Journeying Jack

by Jack Novak

Jack and his Dad have just moved across the country. It is a different and difficult time in their lives, and especially so for young Jack, who has never experienced such a significant upheaval of his life. Unsure how best to help Jack (and himself) through this difficult time, Dad weaves a series of fantastical bedtime stories in which Jack is the hero. Jack catches invisible Sandmen, tames the Tide Watcher...

Jack and his Dad have just moved across the country. It is a different and difficult time in their lives, and especially so for young Jack, who has never experienced such a significant upheaval of his life. Unsure how best to help Jack (and himself) through this difficult time, Dad weaves a series of fantastical bedtime stories in which Jack is the hero. Jack catches invisible Sandmen, tames the Tide Watcher, and faces off against the giant Time Managers. In doing so, he finds some answers to his real-life problems.

Based on bedtime stories told by one of the co-authors to the other many years ago, this play for young audiences celebrates the intimate creative act of bedtime storytelling. A boy’s bedroom is transformed into a fantastical wonderland, with many possibilities for music, puppetry, and all sorts of theatrical magic.

Written in collaboration with renowned storyteller David Novak.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Journeying Jack

Recommended by

  • Kris Thompson: Journeying Jack

    What a beautiful bit of emotional whimsy...lovely, sweet, and sad. I adore the way the bedtime stories mirror Jack's journey through the stages of grief to a destination of healing. There is no explanation of what happened to Mom and the story is complete and satisfying without that bit. I would love seeing this staged. I could also totally see this as a full length film. Bravo!

    What a beautiful bit of emotional whimsy...lovely, sweet, and sad. I adore the way the bedtime stories mirror Jack's journey through the stages of grief to a destination of healing. There is no explanation of what happened to Mom and the story is complete and satisfying without that bit. I would love seeing this staged. I could also totally see this as a full length film. Bravo!

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Asheville Creative Arts, Year 2015

Awards

  • Aurand Harris Memorial Playwriting Award
    New England Theatre Conference
    Winner
    2016