From the Desk of Licensing: February Edition

Title: The Thanksgiving Play

Who wrote it?
Larissa FastHorse

Why do I know that playwright/creative team?
Larissa FastHorse is a playwright with a star on the rise, but her work has already been acknowledged with an ever-growing number of awards, commissions, and fellowships.

So, what’s this play about?
It is a satirical comedy about a group of theatre artists attempting to create a Thanksgiving Play for young people which celebrates the homey family holiday of today and the realities of violent colonialism which created it.

Why should I do it?
This is a whip-smart comment on the dark history from which USAmerican culture was created and a biting example of how the seemingly well-meaning American white person grapples with progressivism in today’s society.

If I’m pitching this to the rest of my staff, what’s the best (short) description I could give them?
This is a very funny and timely play. It can live in the political spectrum, sure, but the satirical nature of the playwright’s voice allows for the show to live beyond the traditional “right” and “wrong” trap which causes audiences to sometimes feel spoken down to.

Okay, I have to read it. Where can I get the script?
The script isn’t formally published yet but there is a pre-publication manuscript available on the Samuel French website.

I’m also pretty sure I’m going to want to license it – but I may have a few questions first. Who do I contact?
Reach out to your licensing representative directly.

Title: American Psycho

Who wrote it?
Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and Duncan Sheik

Why do I know that playwright/creative team?
Aguirre-Sacasa has had a robust theatre career working on shows all over the country in places like South Coast Rep, Round House, and even the Broadway musical Spiderman: Turn off the Dark. He is also the series developer of television’s “Riverdale” and “The Chilling Adventure’s of Sabrina”. Sheik started as a recording artist, but has been a staple in the musical theatre world even before he worked on Spring Awakening which became a full-blown phenomenon. His other shows Alice by Heart is currently running in NYC.

So, what’s this musical about?
Popularized by the movie, American Psycho is the story of Patrick Bateman, a wall street type. It shows the fast-paced and superficial world of New York in the 1980’s and all the extreme ways that a person can indulge. As Patrick’s desires become satiated, he moves on to much more deadly indulgences.

Why should I do it?
This is a brilliantly witty period musical. It has the potential to draw out the cult-classic fans, the 80’s nostalgists, and is certain to add a sense of danger to the traditional musical theatre season.

If I’m pitching this to the rest of my staff, what’s the best (short) description I could give them?
A sexy new musical which balances comedy and nail-biting suspense/horror perfectly. Brand recognition and cult-following are guaranteed to peak the interest of ticket buyers.

Okay, I have to read it. Where can I get the script?
On the Samuel French Website.

I’m also pretty sure I’m going to want to license it – but I may have a few questions first. Who do I contact?
Reach out to your licensing representative directly.

Title: This Flat Earth
Who wrote it?
Lindsey Ferrentino

Why do I know that playwright/creative team?
Lindsey’s work as a playwright on Ugly Lies the Bone served as a gateway into the public eye after it played to rave reviews in NYC and a prestigious run at The National Theatre in London. In the same season that This Flat Earth premiered, she had another show off-broadway called Amy and the Orphans.

So, what’s this play about?

This is a show about young teens in a community which has recently been victim of gun violence at a school. As they deal with the trauma of this event, their eyes begin to open to the ability and inability of adults to help.

Why should I do it?
The show’s perspective, primarily from that of a thirteen year old girl, helps to create a world which feels new and fresh while addressing a topic that unfortunately feels very common in our world. A sense of confusion and optimism drives the show in a way that most audiences might not expect.

If I’m pitching this to the rest of my staff, what’s the best (short) description I could give them?
In the aftermath of tragedy, teens reconcile their place in a community that would allow such a thing to happen.

Okay, I have to read it. Where can I get the script?
The script isn’t formally published yet but there is a pre-publication manuscript available on the Samuel French website.

I’m also pretty sure I’m going to want to license it – but I may have a few questions first. Who do I contact?
Reach out to your licensing representative directly.

Title: Nat Turner in Jerusalem

Who wrote it?
Nathan Alan Davis

Why do I know that playwright/creative team?
Davis’s work as a playwright is catching the interest of the industry’s best. Some commissions and development include: The Public Theater, McCarter Theatre, Arena Stage, Williamstown Theatre Festival, The Lark and the New Harmony Project.

So, what’s this play about?
The show is a fictionalized account of Nat Turner’s final night in jail in Jerusalem, VA as recorded by his attorney Thomas R. Gray where they reflect on what has happened, Nat’s legacy, and reckoning with pre-Civil War American values.

Why should I do it?
Davis provides an unheard perspective of an important American historical figure which connects past to the present in an inherently theatrical and engaging way.

If I’m pitching this to the rest of my staff, what’s the best (short) description I could give them?
An intimate portrayal and account of a hugely important and influential historical figure who’s voice has been silenced. Think the historical precursor to plays like The Mountaintop.

Okay, I have to read it. Where can I get the script?
On the Samuel French website.

I’m also pretty sure I’m going to want to license it – but I may have a few questions first. Who do I contact?
Reach out to your licensing representative directly.