CPI - An Evening of Short Plays

The Natchez Trace by Jeremy Simmons

An old man tells his tale to a typist recording early American stories for the Library of Congress. He tells a shocking, thrilling tale of escape from slavery. His name is Ned Forrest. The year is 1856. Two men, Ned and Moses, escape their bondage on a Mississippi plantation during a fire as it destroys the river town of Natchez. Following an old trail along the river, under downpours and lightning storms, the men struggle through the wilderness while being hunted. Capture meant torture, possibly death. Evading disaster time and time again, often by the slimmest of margins, the two men find ways to work together and form a friendship as they fight to reach Mexico and their freedom. With waning strength, Ned and Moses live face to face with fear, disillusionment, and, finally, redemption. 

Playwright Bio:

Jeremy’s work has ranged from fiction to screenwriting, poetry and plays. His short-form fiction, including The Sound of Stone, The Sill and Sand has been published in literary journals including Glass Mountain, ShortVine and The Quaker. His play The Natchez Trace was first produced as a live radio play by The Radio Theatre Project in Tampa, Fl., in 2016. Jeremy continues to write in many formats, recently branching out to scripts for streaming TV series.

Burnt Toast of Broadway by Greg Hatfield

In a sparkling homage to Noel Coward, divorced theater duo Amanda and Edward bicker and banter their way through 1953 New York, sabotaging each other's plans while searching for their next Broadway hit. Amidst witty repartee and undeniable chemistry, will they realize their potential for success lies in reuniting and reigniting their creative spark? 

Playwright Bio:

Greg Hatfield is a Dramatists Guild member known for his entertaining plays, including The Cabot Comedies and Lily Blossoms, shortlisted for the William Inge Theater Festival. His works have been performed in the U.S., London, and via Zoom. He admires Noel Coward, G.B. Shaw, and George S. Kaufman.

Guardian Angel Blues by Dave Doster

A troubled guardian angel pays a visit to a therapist. Saving lives can be a very stressful job. Sometimes we all need a little help.

Playwright Bio:

Dave Doster’s playlets include Thanks for Calling, Rushing for Pandas, The Obstacle Course, and The Last Out all produced by Gi60 (NYC and Leeds, UK), and can be found on YouTube. Dave has been writing weekly with NY/NJ based "Curtains On Fire" workshop and podcast since 2020.

This Ain’t Like You, Adrienne by Roger Brookfield

The office manager of an engineering firm surprises its owner with what she is able to do.

An Old Person at the Bank by Roger Brookfield

An old person withdraws money from a bank in spite of its requirements.

Playwright Bio:

Roger is an original founding member of CPI. His play Thank You received a Best Play of the Weekend in San Diego, and a Meritorious Achievement in Montrose NY. He has had one-minute plays performed at Gone in 60. In 2024 Roger had performances of Rent Collector, Preston Burlingame, and All Our Tomorrows.