THE CROSSWORD PLAY (or Ezmeranda's Gift)

by Donna Hoke

The Puzzlemaker is holding a workshop to teach you to make a crossword puzzle! As the Puzzlemaker embarks on their creation, they reveal the tricks of the trade, but also something unexpected: there is power in puzzles. Will the Puzzlemaker use their powers for good--or evil? And which choice means making a puzzle that will solve their life?

The Puzzlemaker is holding a workshop to teach you to make a crossword puzzle! As the Puzzlemaker embarks on their creation, they reveal the tricks of the trade, but also something unexpected: there is power in puzzles. Will the Puzzlemaker use their powers for good--or evil? And which choice means making a puzzle that will solve their life?

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THE CROSSWORD PLAY (or Ezmeranda's Gift)

Recommended by

  • Paul Donnelly: THE CROSSWORD PLAY (or Ezmeranda's Gift)

    The fascinating art of constructing a crossword puzzle Is layered over with an absorbing personal narrative to give this piece both momentum and humor that builds to pathos. As the Puzzlemaker rethinks and revises entries the audience is forced to rethink the emotional cues that have been laid out before. This is a brilliantly structured and deeply compelling tour de force for a solo performer.

    The fascinating art of constructing a crossword puzzle Is layered over with an absorbing personal narrative to give this piece both momentum and humor that builds to pathos. As the Puzzlemaker rethinks and revises entries the audience is forced to rethink the emotional cues that have been laid out before. This is a brilliantly structured and deeply compelling tour de force for a solo performer.

  • Sarah Tuft: THE CROSSWORD PLAY (or Ezmeranda's Gift)

    One actor. One set. One story you’ll never forget… THE CROSSWORD PLAY (OR EZMERANDA’S GIFT) is a master lesson in economical storytelling. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. This elegant, smart, layered, play is as carefully constructed as the crossword puzzle it features, and as dramatic as the love story it tells. Sure to be an audience favorite - produce this play!

    One actor. One set. One story you’ll never forget… THE CROSSWORD PLAY (OR EZMERANDA’S GIFT) is a master lesson in economical storytelling. But don’t let its simplicity fool you. This elegant, smart, layered, play is as carefully constructed as the crossword puzzle it features, and as dramatic as the love story it tells. Sure to be an audience favorite - produce this play!

  • Ed Friedman: THE CROSSWORD PLAY (or Ezmeranda's Gift)

    This is one of the most inventive, original, end engaging pieces I’ve seen in quite some time, with a wonderful performance from Ms. Martino. I’ve been burnt out with Zoom plays, but this was great. Did not see the end coming, but in retrospect Ms. Hoke deftly drops bread crumbs. I'm hoping this sees many live stagings.

    This is one of the most inventive, original, end engaging pieces I’ve seen in quite some time, with a wonderful performance from Ms. Martino. I’ve been burnt out with Zoom plays, but this was great. Did not see the end coming, but in retrospect Ms. Hoke deftly drops bread crumbs. I'm hoping this sees many live stagings.

View all 13 recommendations

Character Information

  • PUZZLEMAKER
    Character Age
    25-40

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Red House Theater, Year 2021
  • Type Workshop, Organization Theatre Aspen, Year 2021

Production History

  • Type Community Theater, Organization Invisible Theatre, Year 2022
  • Type Community Theater, Organization Scarlet Cup, Year 2022
  • Type Professional, Organization Lake Dillon Theatre Company, Year 2022
  • Type Professional, Organization Shadowland Stages, Year 2022