Showing titles in Drama & Plays

Step into the gritty world of British third-rate theaters circa 1900 with Position of Peggy Harper. Follow the journey of Christopher Tatham, a struggling actor navigating the precarious landscape of minor roles and relying on his uncles charity, all while dreaming of stardom. Along the way, he encounters Peggy Harper, a fellow aspirant facing similar challenges. Together, they strive to carve out their own paths to fame and success amidst the backdrop of an unforgiving industry. Drawing from his own experiences as an actor and actor-manager, Leonard Merrick brings this poignant tale to life (...

When Sir Harry Hotspurs only son and heir tragically passes away, the family title falls to his cousin, George Hotspur. Determined to keep the ancestral estate within the family, Sir Harry hopes to pass the legacy to his daughter, Emily, and is counting on her future husband to adopt the Hotspur name. However, George, a charming yet reckless gambler, has his own agenda—winning Emilys heart to save himself from financial ruin. Despite Emilys awareness of Georges unworthiness, she believes she can redeem him. Torn between her love and her fathers demands, which include a promise not to marry ...

Originally published in 1904, “The Master’s Violin” is the seventh novel by Myrtle Reed. Set in the charming German town of East Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the story follows widow Margaret Irving and her son, Lynn, as they return after two decades with hopes of advancing Lynn’s musical career under the mentorship of Herr Kaufmann, the esteemed master violinist. Meanwhile, young Iris, raised by her loving Aunt Peace, navigates life in her new neighborhood, slowly discovering her independence. As we delve deeper into the lives of these characters, including the affectionate Doctor ...

Dive into the captivating world of Old Rose And Silver, where the lives of Rose, her widowed Aunt Madame Francesca Bernard, and their spirited cousin Isabel intertwine with the return of Colonel Kent and his son Allison, an old friend from the past. As they navigate the complexities of their small-town existence, the rebellious Crosby twins and an unconventional doctor who specializes in the impossible further complicate their lives. Set against an ambiguous historical backdrop, the story focuses on the intimate connections and heartfelt journeys of these characters as they explore love, ...

The Clue of the Twisted Candle by Edgar Wallace. The Clue of the Twisted Candle is a 1918 detective novel by Edgar Wallace, featuring a locked-room mystery, a framed mystery writer (John Lexman), and a Scotland Yard investigator (T.X. Meredith) trying to clear his friend's name. The plot involves a wealthy, villainous figure, Remington Kara, who frames Lexman for murder, leading to a prison break and a later, even more baffling locked-room murder of Kara himself, with two twisted candles as the key clue. It's known for its fast pace, intricate plot, and classic Wallace elements like ...

John Linden is an immensely wealthy man, but his fortune comes with complications. The rightful heirs to his estate are his nephew, Curtis Waring, his niece Florence Linden, and a long-lost son—if he is still alive. In a twist of fate, John insists that Florence and Curtis marry if she wishes to claim her share of the inheritance. Meanwhile, a young boy named Dodger is sent to steal one of John’s wills to ensure Curtis inherits everything. However, when Florence intervenes and befriends Dodger, she unexpectedly chooses a life of adventure over wealth, leaving her uncles mansion behind. Can...

Discover the poignant tale of Effi Briest, a masterpiece of Prussian Realism that remains largely undiscovered in the English-speaking world, yet is a staple in German education. This tragic story follows Effi, a young woman from a venerable family, who finds herself bound by duty to marry Geert von Instetten, a much older Prussian official. As the narrative unfolds, the strict adherence to social obligations leads to devastating consequences for Effi, particularly as she navigates the repercussions of her own indiscretions. Thomas Mann once suggested that if one could only choose six books to...

In a desperate bid for a better life, a group of down-and-outs makes a shocking pact they will select one among them by lot to enjoy a year of luxury, funded by their collective savings. However, this fortunate individual must face a grim fate—ending his life after the year is up, allowing the others to cash in on his life insurance policy. As fate would have it, the chosen one experiences an unforeseen twist of fortune, forcing him to grapple with his honor and the dark promise made. Will he find a way to escape this deadly deal, or will he betray his friends and welch on their agreement? ...

Indefer Jones faces a daunting dilemma as he tries to decide who will inherit his estate. Will he favor his beloved niece, Isabel, or opt for a male heir? The plot thickens when Indefers silence about his final choice leads to unexpected complications after his passing. (Summary by Jean Bascom)

Sweet Lavender stands out as one of the most celebrated stage plays of modern times, and it is undoubtedly the most beloved work of Mr. Pinero. With countless performances across the globe, its charm resonates with audiences far and wide. The secret to its enduring popularity lies in its blend of gentle humanity and delightful humor, offering a refreshing take that feels like a modern fairy tale. - Summary by Malcom C. Salaman, October 1893

When a young man, freshly engaged, finds himself wandering through an amusement garden with an old flame—rather than his fiancée—its no surprise that old feelings resurface. As they escape the pulsating heat of the dance floor for a stroll among the gardens trees, they stumble upon a statue of a woman of extraordinary beauty, her hands impossibly small. In a moment of playful comparison, the young man attempts to prove that his absent fiancée has even smaller hands. To his astonishment, the engagement ring he carries slips easily onto the stone finger, but refuses to come off. What ...

Dive into the world of Anton Chekhovs Uncle Vanya, a poignant tragicomedy that explores the complexities of human relationships and the chaos that ensues when a retired professor returns to his crumbling country estate with his stunning young wife. As unrequited love, rivalry, and illicit romance intertwine, the characters navigate their tangled emotions with Chekhovs signature blend of melancholy and humor. Join us for an engaging performance that captures the essence of life, love, and the struggles of the human spirit. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) Cast Alexander Serebrakoff Andy Minter, ...

Dive into the comedic world of The Taming of the Shrew, one of Shakespeares earliest masterpieces, influenced by Roman comedy and the lively Italian commedia dellarte. Set in Padua, we meet Baptista Minola, a wealthy gentleman with two daughters the fiery Katherina, notorious for her sharp wit, and the sweet Bianca, desired by many suitors. Baptistas decree that Bianca cannot marry until Katherina finds a husband sets the stage for a series of comedic events. Enter Petruchio, determined to wive it wealthily in Padua, who is convinced by Biancas suitors to take on the challenge of wooing ...

In the captivating tale of Truculentus; The Churl, we meet Phronesium, a charming courtesan torn between three suitors the debauched young Athenian Dinarchus, the earnest Strabax from the countryside, and the ambitious Stratophanes, a captain in the Babylonian army. Amidst a web of intrigue and unexpected twists, which of these admirers will win her heart? Join us for a delightful journey filled with romance and rivalry, as we explore the choices that define love. - Summary by The Play and Todd

The carefully curated social image of the Torrens family is set for a much-needed shake-up when the charmingly roguish Captain Murphy Maguire pays them a visit. Will his arrival expose the cracks in their polished façade? - Summary by Kelly Taylor

Set against the backdrop of rural England just after the First World War, Skin Game unfolds in three acts as a comic tragedy exploring the clash of two contrasting families. On one side, theres Squire Hillcrist, an old-money landowner struggling to maintain his estate and family, which includes his spirited daughter, Jill, and devoted wife, Amy. On the other, the Hornblowers, a wealthy industrial family led by the ambitious Hornblower, threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of their world by displacing the long-standing Jackman family and encroaching upon Hillcrists land with factories. This...

Dive into a captivating comedy that intertwines humor with the serious themes of human trafficking. Experience a tempestuous journey filled with shipwrecks—vividly narrated by our talented actors, making this an ideal audioplay. Follow the tale of a lost wallet containing special trinkets and a unique fishing line, all while navigating the challenges posed by the nearly unpronounceable names of antiquity. Prepare for an engaging auditory adventure! - Summary by ToddHW

Dive into the uproarious world of Richard Brinsley Sheridans classic comedy, first performed in 1777. School For Scandal unravels the tangled web of intrigues and scandals among the British upper classes. At the center of the chaos is Lady Sneerwell, who has her sights set on marrying Charles Surface, while Joseph Surface is intent on winning the heart of the beautiful heiress Maria, who, unfortunately for him, prefers Charles. To sabotage this budding romance, Lady Sneerwell and Joseph resort to spreading scandalous rumors about Charles and the new young wife of Sir Peter Teazle, Marias ...

Dive into a captivating collection of six short stories that reveal how even the most seemingly perfect marriages can be undermined by the very people in them. Each tale offers a unique perspective on the complexities of love and the hidden struggles that can lead to unhappiness. - Summary by Carolin

Step into the vibrant world of Elizabethan London with The Shoemakers Holiday, a delightful play penned by Thomas Dekker and first brought to life in 1599 by the Admirals Men. This enchanting city comedy reveals the trials and tribulations of aristocrat Rowland Lacy, who finds himself smitten with the middle-class Rose Oateley. However, their love faces fierce opposition from both Roses father and Rowlands uncle due to their differing social standings and Rowlands reckless ways. In a bid to prove his worth, Rowland cleverly avoids military service by disguising himself as Hans, a Dutch ...