David Wells

Based on a true story of immigration policy as political tool and presidential abuse of power, MAZEL TOV, JON LENNON debuted in March/April 2019 to sold-out houses, enthusiastic word of mouth, and an extended run.

January 1972: Vietnam war protests are at their peak, and newly ex-Beatled John Lennon walks into the office of Leon Wildes, an eminent immigration lawyer. As ultra-laid-back Lennon and straight-laced Wildes navigate Lennon’s stormy immigration case, an unlikely and comical kinship unfolds, and both men gain a greater understanding of friendship, personal values, and patriotism. Based on the true story of the Nixon administration's attempt to deport John Lennon.

"Mazel Tov John Lennon is both compelling and makes today’s headlines echo in our heads with the currency of history and the story of a cultural icon." -- Encore Michigan

"Wells’ play is a sharp take on the Wildes-Lennon relationship...using humor and outrage with equal skill." -- Pulp Magazine

Based on a true story out of Baltimore in 2012, a young black woman begins to film an incident of police brutality and is thrust into the systemic racism of the criminal justice system when she becomes embroiled in a legal case that never should have been. Winner of the Wilde Award for Best Original Production.

"RESISTING packs a powerful punch. It’s a polished script, perfectly executed..." - Encore Michigan

""RESISTING should not be missed, nor should its unapologetic look at violence and an unjust system be ignored." -- A4

"“RESISTING is as entertaining as it is unsettling. The totally believable story of a black woman caught in circumstances beyond her control combined with an almost textbook interpretation of how it’s possible for racial bias to exist in the legal system makes for riveting theatre." -- itsalltheatre.com

Set in 1986, on the night rock star Owen Lovejoy is ready to put a sudden and unannounced end to his fictional alter ego, Caesar Moon, he is surprised by a mysterious teenage girl who sneaks into his dressing room. Cece, whose life’s soundtracks are the songs of Caesar Moon, is arguably his biggest fan, and she's there to change their lives.

"This 1980s-set work plays like a mixtape of comedy and drama...an entertaining tribute to the power of popular music." -- The Detroit Free Press

COUNTY LINE was the recipient of an Edgerton Foundation New American Play Award and an NNPN Showcase Selection. Set in rural northwest Kansas, COUNTY LINE tells the story of 17-year-old Lois’ journey after the arrest of her father. Lois is sentenced to the strict confines of a foster home run by Tanya – a woman who is not your typical guardian and owns the County Line Truck Stop & Travel Center, where Lois encounters both her first look at the subtle terrors one human can inflict upon another and a lifeline to humanity that will ultimately save her.

“County Line” champions the difficult subject of teenagers trapped in bad foster home situations. Wells treats the issue with honesty, compassion and restraint while resisting the urge for bombast and browbeating. 5 out of 5 stars” -- The Detroit Examiner

The summer of 1959 in the epicenter of the pop music industry -- Manhattan’s famous Brill Building was populated entirely with music publishers, record labels, recording studios, musicians, and songwriters. This play with music tells the story of an aging Big Band songwriter who is forced to face the inevitability of rock-and-roll when he shares his office with a 19-year-old woman (think Carole King) with a guitar and a few secrets of her own.

BRILL was a finalist for NNPN’s 2012 Showcase and enjoyed its world premier in 2013 at Performance Network Theatre.

“Give "Brill" a 98, with a bullet, plus four stars and two thumbs up. This is one satisfying show, lovingly brought to life by an array of talented individuals. Wells' nifty two-player script about a well-seasoned tunesmith and his would-be protege is sure to be picked up by other theaters looking for a stimulating show of their own to produce. “ -- The New Monitor

“This script could easily work as just another whimsical odd-couple play. That would have been okay. But “Brill” transcends all that. It takes us to a sacred place, where music is conceived in love and heartache and pain and joy and despair and hope. Always hope.” -- The Detroit Examiner