The Gravediggers Union

by Brian James Polak

This play is the contents of my brain inclusive of the dumb jokes, non sequiturs, emotional roller coasters, yearnings, and surprises that swim tireless through my thoughts.

| Full length comedy |

A group of people work at a cemetery in the fictional Ashworth, New Hampshire... some wishing they were elsewhere, others perfectly happy to be miserable where they are. Ronnie used to be married to Bobby, who is...

This play is the contents of my brain inclusive of the dumb jokes, non sequiturs, emotional roller coasters, yearnings, and surprises that swim tireless through my thoughts.

| Full length comedy |

A group of people work at a cemetery in the fictional Ashworth, New Hampshire... some wishing they were elsewhere, others perfectly happy to be miserable where they are. Ronnie used to be married to Bobby, who is unhappily married to Ricky. Mike plays drums in a wedding band on the weekend and can't stop talking about how incredible the song "Pour Some Sugar on Me" is. Johnny shows up at the cemetery surreptitiously recording a podcast called "Welcome to AshTown." They all work together digging holes and passing the time. When the WalMart of cemeteries opens across the street everybody begins to worry about losing their jobs. So they plan to put on a play to raise money to buy the cemetery themselves. The only problem is nobody goes to plays anymore...

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The Gravediggers Union

Recommended by

  • Kitchen Dog Theater: The Gravediggers Union by Brian James Polak
    “

    We are pleased to support this play! It was a Finalist for the 2023 New Works Festival at Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

    We are pleased to support this play! It was a Finalist for the 2023 New Works Festival at Kitchen Dog Theater in Dallas, Texas.

    ”
  • Wolfgang Jones: The Gravediggers Union by Brian James Polak
    “

    A fun read that I'm eager to see brought to life. Polak really delivers with strong characters and entertaining dialogue that should excite any ensemble - and all set against the backdrop of a graveyard. An unsuspecting take on isolation, love, class, and hope, THE GRAVEDIGGERS UNION is a solid addition and worthy of production.

    A fun read that I'm eager to see brought to life. Polak really delivers with strong characters and entertaining dialogue that should excite any ensemble - and all set against the backdrop of a graveyard. An unsuspecting take on isolation, love, class, and hope, THE GRAVEDIGGERS UNION is a solid addition and worthy of production.

    ”
  • e.k. doolin: The Gravediggers Union by Brian James Polak
    “

    "The Gravediggers Union" flirts between the inherent mundanity that exists for all humans and the larger, wider, (and in this case deeper) questions of existence, happiness and purpose. If you are a fan of Gen X music, you will appreciate the references in this play (Def Leppard to New Edition); as well as the homage played to the rhythm and poetry of Shakespeare, the characters of Chekhov and the absurdity of Beckett. This is theatre, and I enjoyed the o'erpine nature of it all.

    "The Gravediggers Union" flirts between the inherent mundanity that exists for all humans and the larger, wider, (and in this case deeper) questions of existence, happiness and purpose. If you are a fan of Gen X music, you will appreciate the references in this play (Def Leppard to New Edition); as well as the homage played to the rhythm and poetry of Shakespeare, the characters of Chekhov and the absurdity of Beckett. This is theatre, and I enjoyed the o'erpine nature of it all.

    ”
View all 10 recommendations

Character Information

Casting note: You may notice there are no genders or pronouns associated with these characters. You will find the script contains no references to the race, ethnicity, gender, or sexual preference of these characters. There might be an urge to cast this play based on the character names and/or the stereotypical behaviors of the characters. Fight that urge and cast this play with actors who have a simpatico relationship with the characters.
  • Ralph
    Ralph is the boss. Ralph is referred to in the play with he/him pronouns, but that should have no bearing on how this role is cast. Any actor of any race, gender identification, age, ability should be cast. And maybe even several actors across different spectrums should be cast.
    50+
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Ronnie
    Depressed and desperate to make big life changes, but pathologically afraid of starting a new life without the comfort of friends and family around.
    30/40
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
  • Bobby
    Not depressed, but may be the most miserable of the bunch. Probably the smartest one in the group. Was married to Ronnie, now married to Ricky, and hoping to never be married again.
    30/40
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • Ricky
    Depressed all the time, but totally fine with it. Happy with the status quo, is married to Bobby and best friends with Ronnie.
    30/40
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • Mike
    Generally happy to be alive. A drummer in a wedding band on the weekends. Doesn’t aspire to be doing anything other than playing drums and digging holes. Is pathologically obsessed with the song "Pour Some Sugar on Me."
    30/40
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • Johnny
    New to the group. Possibly has never even been to New Hampshire before. Is secretly recording a podcast about life in this town.
    20s
    Any
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s

Production History

  • University, Bates College, 2024

Awards