Playwriting
FAREWELL TO EDEN
Georgiana Highett and her siblings Thomas and Catherine have just lost their father and their lives spin out of control as family secrets are revealed and personal sacrifices are made.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Utah Valley University, 2003
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
- Zion Theatre Company, 2013
- Prospero Arts and Media, 2023 (Upcoming)
AWARDS:
- KCACTF National Playwriting Award (Second Place)
- KCACTF National Selection Team Fellowship Award
- Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award (Second Place)
Georgiana Highett and her siblings Thomas and Catherine have just lost their father and their lives spin out of control as family secrets are revealed and personal sacrifices are made.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Utah Valley University, 2003
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
- Zion Theatre Company, 2013
- Prospero Arts and Media, 2023 (Upcoming)
AWARDS:
- KCACTF National Playwriting Award (Second Place)
- KCACTF National Selection Team Fellowship Award
- Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award (Second Place)
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SECRETS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW/
LEGENDS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Mahonri Stewart’s adaptation* of the classic story of Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, Katrina Van Tassel, and the Headless Horseman is not what you expect. The play has new scares, new laughs, new characters, and new twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
*There are two versions of Stewart's adaptation, so different that they really constitute two different plays. The newer one, Secrets of Sleepy Hollow, is much changed (and in the writer's opinion, much improved). Secrets of Sleepy Hollow has a smaller cast with a stronger focus on characterization; more intense, darker moments in the plot; deeper themes; and a revitalized energy that has thrilled audiences!
PRODUCTIONS:
- Utah Valley University, 2004
- Hale Centre Theatre (Staged Reading), 2005
- Morgan High School, 2010
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
- Actor's Youth Theatre, 2013
- Hampton High School, 2014
- DaVinci Academy, 2016
- Venture High School, 2016
- Nolensville High School, 2016
- Timpview High School, 2016
- The Hive Collaborative, 2024
(Secrets of Sleepy Hollow)
AWARDS:
Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award, 2004
LEGENDS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
Mahonri Stewart’s adaptation* of the classic story of Ichabod Crane, Brom Bones, Katrina Van Tassel, and the Headless Horseman is not what you expect. The play has new scares, new laughs, new characters, and new twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
*There are two versions of Stewart's adaptation, so different that they really constitute two different plays. The newer one, Secrets of Sleepy Hollow, is much changed (and in the writer's opinion, much improved). Secrets of Sleepy Hollow has a smaller cast with a stronger focus on characterization; more intense, darker moments in the plot; deeper themes; and a revitalized energy that has thrilled audiences!
PRODUCTIONS:
- Utah Valley University, 2004
- Hale Centre Theatre (Staged Reading), 2005
- Morgan High School, 2010
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
- Actor's Youth Theatre, 2013
- Hampton High School, 2014
- DaVinci Academy, 2016
- Venture High School, 2016
- Nolensville High School, 2016
- Timpview High School, 2016
- The Hive Collaborative, 2024
(Secrets of Sleepy Hollow)
AWARDS:
Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award, 2004
THE DROWN'ED BOOK
William Shakespeare is drawing near his retirement years and wants to make up for past mistakes. He must re-connect with his wife Anne, as well as his two daughters Susannah and Judith. However, Judith's suitor Thomas Quiney is embittered towards the Bard and threatens to dismantle all Shakespeare's efforts towards reconciliation and final peace.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2017
- Noorda Regional Theater (staged reading), 2015
William Shakespeare is drawing near his retirement years and wants to make up for past mistakes. He must re-connect with his wife Anne, as well as his two daughters Susannah and Judith. However, Judith's suitor Thomas Quiney is embittered towards the Bard and threatens to dismantle all Shakespeare's efforts towards reconciliation and final peace.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2017
- Noorda Regional Theater (staged reading), 2015
THE DEATH OF EURYDICE
When a Woman finds herself on a boat with a mysterious stranger, she has to piece together her memories and come to grips with what has happened to her.
PRODUCTIONS:
- The Hollywood Fringe Festival (Los Angeles), 2017
- The FEATS Fringe Festival (Switzerland), 2012
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
- Zion Theatre Company/Off Broadway Theatre (Salt Lake), 2014
- American Preparatory Academy, 2017
When a Woman finds herself on a boat with a mysterious stranger, she has to piece together her memories and come to grips with what has happened to her.
PRODUCTIONS:
- The Hollywood Fringe Festival (Los Angeles), 2017
- The FEATS Fringe Festival (Switzerland), 2012
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
- Zion Theatre Company/Off Broadway Theatre (Salt Lake), 2014
- American Preparatory Academy, 2017
EMPEROR WOLF
A post-apocalyptic fairy tale where mythical creatures have re-entered the world and become the new ruling class. As the fiery and brave Madeline, her blind mother Ebony, and the thoughtful Shasta confront sphinxes, griffins, fairies, and goddesses, they must prepare for the ultimate confrontation with the lord of all the carnage that has come upon the world... the Emperor Wolf.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival (DaVinci Academy), 2013
- Arizona State University, 2014
- Prospero Arts and Media, 2020
A post-apocalyptic fairy tale where mythical creatures have re-entered the world and become the new ruling class. As the fiery and brave Madeline, her blind mother Ebony, and the thoughtful Shasta confront sphinxes, griffins, fairies, and goddesses, they must prepare for the ultimate confrontation with the lord of all the carnage that has come upon the world... the Emperor Wolf.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Edinburgh Fringe Festival (DaVinci Academy), 2013
- Arizona State University, 2014
- Prospero Arts and Media, 2020
RINGS OF THE TREE
In this mysterious, enchanted romance, not is all as it seems. Diana Applesong has cloistered herself in her rich estate, hiding from society, rejecting her long-time friend Colin's marriage proposals, and dwelling on old griefs. Yet, when Truman Nibley and his friends stumble upon her secretive existence, the mysteries of her supernatural life unravel.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Utah Valley University, 2006
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
AWARDS:
- LDS Film Festival's Best Screenplay Award
In this mysterious, enchanted romance, not is all as it seems. Diana Applesong has cloistered herself in her rich estate, hiding from society, rejecting her long-time friend Colin's marriage proposals, and dwelling on old griefs. Yet, when Truman Nibley and his friends stumble upon her secretive existence, the mysteries of her supernatural life unravel.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Utah Valley University, 2006
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
AWARDS:
- LDS Film Festival's Best Screenplay Award
JIMMY STEWART GOES TO HOLLYWOOD
Never in a thousand years would have Jimmy Stewart considered being an actor...that is until he met Margaret Sullavan. As one of the great unfulfilled love stories of Hollywood history, Margaret Sullavan propelled the unlikely Jimmy Stewart into stardom, even as they had to fight against the naysayers, manipulators, rivals, and a corrupt studio system that felt it had little room for a starry eyed, stuttering, yokel-idealist from small town Pennsylvania.
- Covey Center for the Arts, 2014
Never in a thousand years would have Jimmy Stewart considered being an actor...that is until he met Margaret Sullavan. As one of the great unfulfilled love stories of Hollywood history, Margaret Sullavan propelled the unlikely Jimmy Stewart into stardom, even as they had to fight against the naysayers, manipulators, rivals, and a corrupt studio system that felt it had little room for a starry eyed, stuttering, yokel-idealist from small town Pennsylvania.
- Covey Center for the Arts, 2014
JANE AUSTEN'S SENSE AND SENSIBILITY
Adapted from one of Jane Austen's most beloved novels, this witty, vibrant, and emotional story tells the story of the Dashwood Sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Navigating romance, heartbreak, and misguided duty, both sisters must come to terms with their disruptive new life after they lose their fortune and their loves. After so much disappointment, can they balance the affairs of the head and the heart?
PRODUCTIONS:
- American Preparatory Academy, 2017
- Eagle Mountain Community Theatre, 2022
- Vanguard Theatre Company, 2022
Adapted from one of Jane Austen's most beloved novels, this witty, vibrant, and emotional story tells the story of the Dashwood Sisters, Elinor and Marianne. Navigating romance, heartbreak, and misguided duty, both sisters must come to terms with their disruptive new life after they lose their fortune and their loves. After so much disappointment, can they balance the affairs of the head and the heart?
PRODUCTIONS:
- American Preparatory Academy, 2017
- Eagle Mountain Community Theatre, 2022
- Vanguard Theatre Company, 2022
TROJAN CHILDREN
After the fall of Troy, a group of refugee children are delivered by the goddess Hestia. Yet Ares, the god of war, will not give up his spoils so easily and sends the Titan Lelantos to retrieve them. Trying to escape their pursuer, as well as stave off other creatures and dangers, the children must either stand together or fall divided.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Noorda Regional Theater Center for Children and Youth, 2015
After the fall of Troy, a group of refugee children are delivered by the goddess Hestia. Yet Ares, the god of war, will not give up his spoils so easily and sends the Titan Lelantos to retrieve them. Trying to escape their pursuer, as well as stave off other creatures and dangers, the children must either stand together or fall divided.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Noorda Regional Theater Center for Children and Youth, 2015
HAUNT
A group of kids in San Diego invade a supposedly haunted house only to discover that it lives up to its reputation. Yet the ghosts they meet compel them to confront their own demons of disability, trauma, history, and insecurity.
PRODUCTIONS:
Noorda Regional Theatre Center for Children and Youth, 2016
A group of kids in San Diego invade a supposedly haunted house only to discover that it lives up to its reputation. Yet the ghosts they meet compel them to confront their own demons of disability, trauma, history, and insecurity.
PRODUCTIONS:
Noorda Regional Theatre Center for Children and Youth, 2016
THE FADING FLOWER
The children of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, were caught in between warring factions of Mormonism, each side wanting to stake claim to Joseph Smith's legacy. Their mother Emma Smith was intent on protecting them at all costs...even if she had to keep her children in the dark about controversial issues that had broken her own heart. Yet, now they are adults and want to know for themselves about their father's conflicted history, with the youngest son David particularly keen, and particularly sensitive. He will have to face a chapter of his family's history that his mother would have preferred to keep closed.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Oregon Shakespeare Festival Black Swan Reading Series, 2009
- BYU Writers/Dramaturgs/Actors Workshop, 2009
- Utah Valley University (staged reading), 2007
- New Play Project, 2009
The children of Joseph Smith, the Mormon prophet, were caught in between warring factions of Mormonism, each side wanting to stake claim to Joseph Smith's legacy. Their mother Emma Smith was intent on protecting them at all costs...even if she had to keep her children in the dark about controversial issues that had broken her own heart. Yet, now they are adults and want to know for themselves about their father's conflicted history, with the youngest son David particularly keen, and particularly sensitive. He will have to face a chapter of his family's history that his mother would have preferred to keep closed.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Oregon Shakespeare Festival Black Swan Reading Series, 2009
- BYU Writers/Dramaturgs/Actors Workshop, 2009
- Utah Valley University (staged reading), 2007
- New Play Project, 2009
CYRANO, FROM NOWHERE
This whimsical and metaphysical spin on the classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac sets the story in a sci-fi future where Cyrano combats aliens, delivers swift vengeance to those who insult his gargatuan nose, and pines for his adored Roxanne. Yet, when Roxanne falls in love with the handsome, but dim Christian, Cyrano feels honor bound to make her happy. Thus, Cyrano uses his poetry and Christian’s looks to create the ideal hero for his love. Can Cyrano pull off a romance written in the stars, or is love just a fiction after all?
PRODUCTIONS:
- Prospero Arts and Media, 2020
This whimsical and metaphysical spin on the classic tale of Cyrano de Bergerac sets the story in a sci-fi future where Cyrano combats aliens, delivers swift vengeance to those who insult his gargatuan nose, and pines for his adored Roxanne. Yet, when Roxanne falls in love with the handsome, but dim Christian, Cyrano feels honor bound to make her happy. Thus, Cyrano uses his poetry and Christian’s looks to create the ideal hero for his love. Can Cyrano pull off a romance written in the stars, or is love just a fiction after all?
PRODUCTIONS:
- Prospero Arts and Media, 2020
EVENING EUCALYPTUS
Arthur Stevenson has returned to his childhood home in Australia after personal tragedy struck him in England. With the help of the lovely Abigail Baker, his rediscovered friend Pindari, and two "swagmen" (one a woman), he must confront both old and new demons in his life, or break underneath their weight.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2014
AWARDS
- AML Award for Best Drama (nomination)
Arthur Stevenson has returned to his childhood home in Australia after personal tragedy struck him in England. With the help of the lovely Abigail Baker, his rediscovered friend Pindari, and two "swagmen" (one a woman), he must confront both old and new demons in his life, or break underneath their weight.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2014
AWARDS
- AML Award for Best Drama (nomination)
SWALLOW THE SUN
A bio-play about the early life of one of the 20th century's most beloved authors C.S. Lewis, the creator of The Chronicles Narnia. The play tells the story of Lewis's time as a soldier in World War I, the adoption of his fallen friend Paddy's family as his own, his conflicted relationship with his father, and his meeting Hugo Dyson and J.R.R. Tolkien (author Lord of the Rings) who challenge and change his whole life trajectory and worldview.
PRODUCTIONS:
- New Play Project, 2007
- Zion Theatre Company, 2012
A bio-play about the early life of one of the 20th century's most beloved authors C.S. Lewis, the creator of The Chronicles Narnia. The play tells the story of Lewis's time as a soldier in World War I, the adoption of his fallen friend Paddy's family as his own, his conflicted relationship with his father, and his meeting Hugo Dyson and J.R.R. Tolkien (author Lord of the Rings) who challenge and change his whole life trajectory and worldview.
PRODUCTIONS:
- New Play Project, 2007
- Zion Theatre Company, 2012
MANIFEST
In this evocative play, the meaning and lifespan of humankind is explored through a series of stories from myths and folk tales adapted from across the world.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Vanguard Theatre Company, 2021
In this evocative play, the meaning and lifespan of humankind is explored through a series of stories from myths and folk tales adapted from across the world.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Vanguard Theatre Company, 2021
PROMETHEUS UNBOUND
Greek mythology finds new life in this tale of a group of adventurers seeking to free the Titan Prometheus: Phoebe, the insecure temple priestess; Erysichton, the noble skeptic; Heracles, hero of the age; Iphigenia, refugee from sacrifice; Callisto, nymph and survivor; and Artemis, goddess of the hunt and women. Together this band of reluctant heroes must face the wrath of Zeus before they can hope to free the Titan of prophecy, the patient sufferer, and the advocate of mankind, Prometheus.
PRODUCTIONS:
- BYU Experimental Theatre Company, 2007
- Zion Theatre Company, 2013
Greek mythology finds new life in this tale of a group of adventurers seeking to free the Titan Prometheus: Phoebe, the insecure temple priestess; Erysichton, the noble skeptic; Heracles, hero of the age; Iphigenia, refugee from sacrifice; Callisto, nymph and survivor; and Artemis, goddess of the hunt and women. Together this band of reluctant heroes must face the wrath of Zeus before they can hope to free the Titan of prophecy, the patient sufferer, and the advocate of mankind, Prometheus.
PRODUCTIONS:
- BYU Experimental Theatre Company, 2007
- Zion Theatre Company, 2013
REVELATIONS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW
(PREVIOUSLY, SECRETS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW)
Whether it is performed as a sequel to Mahonri Stewart's award-winning Legends of Sleepy Hollow, or as its own stand alone story, this play explores the aftermath of the infamous ride of Ichabod the Headless Horseman and its impact on the psyche of the Sleepy Hollow's citizens. Not to be confused with Stewart's recently renamed Secrets of Sleepy Hollow (see above).
PRODUCTIONS:
- Vanguard Theatre Company, 2018
(PREVIOUSLY, SECRETS OF SLEEPY HOLLOW)
Whether it is performed as a sequel to Mahonri Stewart's award-winning Legends of Sleepy Hollow, or as its own stand alone story, this play explores the aftermath of the infamous ride of Ichabod the Headless Horseman and its impact on the psyche of the Sleepy Hollow's citizens. Not to be confused with Stewart's recently renamed Secrets of Sleepy Hollow (see above).
PRODUCTIONS:
- Vanguard Theatre Company, 2018
THE OPPOSING WHEEL
In this play, the modern meets the medieval as 21st adventurers meet Magdalena Devonshire, a literal Lady of Shallot trapped by a spell in a tower. The play is a funny, thoughtful, romantic, redemptive romp through myth, miracle, and magic.
PRODUCTIONS:
- East Valley High School, 2010
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
In this play, the modern meets the medieval as 21st adventurers meet Magdalena Devonshire, a literal Lady of Shallot trapped by a spell in a tower. The play is a funny, thoughtful, romantic, redemptive romp through myth, miracle, and magic.
PRODUCTIONS:
- East Valley High School, 2010
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
A ROOF OVERHEAD
Cultures clash as the Fieldings, a Mormon family, take in atheistic tenant Sam Forest. Both sides attempt civility at the outset, but their increasingly crashing worldviews ratchet up the tension. Will both sides learn to find common ground, or will intolerance prevail?
PRODUCTIONS:
Binary Theatre Company, 2012
Zion Theatre Company, 2012
AWARDS:
2012 AML Award for Best Drama
Cultures clash as the Fieldings, a Mormon family, take in atheistic tenant Sam Forest. Both sides attempt civility at the outset, but their increasingly crashing worldviews ratchet up the tension. Will both sides learn to find common ground, or will intolerance prevail?
PRODUCTIONS:
Binary Theatre Company, 2012
Zion Theatre Company, 2012
AWARDS:
2012 AML Award for Best Drama
UNEATEN CANTALOUPE
A zany, fast paced comedy! While traveling home from their father's funeral, Oscar and Joan Godfrey check into a hotel in Wyoming during a snowstorm. Yet they discover that this no hotel, that its inhabitants are curioser and curioser, and that they are trapped inside! The mysteries of the hotel are hard to discover as they try to eke out what this all means, though meaning is an elusive prey.
PRODUCTIONS:
- New Play Project, 2008
AWARDS:
- Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award (Third Place), 2003
A zany, fast paced comedy! While traveling home from their father's funeral, Oscar and Joan Godfrey check into a hotel in Wyoming during a snowstorm. Yet they discover that this no hotel, that its inhabitants are curioser and curioser, and that they are trapped inside! The mysteries of the hotel are hard to discover as they try to eke out what this all means, though meaning is an elusive prey.
PRODUCTIONS:
- New Play Project, 2008
AWARDS:
- Ruth and Nathan Hale Comedy Playwriting Award (Third Place), 2003
JINN
When Calypso enters a shop of colored glass bottles while doing her shopping, she could not have expected what was in store for her. The bottles contain the mysterious Jinn, which tap into her emotions and memory, causing both havoc and illumination. Calypso must deal with the past that she has bottled up, or continue the inauthentic lie she has created for herself.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Off Broadway Theatre/ZTC (Salt Lake), 2013
- ASU Student Production, 2014
When Calypso enters a shop of colored glass bottles while doing her shopping, she could not have expected what was in store for her. The bottles contain the mysterious Jinn, which tap into her emotions and memory, causing both havoc and illumination. Calypso must deal with the past that she has bottled up, or continue the inauthentic lie she has created for herself.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Off Broadway Theatre/ZTC (Salt Lake), 2013
- ASU Student Production, 2014
SNOW QUEEN
A one-act adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairy tale of love, friendship, and sacrifice.
PRODUCTIONS
- Off Broadway Theater/ZTC (Salt Lake), 2013
A one-act adaptation of Hans Christian Anderson's classic fairy tale of love, friendship, and sacrifice.
PRODUCTIONS
- Off Broadway Theater/ZTC (Salt Lake), 2013
WHITE MOUNTAIN
In this one act, Ruth's husband abandoned her to chase his dreams. Devastated, Ruth moves in with her brother Abraham, only to find that he's in love with another dreamer willing to give up everything. Ruth thinks she's dangerous, but is there more happening here than she understands?
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
In this one act, Ruth's husband abandoned her to chase his dreams. Devastated, Ruth moves in with her brother Abraham, only to find that he's in love with another dreamer willing to give up everything. Ruth thinks she's dangerous, but is there more happening here than she understands?
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
THE PRINCE'S HOUSE
A Prince and his wife must deal with an intruder of the most sinister kind...a demon.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
A Prince and his wife must deal with an intruder of the most sinister kind...a demon.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
IMMORTAL HEARTS
After a nasty break-up, an author wants love to be as immortal as the characters in his books.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Grove Theatre 24 Hour Theatre Festival, 2004
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
After a nasty break-up, an author wants love to be as immortal as the characters in his books.
PRODUCTIONS:
- Grove Theatre 24 Hour Theatre Festival, 2004
- Zion Theatre Company, 2011
COMING SOON:
