher (above) is underlined then the play may be purchased by direct click from the Publisher, otherwise (below) are AbeBooks for secondhand, signed & 1st eds and other Booksellers for new copies

Booksellers:

Genre:
-

Parts:
Male:  -            Female:  -            Other:  -

Further Reference:
-

Top of Page Top of Page