Just published! A fresh collection of plays that span genres, themes, and theatrical styles. Explore these latest titles, including the newest Signature Acting Editions!
New Plays
A Distinct Society by
The border between Vermont and Quebec runs straight through the Haskell Free Library & Opera House. After the Muslim Ban goes into full effect in 2018, families begin using it as a meeting place, facilitated by the kind Quebecois librarian, Manon. Tending to the people who use the library as a safe space has become part of her DNA—be it a teenager desperate to escape school or the US border cop who likes to flirt with Manon. When an Iranian father uses the Canadian side to visit his daughter studying on an F1 visa in the States, though, Manon’s loyalty to the building, her beliefs, politics, and independence are all challenged in life-altering ways.
Notes from the Field by
Winner of a 2017 Special Citation from the Obie Awards and the Lucille Lortel Award for Outstanding Solo Show
Based on real accounts from students, parents, and faculty, this one-woman show spotlights the stories of those caught in America’s school-to-prison pipeline. NOTES FROM THE FIELD investigates a justice system that funnels young people from poor communities into the ubiquitous prison industrial complex. Inspired by over two hundred and fifty interviews with people living within this system, Smith’s documentary piece both fosters awareness and galvanizes audiences to seek tangible change.
The Democracy Project by Tanya Barfield, Lisa D’Amour, Larissa FastHorse, Melissa James Gibson, and Bruce Norris, with music by Michael R. Jackson
Democracy is in trouble—the show is, at least. Federal Hall is presenting a play about the birth of American democracy, and one of the actors is sick, forcing tour guide Alicia to step into a role. But Alicia, a Black woman, experiences the show differently than her predecessor, and as she reenacts key moments in American history, she starts to question how wise the founders actually were—especially if the Bill of Rights was basically an afterthought. As the production begins to unravel, the actor portraying the Chief of the Creek Nation, Alexander McGillvray, starts to wonder if going back to our nation’s roots means that everyone but the Indigenous people should leave, which opens up bigger questions about the country’s land, its inhabitants, and ownership. Democracy is like theatre, sometimes the collaboration is smooth, sometimes messy, sometimes hilarious, sometimes unnerving—but you’ll get a show nonetheless.
The Time Machine by Michael D. Fox
A new, freshly imagined adventure ignites from the pages of H.G. Wells! An unexpected delivery containing a puzzling box of clues leads to the Time Machine itself. Now the race is on from today’s perplexing world into the baffling past then back again in an anxious chase against time to save the world. Experience a mystical, scientific wonder that moves through the ages, chasing a coveted treasure, dubious friendship, and lost love. Can this be real? Does time travel really exist? Buckle up for a journey into the unknown!
New Signature Acting Editions
Left on Tenth by Delia Ephron, based on her memoir
After Delia Ephron’s husband of more than thirty years passes away from cancer, Delia has to deal with logistical problems large and small—among them, cancelling her husband’s landline with Verizon. The frustrating experience becomes the basis of a New York Times op-ed, which in turn becomes the basis for a new relationship. Peter, a man she briefly dated in her twenties, contacts her after reading her piece and wants to reconnect. In classic romantic comedy–style, emails become phone calls become cross-country flights become lasting love. But when Delia is faced with a devastating new challenge, her newfound relationship with Peter comes to mean more than a happy ending—it means winning the fight of her life.
The Counter by
This warmly funny and yearning play follows the unlikely connection between Paul, a retired firefighter who goes to the same counter every morning for a few cups of coffee, and Katie, who’s always there to serve him. After many months of small talk, Paul decides it’s time for them to become real friends, and Katie gives in, sensing he needs a friend more than she does. What begins as the sharing of one secret grows into a deeply meaningful, life-affirming friendship—shocking Paul and Katie into embracing the hopes and joys born of basic human connection.
The Diary of Anne Frank by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett
Based upon the book Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Recipient of the 1956 Tony Award® for Best Play and Winner of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and winner of virtually every other coveted prize of the theatre. Very few plays have moved the Broadway critics to write such glowing notices, receiving the unanimous acclaim of all the top New York reviewers.
John Proctor Is the Villain by
2025 Tony Award® Nominee for Best Play. Now in performances on Broadway
At a high school in a one-stoplight town in Georgia, an English class is studying The Crucible but the students are more preoccupied with navigating young love, sex ed, and a few school scandals. As the students delve into the American classic, they begin to question the play’s perspective and the validity of naming John Proctor the show’s hero. With deep wells of passion and biting humor, this comedy captures a generation mid-transformation, running on pop music, optimism, and fury, discovering that their future is not bound by the past and that they have the power to change it all.
DPS Exclusive Signature Acting Edition
