Plays written by John J. Wooten
FADING GRACE
DUCK CROSSING
HAPPY HOUR
HANNAH SENESH – THE MISSION HOME
THE STICKS
FLAWLESS
Synopses:
Fading Grace (Cast 3 – Genre: drama) – Since moving his mother Grace to a senior living facility, Danny has never broken his promise to visit her on her birthday. As a gathering snow storm threatens to prevent him from making his yearly visit, Grace prepares for the journey home. 2021 Winner of the top cash prize awarded by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation/NJSCA.
Duck Crossing (Cast: 6 · Genre: comedy, docudrama/historic) – In this comic take on history’s most famous river crossing, George Washington has just set out to cross the Delaware to surprise attack the Hessians and turn the tide of war. One small problem…the river freezes when George and his men are only halfway across. The colonists are forced to contemplate their escape from the icy abyss, knowing full well that the future of the country hangs in the balance.
Happy Hour (Cast: 5 – drama) – From The New York Times “Welcome to the Desert Cocktail Lounge, a temple of sleaze, booze and frozen dreams on a dusty highway somewhere between New Mexico and Texas. The year is 1979; the month September. Jenn, the sexy young waitress with the requisite low-cut blouse, scruffy cowboy boots and soulful expression, is wiping out ashtrays and lining up the Johnnie Walker in preparation for happy hour. Written in real time, with a wall clock solemnly marking the hours, the play is a well-crafted, gritty view of an American Dream gone sour. Mr. Wooten’s snappy dialogue and cutting asides are tossed skillfully among the crew of losers who make the lounge their home.”
Hannah Senesh, The Mission Home (Cast: 8 · Genre: docudrama/historic, drama) – Based on actual events, The Mission Home tells the story of freedom fighter and poet Hannah Senesh, who parachuted behind enemy lines during World War II to help Jews escape from Nazi occupied Hungary. The play is a moving and powerful portrayal of a young woman’s fearless commitment to making the world a better place. Nominated for a American Theatre Critics Association New Play Award.
The Sticks (Cast: 4 · Genre: drama) – What begins as a simple dinner party soon spirals into a dangerous game of Cat and Mouse as two couples collide in an increasingly divided America.
Flawless – Frank is a writer who has lost his way. His former student Tess is a software designer who presents him with a chance to be back on top. As the two collide, a battle ensues to create the perfect ending to the next great play. Flawless is a cautionary tale about the intersection of technology and creativity.
Bio:
John’s plays have been produced Off-Broadway, internationally and in regional theaters across America. Productions include Trophies (Cherry Lane), The Mission Home (King’s Head Theatre in London) and regional productions of his plays Kiss the Bride, Humbug, UnCivil War, Duck Crossing and The Role of Della (also produced in Greece, Italy, France, England, Montenegro, and Australia). John’s work is published by Dramatists Play Service, Concord/Samuel French, Dramatic Publishing Company, and Playscripts. Screenplays include The Role of Della (Toronto, Ft. Lauderdale, Cleveland and DC Film Festivals) and Cat in the Pan (Montreal Film Festival). Honors include a Best New Play Nomination from the American Theatre Critics Association, two MidAtlantic/NJSCA Playwriting Fellowships, multiple Best Play nominations from the Star-Ledger/NJ.com and the 2023 STAR Award of Excellence from the New Jersey Theatre Alliance. John teaches Playwriting at Kean University, where he serves as the Producing Artistic Director of Premiere Stages and the Vice President of Arts Programming.
* Please note that some titles are handled by Dramatists Play Service, Samuel French, Dramatic Publishing, Broadway Play Publishing, and Playscripts.com. Please ask if you don’t see a particular play.