←Recommendations of The WellerDads

Some things are eternal - men bonding over the difficulties of parenthood and the sacrifices of adulthood, older generations shaking their heads over the tastes of the young, fathers trying to maintain their children's respect. The beauty of Maule's THE WELLERDADS is that it dresses up these unchanging truths in the most hilariously up-to-the second fashions of the internet's weirdest and wackiest corners. A delight.

10/26/2025: I saw an excellent staged reading of a 10-minute version of this brilliant play at the Midwest Dramatists Conference 2025. It's not only funny or humorous, but also so very relatable for every parent! Dads trying to establish a connection with the sons- check. Trying to establish a connection by making a viral video- double check! The actors and directors would have a field day blocking and performing this piece, and the audience will enjoy it to the fullest! Bravo!

Any play that references the all time greatest monologue of film and television is immediately on my top plays list! And it had me instantly laughing the way Allan Maule weaves it into a discussion of fame and legacy and just trying to do right by your kids. This is a delightfully referential play that is commenting on how hard it is to keep up with everything that is trending.

I am sure that Allan Maule had no idea that this play would touch me so deeply -- or maybe he did. Anyway, this backyard playdate chat between two dads reminded me of my own father who had a soft spot for his sons and sea shanties and who had no problem trying to sing them; not for profit but for making a connection. It's funny and touching, but most of all I think that the playwright knew exactly what he was doing and showing us that being a dad means unconditional love no matter what.

Blast you Allan Maule, I still have that sea shanty as an ear worm. This a play about Dads. A stay-at-home free-lancer is looking to be a viral sensation - partly to provide for his family, partly to do something to impress his child. A play that modern parents understand totally.

I saw this at Midwest Dramatists this year! Such a wonderful and silly play about dads being dads! I loved how the sea shanty song is remade into a hilarious youtube parody to win back his son! I loved the characters and how relatable this play is for the kids of today's world! Nice work Allan!

F**king Blippi. This play about fathers and sons connecting in the age of instant-streaming-entertainment is just So. Well. Done. The specificity and relatability never waivers, the laughs keep coming, the Dads keep sea-shantying... I highly recommend this play.