Here are short summaries of my one-act plays.
The Three Great Loves of Christopher J. Tomaski.
50 minutes. 1m,3w
Chris returns to his boyhood home to probe into his sister’s suicide and finds himself caught in an intense tug-of-war between his mother, his girlfriend, and his sister's ghost. A drama centered on secrets, love, ghosts, small towns, and suicide.
• Winner, Market House National One-Act Competition
• Selections published in Best Stage Scenes 2000 and Best Men's Stage Monologues 2000, both from Smith & Kraus.
"An intense, gripping drama. Written stylishly by Pat Gabridge, it has clever twists and a dramatic payoff." The Tolucan Times
Breakdown in Wakefield.
25 minutes. 1m,1w
A man trying to avoid his brother’s funeral and a woman desperate to get out of her claustrophobic small town meet in the middle of the night.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
The Sky is Falling.
20 minutes. 3 or 4 women
Samantha is informed by her guru, Jill, that the rapture will arrive tomorrow, and she and the elect will be taken from the earth in space ships. Samantha's sister Ricki and her Grandmother aren't surprised by Samantha's apocalyptic news-they've seen it from her before. But they go along for a wild night of farewells and a surprising visitation. A fast-paced, heartfelt comedy.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
The Elevator.
20 minutes. 1m,1w
Two people in an elevator learn the consequences (and rewards) of acting on impulse.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
The Prisoner of St. Pierre.
30 minutes. 2m,2w, 1 off stage voice.
When Mt. Pelee erupts in a cloud of steam and ash and destroys the city of St. Pierre, Auguste Ciparis is saved from death by the thick walls of his prison cell. Badly burned, he waits for rescue in a state of delirium, where he’s confronted by his girlfriend’s ghost, two men from his possible future, and an angel of death ready to dispense one last kiss. Auguste must choose between the comfort of death or life as a crippled, sideshow freak. An intense, lyrical play about courage in the face of despair. (Based on the true story of one of the 20th century’s worst natural disasters.)
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
The Whittling Place.
20 minutes. 3m,1w
Sometimes an eye for an eye isn’t enough--revenge in an unusual sanctuary.
Lost Oasis.
30 minutes. 1m,2w
After a three-day hike to scatter his father's ashes, Tom discovers that his remote, private spot is already occupied by Danny. Can Jill keep her husband from going off the deep end? Can he find the space and privacy that he needs for his special ceremony? Danny isn't ready for one more ghost to be added to the meadow.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
All Is Fair.
30 minutes. 1m,2w
Three old friends are engaged in a very strange, very nasty game of tag.
The Forgotten One.
10 minutes. 1m,1w
The oldest man in the world is discovered by a young reporter. How much longer before death catches up with him, too?
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
David In Goliath
10 minutes. 2m,1w
The soul of a dying young man tries desperately to communicate with his parents, who keep vigil by his body in a hospital room.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Christmas Breaks.
10 minutes. 2m,1w
A woman tries to deal with being dumped by her boyfriend and the replacement that he found for himself through the personal ads.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Frank’s Right Auricle.
10 minutes. 1m,1w
A man confronts his ideal lover in a secret chamber of his heart.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Tearing Down The Walls.
10 minutes, comedy. 1m,1w
A young couple accidentally seal themselves into a room. Nothing like being confined in a tight space to learn about your spouse.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
The Bernoulli Effect.
10 minutes. 1m,1w
When a family's schedule gets out of control, sometimes one person needs to take drastic action. But can Nikki get Davis to go along with her plan, even using handcuffs?
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Counting Rita.
10 minutes. 2w, drama
Sarah plans to find out exactly what her low her friend will go, as she tallies the results of lies and betrayal.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Ship of Fools.
10 minutes. 2w
Two women stranded on a lifeboat have found a unique way to keep themselves sane--pretending to be a whole boatload of other people. An excellent acting challenge, as the stakes and water continue to rise.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Stop, Rain
10 minutes. 2w
Birthmother Rain desperately wants to see the son she placed for adoption, but adoptive mom Marla feels she needs to protect her son from Rain's screw-ups and chaotic life. Can the two mothers learn to understand each other?
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Insomnia
10 minutes. 2w
Mary's struggles with the pressures of motherhood produce an intense, lyrical, sleepless night. A wild, romp--perfect for anyone who's ever had a hard time falling asleep.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Out of Time
10 minutes. 2w
The fast pace of life and motherhood engulf Mary in a surrealistic whirlwind as she comes unstuck from time. She struggles to connect with her daughter, Jenna, before it's too late. A terrific acting challenge.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
The Discovery
10 minutes. Cast of six or more, any combo of genders.
A man finds a good spot to stand, a comfortable place to call his own. But the rest of the world is intent on making him move. People try bribery, threats, prayer, politics, even murder to get what he's got.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Flight
10 minutes. 2w
Sarah leads an odd existence--she sleeps at home, goes to work, and spends every other moment at the airport. She's fled from the cares and concerns of the world into an odd cocoon. But her high achiever, high strung big sister, Deedee, can't understand, and is determined to drag Sarah back to "normal" life.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Quiet
10 minutes. 2w
Friction between a landlord and tenant over noise transforms into an intense competition for silence. Zelda and Elisa are two strong women who will go to any lengths to achieve their goals.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Christmas Flight
10 minutes. 1m,1w
Sarah and Jeb are two highly successful professionals are their way home for the holidays. Or are they? What happens when your secret hidden life is shared by another?
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Perfect Vision
10 minutes. 2w
Diana discover her sister's greatest treasure and greatest peril-a Pandora's box that gives the viewer the most perfect, beautiful, fantastic sight imaginable. Once. A second glance means death. Can the sisters help each other resist this ultimate temptation? A great workout for an actor's imagination.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Disturbing the Peace
20 minutes. 2m, 1w
Earl brings his buddy Roy to a bizarre, secret club for overstressed executives--all they have to do is relax. Roy's not good at calming down, but once he sinks into a state of nirvana, he won't give it up. Can Earl and Elaine pull him back to reality? Should they? (Or will he end up like Jenkins?)
Published by Brooklyn Publishers
Couch Potato
25 minutes. 3m,2w.
Eric is the ultimate slacker, but his goal of remaining motionless in front of the TV is in serious jeopardy. His sister and fiance move out and leave him behind in the apartment, and the two newlyweds moving in aren't keen to share their space with a complete stranger. Can Eric use his wits to stay rooted, or is he about to be yanked from his chosen resting place? A fast-paced comedy of inertia.
Published by Brooklyn Publishers