Small Jokes About Monsters

by Steven Strafford

(Full length. One act.) In Small Jokes About Monsters, we meet three brothers who have arrived in a rented beach house after their estranged father’s funeral. Ryan, the gay middle brother, explains to his two brothers his theory of how there are three different kinds of funny people: Godzillas, Mothras and Gameras. Godzillas destroy all they see with their jokes. Mothras, the silent but deadly types, lay a...

(Full length. One act.) In Small Jokes About Monsters, we meet three brothers who have arrived in a rented beach house after their estranged father’s funeral. Ryan, the gay middle brother, explains to his two brothers his theory of how there are three different kinds of funny people: Godzillas, Mothras and Gameras. Godzillas destroy all they see with their jokes. Mothras, the silent but deadly types, lay a room flat with just one joke. And Gameras are the folks who don't even realize they're funny.

When their tough-talking, non-nonsense mother arrives, they open the final words from their addict father. As more and more secrets are revealed, each brother must deal with what it means to heal traumas from their youth. Tempers flare, and the joking that was light and fun becomes cruel. Alliances are formed and re-formed as everyone begins to fend for themselves.

In the end, we witness this family take a step, forward or back is up for debate.

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Small Jokes About Monsters

Recommended by

  • John Mabey: Small Jokes About Monsters

    Steven Strafford writes with incredible humor and expert pacing in SMALL JOKES ABOUT MONSTERS. The four characters are all distinct and fully realized in their complexity with revelations that spin each of them in unexpected directions throughout. And the story itself is thrilling from start to finish as Strafford guides us through high comedy and dark, poignant truths with insight and confidence. This is a beautifully complex and highly entertaining play that would also be a delight for actors and a production team.

    Steven Strafford writes with incredible humor and expert pacing in SMALL JOKES ABOUT MONSTERS. The four characters are all distinct and fully realized in their complexity with revelations that spin each of them in unexpected directions throughout. And the story itself is thrilling from start to finish as Strafford guides us through high comedy and dark, poignant truths with insight and confidence. This is a beautifully complex and highly entertaining play that would also be a delight for actors and a production team.

  • Ivan Mosley: Small Jokes About Monsters

    What a small gem of a play! In this play, Stafford uses humor to show how family members can turn against one another in the wake of tragedy. The jokes begin as lighthearted fun, but they become more barbed as the play goes on. This play starts as an examination of grief but shifts to investigate who is responsible for the trauma in this family. The reveals had me screaming at my computer screen! I am jealous of the audience that got to see this play onstage! Dear God, I hope I get the same privilege one day!

    What a small gem of a play! In this play, Stafford uses humor to show how family members can turn against one another in the wake of tragedy. The jokes begin as lighthearted fun, but they become more barbed as the play goes on. This play starts as an examination of grief but shifts to investigate who is responsible for the trauma in this family. The reveals had me screaming at my computer screen! I am jealous of the audience that got to see this play onstage! Dear God, I hope I get the same privilege one day!

  • Alexander Perez: Small Jokes About Monsters

    An expertly crafted dramedy that basks in the glory of tormented family ties in the face of everything left unsaid. The love is as strong as the hate. So strong is the hate that it turns into love again. This play takes no prisoners and cares not if it's sublimely timed tonal shifts give you whiplash. Buckle up buttercup.

    An expertly crafted dramedy that basks in the glory of tormented family ties in the face of everything left unsaid. The love is as strong as the hate. So strong is the hate that it turns into love again. This play takes no prisoners and cares not if it's sublimely timed tonal shifts give you whiplash. Buckle up buttercup.

View all 11 recommendations

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Portland Stage, Year 2018
  • Type Reading, Organization The Landing Theatre Company, Year 2016
  • Type Reading, Organization The Route 66 Theatre Company, Year 2016

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Lamb Theater, Sioux City, Year 2019
  • Type Professional, Organization The Landing Theatre Company, Year 2017

Awards