Gordon Bolar

Roberta and her son, Johnny meet to take pictures outside the gated grounds around an historic Live Oak. A delay in the photographer’s arrival provides Roberta with ample opportunity to question her son about the reason she has not been invited to Johnny’s graduation party. Will Johnny’s answer strengthen or destroy the relationship between mother and son?

The play explores how we remember heroes and villains in American culture. In 1973, on the bare stage of a WPA era auditorium, newspaper publisher and arts patron Christine Madison, and country music promoter Billy Cordell, present different visions for the future of the aging municipal facility. Italian-American immigrant and mural artist Alberto Rossetto, illuminates his connections with Christine, and Billy, and serves as our guide through five decades in the auditorium. Ghosts from the past follow each of these characters as they seek resolution for the loss of their sons and others in their lives.

In 2023, after the vaccine for Coronavirus has been invented, theatre critic Harold Howard speaks with his estranged wife, Julia, as she prepares for an evening performance of “Annie”. The initial witty theatre banter gives way to more serious conversation revealing the rift in the couple’s relationship. The contents of a gift and note from Harold assist the couple in addressing unresolved business from their marriage and recent struggle to survive the virus.

On a summer evening, on the steps of a deserted army barracks, an African American army sergeant shares a bottle of whiskey with an African American corporal. The sergeant’s ominous references to duties undertaken by morning light yield revelations about what each soldier will chose to carry with them on their respective journey.

Synopsis for “Stickers”

As Emily and her aging grandmother, decide on the disposition of items in Dorothy’s home, the older woman surprises her with a revelation. Dorothy’s recently acquired African ceremonial mask presents a decision for Emily and provides a springboard for the transfer of family wisdom

Synopsis for “Overlook”

Duke and Vinnie sit in a biker bar discussing the day’s incidents related to the disappearance of a woman who has been riding with them. Duke’s suggestions for possible scenarios, demonstrate his power over Vinnie and have sinister implications for the fate of the woman.

Synopsis: “Hard-Boiled”

Bobby and Carol, a wise cracking, tough talking couple, square off in a suburban kitchen. In the battle between a potato gun and a banana phone, who will come out on top?

Synopsis: After Roger donates one hour of non-critical listening to the First Church Service Auction, Brenda meets him in a darkened auditorium to exact a value beyond her high bid.

In the break room of a small market television station, a reporter, Dottie and cameraman, Tommy, prepare for an on-location shoot and political assignment. Tommy’s revelations about the nature of the politician to be interviewed, provide Dottie food for thought and reasons to reconsider beyond the meatball sandwich they share for lunch.

What is the place we reserve in our mind or in eternity for the now deceased homemakers who raised us? This question is central to the life of Stephen Maloney, from adolescence to his final years. Stephen’s experiences are told indirectly through family members and by those peripheral to his life. In a series of scenes set in heaven, earth and purgatory, characters communicate with the living and dead, through speeches and phone calls which are linked to the deaths of those speaking or placing the calls. In the play’s final scene, a phone call from Stephen at a Shinto shrine in Japan, identifies the source of the connection among all of the characters and the reason for their demise. The phone call provides a perspective on the scenes preceding it and concludes a remarkable fifty-year journey with revelation, discovery and resolution.

Synopsis for “The Home Version”

The married home life of Celia and Max is constantly interrupted by telemarketers. When Celia decides to make a game out of the annoying calls, Max reluctantly plays along, only to discover that everyone can be a winner.