The Center Theatre Company production of EVE AND ADAM: THE UNTOLD STORY, part of NOTHING SERIOUS
(photo by Lisa Helfert)
NOTHING SERIOUS
10 short comedies by Rich Orloff
“genuine fun that can't help being contagious”
Honolulu Advertiser
"A lot of laughs. Orloff's skits are quick, clever, funny and touching."
Rochester Post-Bulletin (Rochester, MN)
NOTHING SERIOUS, published by Playscripts, is a collection of ten of Rich Orloff’s most popular and acclaimed short comedies. From Antarctica and Disneyland to the Garden of Eden and inside the womb, Rich Orloff creates theatrical worlds that are both imaginative and hilarious.
The plays include:
The Kaleidoscope Theatre Company production of PLAYWRITING 101: THE ROOFTOP LESSON
(photo by Rick Tormone)
PLAYWRITING 101: THE ROOFTOP LESSON - An instructor lecturing on the craft of playwriting loses control when fictional characters rebel. Winner of the 2002 Five and Dime Playwriting Contest and chosen Best of the 2002 Delaware Short Play Festival. Back Stage called it “short but hilarious.” When it was produced by Impact Theatre in Berkeley, the Oakland Tribune called it “unusually sharp and intelligent, a lot of laughs.” The play has been published in the anthologies, Take Ten II (Random House) and The Bedford Introduction to Literature. (3 either)
Read an excerpt.
The Foolish Theatre Company production of BRIDE AND GLOOM
BRIDE AND GLOOM (from ROMANTIC FOOLS) - A nervous bride’s fear of divorce prevents her from getting married. When produced at Shadowbox Cabaret in Ohio, Columbus Suburban News called it “a funny piece about pre-wedding jitters.” (1 m, 1 w)
Read an excerpt.
The SCF-Studio 84 Production of BLADDER CONTROL
(photo by Tom Oostveen)
BLADDER CONTROL - A trainee blunders at a meeting when she’s asked to contribute, and she actually does. (3 m, 2 w)
Read an excerpt.
The SCF-Studio 84 Production of CAN THIS MARRIAGE BE SAVED?
(photo by Tom Oostveen)
CAN THIS MARRIAGE BE SAVED? (from OY!) - Such a trial! The Human Being wants a divorce from God and takes him to court. (1 m, 2 w, 1 either)
Read an excerpt.
The Summer Short production of EVE AND ADAM: THE UNTOLD STORY
EVE AND ADAM: THE UNTOLD STORY (from OY!) - God is a woman, and Eve is made first, in this rib-tickling comedy When produced at Summer Shorts in Florida, the Miami Herald called it “riotous”. (1 m, 2 w, 1 narrator)
Read an excerpt.
The Summer Shorts production of LAST-MINUTE ADJUSTMENTS
LAST-MINUTE ADJUSTMENTS (from OY!) - Moments before birth, a child has second-thoughts about leaving the womb. But the team getting her ready won’t be stopped! When produced at Shadowbox Cabaret in Ohio, the Columbus Dispatch called it “a nifty short comedy.” (5 either)
Read an excerpt.
The Summer Shorts production of MATTERHORN
MATTERHORN (from COUPLES) - A couple stuck in a long line at Disneyland devise a novel solution to their marital woes. Winner, 2005 Palm Springs National Short Play Festival’s Audience Favorite. (1 m, 1 w)
Read an excerpt.
The Foolish Theatre Company production of NICE TIE
NICE TIE (from ROMANTIC FOOLS) - A woman and man envision totally different consequences if she lets him buy her a drink. (1 m, 1 w)
Read an excerpt.
The White Mountain School production of OFF THE MAP
(photo by Catherine Meisel-Valdez)
OFF THE MAP (from FOREIGN AFFAIRS) - In a very cold place, a penguin helps a lost couple find direction. When produced at Shadowbox Cabaret in Ohio, the Columbus Dispatch called it a “clever comedy (with) consistently funny dialogue.” (2 m, 1 w)
Read an excerpt.
The TheaterRats production of OH MY GOD, IT’S ANOTHER PLAY!
(photo by Alexis M. Hadsell)
OH MY GOD, IT’S ANOTHER PLAY! - Dessert for a night of short plays: Complete nonsense about life in the theater, designed for a cast which can vary in size. (7 or more, either)
Read an excerpt.
NOTHING SERIOUS is published and licensed by Playscripts, Inc. To read lengthier excerpts, order books, or obtain performance rights, visit Rich's page at Playscripts.com.
The White Mountain School production of LAST-MINUTE ADJUSTMENTS
(photo by Catherine Meisel-Valdez)
