This volume presents four of Francis Quinlan's audience-approved scripts. Fun to read, even more fun in performance.
Henrietta, a wealthy socialite (mid-thirties) confronts a newspaper editor who is investigating her husband. The moment she points a pistol at him, her life is transformed. A settled life becomes unsettled, but exciting. 4 men, 2 women.
Dreams is a comic extravaganza that incorporates Commedia dell'Arte characters. Part One tells a 16th century story that is played out in the dreams of a 21st century husband and wife. Part Two features the Commedia's uncompromising rogue, Brighella. In this play he is at his witty best, confounding Venice's aristocrats and cops. 5 men, 4 women.
In FunBirds, a recently divorced architect, Roger Coyne, swears off monogamous relations. A man of considerable libido, he says: "In an age of plenty, a man can have two of anything he wants, including women." The women in his life, Edna and Desiree, devise a plot to teach Roger a lesson. Obsession matches obsession, leading to ludicrous ruin. 2 men, 5 women.
Performed annually at the Richmondtown Colonial Festival in New York, The Peace Conference at Billopp House - 1776 reenacts the meeting between British naval admiral Richard Howe and Continental Congress delegates Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, and Edward Rutledge. As the conference proceeds, the Americans realize how little King George has to offer. Unbending, even if the face of superior force, they affirm their faith in an independent America. The war of Independence will go on. 5 performers
About the Author: Francis Quinlan is a playwright, novelist, and actor. Three of his plays, FunBirds, Shadow Wars, and An Examined Life (Equity Production) were produced at Trinity Theater, Staten Island, new York. The Peace Conference at Billopp House, performed annually at the Richmond Colonial Festival, has been entertaining and educating audiences for eight years. Mr. Quinlan is a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Drama League.
Mr. Quinlan is a member of the Dramatists Guild and the Drama League. A music and opera enthusiast, he studied piano and singing in Europe. Full productions of his plays FunBirds (2008), Shadow Wars (2009), and An Examined Life (2011) have been staged by the Trinity Players, Staten Island. The Peace Conference at Billopp House - 1776 is performed annually at the Richmondtown Colonial Festival.
