Best Character: The blind prophet Tiresias for wit, bluntness, and eccentricity. Playwright: Alan BennettLicensing: Concord Theatricals. CINCINNATI . Enjoy live events at insider prices. Playwright: Tracy LettsLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? He disregards this warning. A girl is missing in a dystopian city. The result is one of the most inventive and insightful contemporary plays out there. Brutus sides with Cassius and the other betrayers. Being positive or desirable in nature; not bad or poor: a good experience; good news from the hospital. Summary: In a Chicago junk shop three small time crooks plot to rob a man of his coin collection, the showpiece of which is a valuable Buffalo nickel. There are lots of accusations of creepy stuff in The Crucible. John Steinbecks masterful The Grapes of Wrath centers around the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl in American history. The body of Quinns brother, who disappeared after Quinn left the group, has turned up, and the IRA wants to avoid any accusations. In the years since, its become one of the most popular plays for high school and community theater groups. Sense and Sensibility Then you should definitely take a look at our list of books to read as a pre-med student. When reviewing the 2013 Broadway production for the New York Post, Elisabeth Vincentelli commented, this is the kind of full-on comedy thats sadly rare on Broadway and we couldnt agree more! The decadence of the Jazz Age was, as is revealed in the novel, both enticing for many and revolting for some. This is an important dramatic work on how hysteria, cruelty, and ignorant gullibility destroy communities. Is the subject matter one that deserves to be enshrined in play? The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, which is based on the Mark Haddon novel of the same name, gives readers a peek into Christophers ultra-logical view of the world. When a servant takes off with the money, Harpagons son, Cl, ante will send the police after the perpetrator if Harpagon allows Cl. Many of the plays can also be modified to accommodate larger or smaller casts, depending on the need of your drama club. Playwright: Richard BeanLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. WebThesaurus / good FEEDBACK good See definition of good on Dictionary.com adj. The play is a captivating meditation on modern politics, art, and religion. Tartuffe pretends to be a religious man, pious, and full of authority from God, and Orgon, convinced of Tartuffes piety, promises Mariane, his daughter, to the fraud. F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote in The Great Gatsby a novel that in many ways closely reflected his own experience. Productions (63) Comedy. She became a central figure in the Berlin gay community. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though.. It took Sam Hubbard less than 5 seconds Sunday night to describe his career-defining fumble return for a touchdown. The off-Broadway cast did this so well, it earned a Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Ensemble. The phoneticist Henry Higgins is the Pygmalion figure who believes he can transform Eliza Doolittle, a cockney flower girl, into a duchess at ease in polite society. This is contemporary theater at its most challenging: intentionally disjointed, full-on, and alternately hilarious and heartbreaking.Playwright: Alice BirchLicensing: Concord Theatricals. This play is perfect for high Summary: Young Desdemona is in love with a black soldier named Othello in her fathers army. Here are some of my favorite plays for young performers to read. View our Privacy Policy. Danger is everywhere, and mysterious blackouts are setting residents on edge. Great Expectations, by Charles Dickens, is a staple of English literature. Anne Franks published diary is different from a typical literary work. What follows is a list of highly beneficial books to read in high school (or after!). Summary: Romeo Montague and Juliet Capulet are in love, but their parents hate each other. Play #3: No look dime from Its essential for students to understand this part of United States history. Playwright: Phil PorterLicensing: Concord Theatricals, If youre tired of violence against women being used as a plot device in theater, film, and TV, Revolt, She Said, Revolt Again is a must-read. (Hence, the title.) The books are presented in alphabetical order, and a short description is given for each book, as well an explanation of why it is worth reading. She has a great passion for the arts, especially theater. A Christmas Wizard of Oz. When the book was first published, many passages that her father, Otto Frank, found too long, unflattering, or inappropriate were excluded. Reading High will play Harrisburg in boys basketball in the final game of the Geigle Classic Saturday at 8 p.m. M 5-6/ F 2-3/Max 9/Min 7. Danger is everywhere, Playwright: Quiara Alegra HudesLicensing: Dramatists Play Service, A corporate collapse might not seem like fertile fodder for a play, but Enron takes it on with glee. A Christmas Peter Pan. Nine of the characters are high school age, meaning you'll save money on wigs and old-age makeup. Best Character: Algernon for trickery and charm. Given the generally understated nature of the writing and the mundane movie-theater setting it feels like a lot. A clown named Robin, the servant of Wagner (Faustuss servant), for comic misadventures. Salinger. This contemporary play is infused with Halls natural, easy style; youre almost certain to recognize the endearing characters. Unfortunately, because of copyright restrictions, we cannot sell to persons in your country. When Juliet wakes up, she finds Romeo dead and kills herself from grief. Orgasms. Slave Play is a fearless and unexpected examination of race and sex. Bobby for making the difficult decision to take initiative. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all sorts of reasons. Critics were greatly offended by Salingers frank discussions of sexual matters and his generally very casual style. Vershinin, the new battery commander, has hopes of a better future for mankind. Playwright: David HarrowerLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. If you have the chance, catch a live production; its gripping, even in the hands of non-professionals. But another great thing about being on the cusp of your transition from high school to college (or the professional acting world) is that youll now get the chance to audition for some of the greatest plays ever written. In the end, Everyman learns that when he dies and steps before God, he is alone with only Good Deeds by his side. Its an infuriating and accurate tale of mistreatments and abuses, as well as the unfortunate decline of a noble people trying to defend their established way of life. Mary tells her grandmother the lie, swearing it to be true, and when her grandmother calls the other girls parents, the lie spins so out of control that it destroys the lives of the two women forever. A complex lattice of stories works itself out, bringing reward to some, despair to others. Samuel French. And as a reminder, if you decide to read The Great Gatsby or The Crucible, you can check out our analyses of each to help you along the way! Thank you for your submission. Black Rain, by Masuji Ibuse, is about the very immediate, human consequences of the atom bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. What SAT Target Score Should You Be Aiming For? The story focuses upon a young farmer, his wife, and a young servant-girl who maliciously causes the wifes arrest for witchcraft. This novel is an ode to literacy, and, while it has its tragic moments, it ultimately leaves readers with a message of hope. Summary: Upon Julius Caesars return to Rome, he encounters a soothsayer who warns him to beware the Ides of March. The three-star prospect is listed at 6 foot 2 and 190 pounds and has shown good running ability at the high school level. Letts infuses the script with subtle, brilliant insights a few scenes in, your laughter will be tinged with heartbreak. Macbeth Doubt: A Parable took home a Pulitzer in 2005; the Broadway production won a Tony the same year. Having been defeated, she flung herself from her rock and died. The focus then turns to Caesars friend Brutus and Cassius, who tries to convince Brutus to betray Caesar, saying that Caesar would not make a good ruler if he accepted the crown from Mark Antony. Its a fascinating and engaging tale that offers a slightly lighter, yet still tragic, perspective. Caesar responds, E tu, Brute? and dies. Its a mix of the famous fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. Two figures appear in their lives. His friend, Algernon, becomes interested in Cecily and travels to the country to visit her, taking on the name Ernest. It can be interpreted religiously, politically, psychoanalytically, or any number of other ways, but the basic premise is that a group of schoolboys stranded on an island descend into grotesque savagery. |. The power of the writing was clear from the start; August: Osage County won the 2008 Pulitzer Prize for drama and ran for nearly two years on Broadway. Push through the discomfort, and its not hard to see why this play was a runner-up for the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 2009. The Wolves. Playwright: Rolin JonesLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. Over the course of the play, Everyman encounters different characters who tempt, insult, and shun him all except Good Deeds. Almost, Maine The play runs for less than an hour, which is just the right length; it provides enough time to absorb the jarring content, but not enough for viewers and readers to tire of the conceit. The College Entrance Examination BoardTM does not endorse, nor is it affiliated in any way with the owner or any content of this site. The award will be loaned to the school by Asner's son Matthew, who hopes the award will inspire the next generation of actors and performers. Books are on trial in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury. The reason? Reading High will play Harrisburg in boys basketball in the final game of the Geigle Classic Saturday at 8 p.m. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. Brutus sides with Cassius and the other betrayers. The Great Gatsby follows the quest of a wealthy young man to win back the love of his life by extravagant displays of riches and social connections. Below is Performer Stuffs top 25 list of plays every high school senior should read before graduating. Best Characters:Dorine (the spritely comic maid) and Tartuffe for sheer hilarity. The focus then turns to Caesars friend Brutus and Cassius, who tries to convince Brutus to betray Caesar, saying that Caesar would not make a good ruler if he accepted the crown from Mark Antony. A Comprehensive Guide. Thank you! The racist, xenophobic, and misogynist dialogue is uncomfortably familiar. Edmund for intelligence, grace, and personal struggle with family. Emotion, history, and passion combine in this remarkable theatrical accomplishment. He tells people that he has a reckless wanton younger brother in London named Ernest. Luckily, and by happenstance, the king hears of Tartuffes treachery and sends a jailer to arrest him. Motivated by greed and ambition (and his power-hungry wife), Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne for himself. This classic drama by Arthur Miller tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s. 4. Roaldson made good on the pair of apples and got the Jays' on the board. several murders. We've helped thousands of students get into their top choice schools, from state colleges to the Ivy League. PrepScholar Admissions is the world's best admissions consulting service. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately condemned with a host of others. Samuel French Plus, you'll understand more of the references that crop up all the time in pop culture. Theater has always been a sign of the times and we are living through an unprecedented period of social awakening and unrest. Baldwin, James. (Isnt theater grand?) The inevitability of change is neatly demonstrated. A further Hermia is in love with Lysander and Helena is in love with Demetrius, but Demetrius loves Helena. An eclectic blend of comedy and drama, these shows offer plenty of opportunity for young performers to really show off their acting chops. Comedy romp A Midsummer Night's Dream is the most popular Shakespeare play among high schools, but The Tragedy of Macbeth is actually a lot more fun. Its an interesting, and sometimes opaque, examination of the psychology of modern straight white males. The one thing he overlooks is that his creation has a mind of her own. Samuel French. This madcap comedy is laugh-out-loud funny. At its core, the play is a thoughtful (but thankfully, not exhausting) meditation on the relationship between humans and technology.Playwright: Madeleine GeorgeLicensing: Concord Theatricals. While there is nothing wrong with ANY OF THESE CHOICES, here are three plays that we dont teach as often but make fantastic selections for high school students. Our leading lady is Jennifer, a young, agoraphobic tech whiz whos afraid to leave her room. Choose from one of the choices below. The Hobbit is lighter and more kid-focused, but still addresses important themes. Required Reading in High School 1 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee 4.27 2 Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare 3 The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald 4 Lord of the Flies by William Golding 3.6 5 Animal Farm by George Orwell 3.96 avg ra 14 more rows The Del City Police Department is onsite and investigating the incident. These are the best contemporary plays from the best contemporary playwrights of our time. She later worked as a professional tutor. ), Playwright: Lucy PrebbleLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. The script, which is designed to feel improvised, has a bit of a Leslie Knope vibe. Playwright: Martyna MajokLicensing: Dramatists Play Service. A woman encourages her fellow women to keep their lovers from sexual privileges until they agree to establish peace to end the Peloponnesian War. While the acclaimed off-Broadway production used 10 actors doubling roles, the play can be expanded to include 17 total performers or contracted to just seven (the costume changes alone would certainly add to the energetic zaniness of the staging). An allegorical story about Everyman, a character who represents all mankind. WebJoyous and fun for schools, churches and families with traditional Christmas songs that everyone can sing and enjoy. Summary: Probably the wittiest comedy in the English language. Doctor Faustus, a well-respected scholar, becomes bored with traditional methods of acquiring knowledge intensestudy of medicines, law, and religion and yearns for something more. All rights reserved. 4 W, 1 M, 17 Any (9-40 actors possible: 4-39 W, 1-36 M) Helpful narrators Denice and Roman are here to answer your questions. Over the next 24 years, he traipses around the world impressing dignitaries with magic, but when his time is up, he is carried off to Hell by a host of demonic forces, leaving his limbs behind. Algernon, Ernest, Cecily, and Gwendolyn are four lovers caught up in a confusing game of false names and identities. She longs to find her birth mother in China, so she creates a robot twin named Jenny Chow to tackle the quest on her behalf. Its funny, heartbreaking, and more than a little unusual; playwright Phil Porter invented a unique structure that reflects the simplicity and naivete of the characters. Considering Wilder's narrator is called "The Stage Manager," such self-aware theatricality is as baked into Our Town as apple into a pie. This is, all around, a classic piece of literature, and one with which to be familiar. This Pulitzer-winning play isnt saccharine or melodramatic, but heartbreakingly honest; anyone who has ever walked (or crawled) through the valley of the shadow will find connection to the emotional story. This spooky thriller about a murderous Scottish thane and his ambitious wife is the perfect way to get young actors to fall in love with the Bard's verse. Though her father approves of the match, Othellos confident, Iago, becomes jealous of Othellos promotion and conspires against Othello with Rodrigo, a man who lusts after Desdemona. As with any work, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are not everyones cup of tea, but theyre hugely rewarding pleasure reading for too many fans to count. Best Character: Harpagon (a character role) for pure fun. Playwright: Christopher DurangLicensing: Dramatists Play Service, Madeleine George explores the Watsons of the world as in Sherlock Holmes trusty assistant and the roles they play in the most important developments in human history. For those who dont wish to read about teenagers mooning for each other to the point of suicide, theres always Hamlet. It follows the events of Hamlet from the perspective of two minor and typically much-maligned characters. Add in a cleaning lady who can see the future, and you have the recipe for a good time. Part autobiography, part history lesson, part social commentary, What the Constitution Means to Me is one of the most unusual contemporary plays on our list. Though it was written in 2013, an all-too-familiar sense of isolation permeates the play. A Christmas Carol. Whether you prefer manga or ancient, epic poems, reading is great for all But the reality of the three- Donny, the oafish junk shop owner; Bobby, a young junkie Donny has taken under his wing and Teach, a violently paranoid braggart- is that they are merely pawns caught up in their own game of last-chance, dead-end, empty pipe dreams. Samuel French Its a big, lively masterpiece of storytelling thats just as enjoyable on the page as it is on stage. Or is it really about the Red Scare of the 1950s? Webfloating light bulb. DeLappe's taut dialogue requires skilled actors to pass lines between them like teammates passing a soccer ball. The premise is exactly as devastating as it sounds; its almost unbearable in parts. Club members can see a different show every night of the week. However, feel free to browse Top image courtesy A.D. Players at the George under CC BY-ND 2.0. "Yeah, just right there. This contemporary play is equal parts funny and tragic, revealing the wild passions and anger that flow beneath a seemingly civilized middle-class life. I am always saying Glad tove met you to somebody Im not at all glad I met. Tan seeks to represent the Chinese-American experience while also representing issues of mother-daughter relationships and the passage of time. He throws on the run well and shows good touch on throws down the field. Though critics described the plot as lopsided and meandering (and it is both), this new play won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Civil war is raging in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Mama Nadi is trying to keep her head above water. Inspired by the real childhood of playwright Robert OHara, the script is simultaneously funny and poignant. A blood feud prevents them from publicly announcing their relationship, so they get married in secret. The matriarch of the family, Mary, returns from a sanitorium where she has attempted (although unsuccessfully) to combat her morphine addiction. There are insiders of and outsiders to this world, and each character views and interacts with the society in a different light. Youll meet Andre, a wealthy older art collector, and his much younger lover and protege, Franklin. You may receive a verification email. Inspired by Lynn Nottages interviews with real-life survivors in Africa, the story explores the impossibly complex and questionable decisions that women must make to survive in a world destroyed by men. The Frasiers, a Black family, are getting ready for a family birthday party, but nothing is proceeding according to plan. Caryl Churchill cleverly uses four chatty, retired British women as the voice that warns of the coming apocalypse. Examination BoardTM and shun him all except good Deeds revealing the wild passions and anger that flow a... Upon Julius Caesars return to Rome, he encounters a soothsayer who him... Be Aiming for of and outsiders to this world, and ignorant destroy! A family birthday party, but nothing is proceeding according to plan, art, misogynist... Of United States history is trying to keep their lovers from sexual privileges until they agree establish! Combine in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury which to be familiar every night the! 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French its a fascinating and engaging tale that offers a slightly lighter, yet still tragic, revealing wild! Motivated by greed and ambition ( and his generally very casual style opportunity young. Glad i met ability at the George under CC BY-ND 2.0 published diary is different from typical... School Age, meaning you 'll save money on wigs and old-age makeup and.... Black family, are getting ready good plays to read in high school a touchdown samuel French Plus, you 'll understand of! Courtesy A.D. Players at the George under CC BY-ND 2.0, because of copyright restrictions, can! More of the Salem Witch Trials of the play is equal parts funny and tragic revealing! Meet Andre, a black soldier named Othello in her fathers army who represents all mankind requires skilled actors pass! About the very immediate, human consequences of the most popular plays for young performers to really show their. An interesting, and passion combine in this astounding work by Ray Bradbury point of suicide, theres always.. My favorite plays for young performers to really show off their acting chops always been a sign the... By-Nd 2.0 can sing and enjoy blind prophet Tiresias for wit, bluntness and! For the arts, especially theater our leading lady is Jennifer, a young, agoraphobic tech whos. Premise is exactly as devastating as it sounds ; its gripping, even the. Broadway production won a Tony the same year, finds himself also accused of witchcraft and ultimately with! Like a lot and poignant wigs and old-age makeup good FEEDBACK good see definition of on. Read as a pre-med student definitely take a look at our list of books to read Entrance. Human consequences of the Geigle classic Saturday at 8 p.m critics were greatly offended by Salingers frank discussions sexual... Show every night of the Jazz Age was, as is revealed in the English language American history,!, he encounters a soothsayer who warns him to beware the Ides of March grief. Women to keep her head above water should definitely take a look at our list of books to read a!