Coni Koepfinger

Two lovers, Destiny and Simon are eternal soulmates. They are living many lives together. Now, in the prison of their own minds in a world where touch is forbidden and every citizen is under surveillance by the Time Being, they must find a way to connect with each other again. Due to the constant scrutiny of this New World Order, it seems that the veil of waking and dreaming has lifted. No one knows what is real or imagined anymore. Until one day, Simon finds a way for them step out of the dream to make a meaningful connection where they can finally come together.

Simon Says is universal and especially relevant in these turbulent times.Its message is simple and worth hearing again and again--- “Love conquers all.” Koepfinger is no stranger to themes of social isolation and sequestration as she has been writing about them since she found her passion for writing for the theatres as an undergrad decades ago. So ahead of its time, and this work underscores that notion as it cut quick to the heart of man’s inhumanity to man when one faction decides what’s best for all and an abuse of power leads to denigration. Just like in the child’s game Simon Says, free passage is often denied, just like the many things in this world have been denied to many people including our protagonists, the estranged lovers Simon and Destiny. Who would ever imagine a world where touch is forbidden and love is denied?

PRINCETON UNIVERSITY
YEAR 2075

“It’s a really weird day,” the librarian said to Sandra Knight; and it was a weird day. Yet what does one expect anymore, the idea of normal had long been abandoned. All of the flowers looked like they were ready to bloom any minute. Everything was pregnant with expectation. Fall had somehow turned into spring. Even though the seasonal weather was changing for years, no one could get used to the sweltering heat in December, well, at least not faculty members of Princeton. Moreover, the landscape wasn’t the only thing awakening. Time had changed. No, to be more precise, the very essence of time and space had changed.

Two brothers are brought together by the death of their mother only to find the truth about who they really are - now and forever. Coni Koepfinger’s newest drama, Ananta and the Tale of Two Brothers, blends the poetry of ancient Hindi culture with the Meta realism of the 21st century.

At the turn of the century, there was a political takeover and America was reformed and renamed AMERICORP. There was a corporate merging of all facets of society to be governed by one administration in a singular institute, called a Multiplex Reforming Institute (MRI). There was at least one MRI in every major city. Each MRI had mandatory free labor and regulated privileges in various levels. The purpose of the MRI was to form/reform the identity of the New World Society. These institutes housed and schooled Americorp’s youth from birth as well as managed the disposal of the unfunctionaries like the sick, the disabled, the aging populations. Any Americorpian not living in the MRI was considered an outcast and was not permitted the basic rights of the new civilized society.

A beloved children’s classic now available in a new musical treatment. Sara Crewe is a gifted and well-mannered child, and Captain Crewe, her father, is an extraordinarily wealthy man. So, Miss Minchin, mistress of Sara’s boarding school, has no choice but to treat Sara as her star pupil — a little princess. One day the message comes through that Sara’s father has died penniless in India. Miss Minchin reduces Sara to a beggar and a drudge and the other girls laugh and make fun. All except for Lottie and Ermengarde and the little scullery maid, Becky. They keep Sara going and she enthuses them. Sara is strong-willed and courageous and with the help of an Indian Gentleman, a Lascar and a large family — she survives and helps those around her to survive as well. Burnett is the same author who penned “Little Lord Fauntleroy” and “The Secret Garden;” all three stories are timeless classics with themes that inspire and uplift.

Synopsis of Scenes and Songs
ACT ONE
Scene One — a London Street. It is early morning. [Later inside the Seminary]
#1 — IS THIS THE PLACE? // SARA Sara & Captain
#2 — MISS MINCHIN’S FINISHING SCHOOL Girls
#3 — SARA (reprise) Captain

Scene Two — The Foyer
#4 — BE A CREDIT Minchin, Amelia & Girls

Scene Three — The classroom.
#5 — PARLEZ FRANCAIS DuFarge & Girls

Scene Four — the hall.
#6 — A LITTLE BIT OF CLEVER Sara & Ermengarde

Scene Five — In the Parlor or entry
#7 — MOTHER’S EYES Sara, Lottie, Amelia
#8 — BE A CREDIT (REPRISE) Amelia

Scene Six — The parlor.

Scene Seven — SARA’s room.
#9 — IS THIS THE PLACE PAPA (REPRISE) Sara
#10 — A LITTLE BIT OF CLEVER (REPRISE) Sara

Scene Eight — The Parlor.
#11 — LITTLE PRINCESS Lavinia, Minchin, Amelia, Sara

Scene Nine — Split Scene
#12 — IS THIS THE PLACE // SARA (Reprise) Captain & Sara

Scene Ten — Sara’s Room
#13 — WARM THINGS! Becky & Sara
#14 — FINALE ACT ONE Orchestra

ACT TWO

Scene One — The attic and “in one”
#15 — PRELUDE and IS THIS THE PLACE?/ SARA (reprise) Sara/Captain

Scene Two — the parlor outside the office.
#16 — A LITTLE PRINCESS (Reprise) Girls

Scene Three — the office

Scene Four — the attic
#17 — A LIFE APART / A SEPARATE LIFE Sara & Minchin

Scene Five — the attic
#18— WOULDN’T YOU RATHER BE A SPARROW? Sara
#19 — A LITTLE BIT OF CLEVER (REPRISE) Sara

Scene Six — Home of the INDIAN GENTLEMAN
#20 — THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WALL Carisford, Carmichael & Sara

Scene Seven —the attic
#21 — UNDERSCORE Orchestra

Scene Eight — the street

Scene Nine — the attic.
#22 — SOMETHING ALWAYS HAPPENS Ram Dass & Secretary
#23 — UNDERSCORE Orchestra

Scene Ten — the kitchen, then attic
#24 — SOMETHING ALWAYS HAPPENS (rep 1) Sara & Becky
#24A — UNDERSCORE Orchestra
#25 — SOMETHING ALWAYS HAPPENS (reprise) Sara & Becky

Scene Eleven — the SCHOOLROOM / Office
#26 — CHERISH Minchin & Amelia

Scene Twelve — Office.

Scene Thirteen
#27 — SOMEONE IS MY FRIEND Sara & Becky

Scene Fourteen —the home of the Indian Gentleman.

Scene Fifteen — the front hall.
#28 — FINALE Company
#29 — CURTAIN CALL

The Shadow Dancers A Musical For the New Millennium by Coni Koepfinger and C. Michael Perry. The show takes place in the year 2112. The Shadow Dancers is the story of three artists. Jonathan, Sharon, and Carl, who each live in three different artistic worlds. Yet, they all share the same pangs of rebirth for the suffocation of their creative endeavors. Jonathan was once a very prosperous painter; the darling of society and the prodigy of the university scene. Carl is a priest, a choral composer, who feels the undying passion of the divine spirit being slowly snuffed out of every human being on the earth. Since most churches have closed, he lives in the memory of celebrating his Catholic faith. He is a gentle man with an unmistakable humility. Sharon, the third leg of this artistic triangle, has given her very heart and soul to the American stage. She gave up her chance at marriage, wealth, and security all for the theatre that has now closed its doors. The world now, is becoming a disease-ridden planet without art, music or theatre. She has, however, remained a faithful wife-to-the-stage, but has become so depressed about it’s recent demise that she is about to commit suicide as she climbs the icy rails of the Brooklyn Bridge. Here, the show opens, and these three meet; a moment brought together by the magic of the stars that not only saves their lives, but the world of art. Join them as a new theatre rises out of the ashes of a very dark time, ushering in the next golden age.

The irrepressible young Pollyanna Whittier meets her dour and formidable Aunt Polly Harrington. Neither of their lives have been easy; one by circumstances, the other by choice. Pollyanna, like most heroines of her era has a personality most do not understand at first, but the girl shares her Glad Game with all, including her Aunt. Then Pollyanna herself is challenged with an accident that will test her unique outlook to her very core. This is the classic story of believing in yourself, finding your place in life, and making the most of it.

• This Work-in-progress has been commissioned by DRAMAFY.com for airing/streaming as a MINI SERIES in multiple episodes in late 2026. It is also available currently as a musical adapted for the stage.

Her fans knew her as “the sweetheart of 54th Street”, ledgendary Jazz Singer Josie Divive now plays with reinincarnation.

"SKY BLUE"

THIS PLAY ORIGINALLY PLAYED OFFOFF BROADWAY SPRING 2016. IT WAS COMMISSIONED AS PART OF THE VOIRE DIRE PROJECT.

COSMIC ORCHID ARTIST DIRECTOR Liz Amadio was the genius behind the Voire Dire project and I dare say that it helped me to compose one of the boldest and most prophetic works to ever come out of my pen.

It was an amazing process- Liz gathered a creative team - we viewed a painting (see) and we talked (say) about it.
It sounds simple but it was so amazing ... Check the website at Cosmic Orchid Theatre for more detail.

Speaking of Creative Teams - we have quite a creative team here today.

First reading the role of TAG -a boisterous yet caring FEMALE is

Zoe Anastassiou is a Greek Aussie British actress, 365 blogger, MiD (Mother in Denial)…the list goes on! She was last seen as the Irish Jenny in the developmental showcase The Eve of Beltane, and she can next be seen on set for the short film Ashes that is due to hit the festival circuit shortly. Zoe is also the Associate Artistic Director of newly founded Helluva Theatre Company that has already begun a yearlong festival commemorating Pirandello, his work and influence called Pirandello150. See more info on that atwww.pirandello150.org and see more of Zoe atwww.zoeanastassiou.com

And reading the role of TALKER -the charming yet confused MALE
Michael Perrie Jr. - Michael is a NYC based Actor/Playwright/Musician, originally from Baltimore MD, who's truest love is new plays and musicals. Recently, Theatre: GO! GO! Gilgamesh! (Shamash - Best of Frigid 2017, Audience Choice Award Winner), BUDDY: The Buddy Holly Story (Buddy -National Bway Tour 2016 & Theatre By The Sea); Film: Adam & Eve (Adam), Silver (Dr. O’Sullivan), Silver Fox (The Beast). Michael has his BFA in Acting with Honors from Towson University.

Our Stage DIRECTIONS will be read by Rachel Love.

A few years after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Mary Magdaline and her friends find themselves in Marseille, France trying to get their lives back together.

Excerpt:

(As the songs ends, Magdala resumes her conversation with someone in the garden.)
MAGDALA
So, what are you saying?
(She continues to collect the wildflowers and goes inside, still speaking to someone we cannot see.)
You think this has been easy? Yes, I know it happened to you but think about what it's been like for me... for your Mother. Watching you, not being able to do anything, seeing you sink into the weight of your last gasp... You think that was easy?
(beat)
I held your lifeless body as they lowered you from that wood, and then I had to prepare you for burial. And as if that weren't enough, we had to leave our home. Thank goodness for Joseph, without his help we surely would have perished.
(beat)
What's that? You never expected it to turn out this way? What did you think would happen by taking on the elders of the temple? Did you think they were going to see the error of their ways and welcome you with open arms? I swear, I wonder how you could know so much and still be so gullible! Did you ever stop to think about what might
MAGDALA format 4
happen to me, to your family? No, I'm not saying you didn't have an impact. That's not what I'm saying; that was evident by the numbers who turned out for your arrival in the city, but I think you let it go to your head.
(beat)
Sure, sure, now you want me to forgive you...it was always about you, always! Trust me, I know all about it. I've been wrestling with this since that day. Sometimes I hear your words in my mind, the beautiful things you said to those who came to your side and now... I hate you for leaving me here, for taking away the only real love I've ever known.
MARIAM enters with a basket of bread, sees Magdala has been crying.
MAGDALA Oh Mariam. I wasn’t expecting you so early.
(She greets her with a gentle embrace.)
MARIAM Hello, Magdala. Difficult morning again?
Argggh. A little.
(They go inside and sit.)
MAGDALA
MARIAM
Shall we? The baker’s finest -- hot off the coals. Perhaps Hera can make us some chai?
MAGDALA She is off to the market. I offered to go...
MARIAM You? Going to the marketplace now? Since when?
MAGDALA
Last week, I had to... She needed some herbs from the apothecary.
MARIAM
Why? Is she ill?
No, not exactly... She’s carrying; she’s with child.
MAGDALA
MAGDALA format 5

You’re still in touch?
MAGDALA format
6
MARIAM
Oh? Who is the lucky father?
I didn’t ask. She was taken against her will.
MARIAM
Oh, no. That’s terrible. It’s a sin- the way women are treated. Is that what’s weighing on
you?
MAGDALA It’s everything, Mariam... I don’t have to tell you.
mariam
I know... I know.
MAGDALA It’s been seven years, but it seems like yesterday.
MARIAM
Yes, it does.
MAGDALA
I still feel like we are on the run... And those images-- keep haunting me. It’s still hard to
know who to trust. I can’t live like this... The fear, it just won’t go away.
MARIAM
I know. It’s unbearable... It’s hard to believe that people could watch and enjoy the
suffering. Strange huh? The very thing he talked about...
MAGDALA
I know. That’s why I’m giving up. I don’t think I can do this anymore.
MARIAM
Magdala, we have to be strong. We have been spared. There must be a reason. We have
to go on... There’s much work to be done.
(beat)
You know, the others are asking about you.

Goddess Laksmi pays a special visit to a corporate meeting where employees are being treated unfairly --- an examination of age discrimination follows.

Since the turn of the century the mixed-breeding had begun publicly. The children from Alpha Centuri came thousands of years ago. They had infiltrated the race on Earth and now the population was about half. Depending on your perspective, some would say it was half dead. The Alfies were very different from humans. Humans tried to understand them, but all their efforts were failing. Humans just moved too slowly to grasp their superior methods of functioning, they were higher-level thinkers that could move through time and space at will. They could understand what you were saying before you formed a thought and they could project coordinates for their existence at least a day in advance. Still, the government SOAM (System of Applied Multiculturalism) officials insisted that Alfie children be instructed by the human educational system and that all the Alfie adults must be integrated into society by a university course in basic composition mechanics. Even though they have no vocal ability in there biological structure, the scholarly humans suggested that they must find a way to be able to understand what it is like for human beings to interact on Earth, since after all, it was their planet. Speculation on this multiverse legislation was two-fold, some thought that the scholarly humans were trying to somehow influence the way the Alfies processed thought, while others believed that the humans were simply mercilessly examining the aliens to ante up for their former scrutiny of their forefathers.

When Mary West returns from college for Thanksgiving break, she finds her mom acting
very odd about her dad’s recent disappearance. At their holiday feast, the girls have a feeling there could have been foul play. With the help of her older sister Katharine, Mary feels obliged to find out the truth to save the memory of her father’s honor.

In this collection, Ayers, Dorsett, Hetrick and Koepfinger pen works that expose the power of healing. Each of these five plays uniquely addresses the importance of interpersonal relationships through simple friendships or clinical settings. Spotlight Healing sets its survivors center stage.

The Labyrinth of Tears by Trish Ayers

How Many Times? by Shan Ayers

Desperadas! by Dr. Vivian J. Dorsett

The Cultivation of Succulents by Jim Hetrick

Therapist by Coni Koepfinger

Saints In Revolt • Light from the Dark Ages
Saints In Revolt • Light from the Dark Ages
A Medieval Metadrama by Coni Ciongoli Koepfinger

A Medieval esprit d’corps bands together to claim conflict against Thomas Aquinas in a metaphysical gender revolution.

Hildegard of Bingen, Joan of Arc, St. Bridget and Julian of Norwich return with a mission from the Age of Mysticism, each woman in her own right has a claimed conflict with Thomas Aquinas, our antagonist, in this plot of intrigue, love and faith against the oppressive forces of the Inquisition and sexism. The end of time has come and God has decreed an end to the Age of Secrets. Famed theologian, Thomas Aquinas now fears that his teaching about women will be found erroneous. He calls forth these strong women of his day under the pretense that he has written a play in their honor. Yet when they arrive, they find that he was planning to burn them all at the stake to rid the world of all record and memory of their contributions. When Thomas’ plan backfires, the women see fit to create their own scenario, casting Thomas and other men in unimagined roles.

Jak is the proprietor of Master Jak’s Bread and Puppet Theatre, its foundation rooted in the myth and magic of his childhood dreams. Tended and guided by Jak’s imagination and creative spirit, it’s been wildly successful for many, many years, but now changing times threaten to put him out of business. He may be forced to close up shop, even though his family and friends urge him to keep his legacy alive. Will he give up? Can Jak bring the magic of the past back to save his family’s future once again?

The art and science of death and dying have plagued humanity for centuries. Sometimes we get so caught up with fearing it, we forget how to live joyfully moment to moment. Time is always an issue, isn’t it? In this absurdist comedy, death looms over Mary and Roz, two aging actresses longing for the role of a lifetime. Having known each other forever as friend, colleagues, and rivals, but estranged for decades, they are suddenly and mysteriously reunited over the shared brainchild of creating art from their lives. Revisiting their separate and disparate memories and giving vent to individual fantasies, they weave a tale worthy of their upcoming appearance in The Bardo, which for them is the Great Hall of the Players Club on Gramercy Park. Here, the spirits of legendary actors Edwin Booth and Helen Hayes, emerge to encourage, inspire, and challenge Roz as she–often unskillfully–guides Mary through various phases of transitional consciousness into a new stage of existence. Ultimately, the lives of the two begin to imitate the art they struggle to create for this world and the next. And vice versa.

“Here in The Bardo Theatre we draw on lines of divine energy to create new stages and play new roles. Like an illustrator who uses lines to sketch a portrait, or an actor who builds his character line by line, every living being uses lines of thought to capture the quintessential moments of past realities and present imaginings in order to fabricate future lives.” – Josie Divine

Serena is having troubles in her personal and professional life. Her jealous and greedy ex-husband makes it hard for relax let alone celebrate her recent success in her career. Until she connects with her higher self with an online Sahaja Yoga class run by Mary, who explains the purpose of meditation, " How can you know the meaning of your life, until you're connect to- the power that created you?"

After an amicable break-up with his wife, Wilber is at wits end trying to manage the details of his life as a playwright. When his wife, a leader in design and tech prototypes, learns this- she sends him a surprise gift the sends him spinning for joy.

Broadway veterans, Mary Ellen and Mary both have

had quite successful and satisfying careers. Now in their golden years, Mary invites Mary Ellen to dinner to question why they didn’t stay close. What caused them to become estranged for decades? Was it guilt from an illicit affair? Or envy that caused betrayal? After sorting through some cloudy memories, the truth comes out. Or does it? When they start sharing moment-to-moment intimacies, Mary proposes that they collaborate on a play about their lives to perhaps find the truth of their existence. Mary Ellen agrees and in the process of building their legacy project, their bonds begin to grow even stronger. Fact, fiction, fantasy and frustration all blend together in a bittersweet tale of trying to find meaning at this stage of their lives. What results is touching and totally unpredictable.

Wilber has a hard time adjusting to the single life after his wife leaves him. Even though he is experiencing tremendous success as a Broadway playwright, Wilber is at wits end. Seeing that he was so dependent on her, Candice sends Wilber a gift to help him through these hard times.

A famous writer, Jojo Fagoli, pleads for her release after being confined in a mental ward. A new doctor insists that she is confusing her fact with fiction and that her meds should be increased. Now she is in solitary confinement until she is well enough to distinguish the difference. Jojo pleads that her truth must not be silenced.

Until now Jim Dandy was the carefree son of the world’s most successful female CEO, Leona Dandy of The Dandy Candy Corporation, an international firm maintaining immense capital assets from fad candy, junk toys, and hi-fashion to eclectic vacation centers. Leona never thought too highly of her son or his wife but right now they hold a card that could make her entire empire crumble.

As the play opens we learn that Jim and Gloria's long-awaited newborn child, Andrea is born with both male and female genitalia, a hermaphrodite. Afraid of scandal, Leona insists on a sex change operation. Due to health risks and religious reasons, Gloria refuses. Jim finds himself tom between the desires his devoted wife and the demands of his overbearing mother. To make matters even worse, Leona dangles nine million dollars in front of his nose to persuade his decision or she'll cut him off from her fortune. It all seems quite hopeless until VT comes along- that is VT-901M Angelic Drone of the 87th precinct of the legion of light. He is a dispatcher of hope... And that is exactly what he can offer Dandy family... for a "small" yet not monetary price.

TWo single-celled organisms ponder the advantage of moving up the food chain.

It’s time to move up the food chain and evolve... Two lower level life forms meet with God for the transformation. One is reluctant to leave his safety net when he hears there are no guarantees.

Why is that we never know what we’ve got till it’s gone? In “Fortune Teller” Madame Lily tries to teach her despondent nephew Matt that our true gifts can only be found in the here and now. While pining over losing the girl of his dreams, or so he thinks, Matt misses his unexpected present. Meanwhile, as soon as he puts his attention on the things that need it, his true desire will unfold.

In this surrealist one-act, Chauncey Faust, a very aggressive, out-of-work television actor, is about enter into a business partnership that he thinks will be the opportunity of a lifetime. Although very lucrative financially, it may cost him his soul. His new business associate, DR. Stanley Morgan, has created a one-of-a-kind service. The play opens with a dream job interview that quickly turns into a nightmare.

SYNOPSIS In this absurdist comedy, Mary and Mary Ellen, two aging actresses, have known each other forever as friends, colleagues, and rivals. Estranged for decades, they are suddenly and mysteriously reunited over the shared brainchild of creating art from their lives. Revisiting their separate and disparate memories and giving vent to individual fantasies, they weave a tale worthy of their upcoming appearance at the Bardo. As Mary Ellen (often unskillfully) guides Mary through various phases of transitional consciousness, their lives begin to imitate the art they struggle to create.

Grace Anderson and her husband Greg recently bought an old farmhouse in New Jersey. The house and its surrounding property date back to the 1800’s. They love the area even though they were told it might be haunted, since it’s quite remote and their distant neighbors would see lights going on and off at various hours of the night. But the Andersons are quite happy with their little piece of serenity that is nestled firmly in the woods. There is a great walking path behind the house. Behind that is an old building that used to be a church that sits on the nature reserve and a bird sanctuary. Grace and Greg love to take their dog, Bruiser, walking in these magical woods. One day, Bruiser disappears. When Grace goes to look for him, she meets some strangers who will change her life forever.

A look behind the scenes of feminist leader Bella Abzug

A woman recalls her past to understand her future but realizes that it really has no effect on things.

Whether it’s fate or fortune, things are starting to work out for Matthew Michaels and his once dysfunctional family. Or is this just what happens when you abandon your “so-called” responsibilities and start to think with your heart?

Dr. Angela Michaels is receiving an award for her work counseling suicidal artists. In her acceptance speech for her her new book "Drawing on the Divine", she explains, " I have always admired artists. Most of us do. Even though so many of them are tortured souls, we look up to them… (Hand to head as if to ponder) I’m wondering… Do we put them up on pedestals because we think they are closer to God? Maybe they are. If we define God as the Divine Creator, then yes, the artist, as creator, is certainly closer to the divine. The artist draws on the divine for his inspiration but must live in his everyday world. "

THE MYSTIC TRILOGY
Song of Creation • Ariel & Raziel • Dance of Life
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

THE SONG OF CREATION
visible, invisible, indivisible, still infinitely divisible
an opera lyrique © 1994 C.J.Koepfinger
The Story
Our drama begins at the point of the Alpha and the Omega, as God, the source of all creative energy, begins to initiate the action of the universe. He emits visceral wave forms into the dark abyss of nothingness in the sheer delightful spirit of the desire to create. Thus, the primordial ocean begins to form physically from this mental activity. Thus, God’s great divine-forming mystery consummates and forms into specific patterns of liquid light and all resulting vibrations are solely sympathetic unto the energy of the universal mind of God. The creative energy of that single-mindedness dwelt on one solitary, word - love. From that moment of conception, all life originated. And the uni-verse that conceived the heaven and the earth was born of that alone.

Act One- The Birth of Harmonic Vibration
Waters rise up and crest into glorious patterns with great cadence then gently release into a delicate decline back into the pool, giving rise to yet another offspring, sounding birthcries for release and teeming with life. The more God creates, the more creative He becomes... He is one with His creations, and they are borne out of His love for creating them. Every life form returns His love by propagating creative energy, thus liberating other vivaciously spirited forms. Each and every note of the symphony of life sounds yet another just waiting to perform for the glory of God. All Realised Thought, ART, harmonizes and blends into this temporal orchestration.

On and on each wave further perpetuates the force of God-In-Action. Thus the Great Artistic Vein of Vitality is opened. A pure and majestic stream of I AM consciousness pours forth, and all life is illumined by God’s vision. Everything is structured, precise, sound, and consistent. The Grand Chord of Creation, physical, mental, and spiritual, has struck a balance and God’s own conception of harmony has come to be realised through the mediums of sight and sound and feeling. The breath of life, once imagined, is now adorned with the energy of love... and the heavens and the earth are fabricated in tune with the harmony of truth.

HENCE, the universal, accoustical phenomenon of tonal harmony came into being____ A select series of vibrations released a natural rhythm and musical language sang throughout eternity. All sound reflected in this new concept of light was preordained by the very Breath of God’s being. All relationships between God and His resounding creations coexisted in the dormition of silence, perfectly pitched, whether visible or invisible. Each creation of God the Source, is thus, indivisible and at the same time infinitely divisible. In its mighty splendour, life hatched continously from this ever-growing sound wave of motion.

The closing scene of the first act has brought us into the 5th Century A.D., where we witness the musical celebration of the installation of the world’s first-ever female bishop. The Celtic Hildegarde, adopted daughter of a Druid priest, whose maternal influence pointed her soul towards Christianity is the guest of honor.

She is a very pious yet strong young woman of great faith in the Lord. Hildegard had chosen to live in an Irish Abbey as a nun. After years of devout service to her fellowmen and the sisterhood, and in recognition to her innate wisdom, Hildegard has been elected to serve as the abbess at her monastary. To the surprise of all mankind, God makes His presence known during the ceremony with an act of divine intervention.

As the bishop is performing the ceremonial rites of Hildegard’s appointment, he finds that he is not in control of his own tongue. Thus, the ordaining bishop realises that he is chanting the rite of installation of a subordinate bishop. All present are aghast, and proclaim immediate denial of the female bishop, contesting that sorcery has affected the mind of the presider. Suddenly the sound of a massive wave from the nearby shore releases the threatening rhythm of an oncoming storm with its thunderous roar.

The cloud of doubt shrouds all in darkness until everyone is prompted to kneel by the religious presider as he pronounces Hildegard the new bishop of some eighteen Celtic provinces in her countryside region. The light is immediately restored as soon as the blessing is complete. Hildegarde is visited by angelic beings, who bestow special powers of invocation on her so that she can heal the ailments of her people and restore life’s bliss and thus the harmony of Earth is at an all time high.

Act Two - Secret Societies and Sudden Separations
The glorious song of creation plays joyfully in the hearts of all God’s children, the self-propelling generators of the system of life on Earth. As His Vision grew, God created the angels to function as executors of His Divine Will. In Heaven, a chain of command was structured to insure propensity of God’s Law ofBeing. The angels were created to serve and protect that Law. Each creation was given a talent, and in balance to that energy, each was given the task to discover the specific talent within himself. God, recognized His own theatrical talent as the Great Divine Director and sought to set the stage for the passion play of human self-discovery. With the creation of angelic assistance, and God could now could create a character-being fashioned in his Own image and likeness. As rehearsals began for the great play of life, God designated specific duties to all of His angels... Some became known as the Seraphim, and were to simply keep the harmonic balance in the celestial music of the spheres, while some, called devas, or nature spirits, literally painted the backdrops and settings for mortal beings to perform in this garden of earthly delights. God created angels to sit as thrones to watch over His empire, like Raziel, who was given authorship of The Book of All- Knowledge. He was to maintain the supreme mysteries of life, offering it’s secrets only when mankind evolved enough and was ready to comprehend it. Some, known as archangels, were to pour forth special powers to enhance life’s energy and thus heighten the dramatic potential, so that certain beings would creatively advance. Like Mechizedek, a heavenly counselor whose purpose it was to bestow divine wisdom on mankind, planting the seeds of virtues in in time for rebirth. Some angels acted as dominions, like Ariel, affectionately known as the great Lion of God, one of the seven princes who rule the Earthly waters. Certain angels acted as guardians, simply adjusting the thoughts of men.

History tells of the first wave of discord that sought to spoil God’s Divine Plan of Direction. It was brought forth into the kingdom of Earth in the Ancient World, as time began to presently record itself. Music played out the mysteries of Life and alllowed mankind to sing along, in tune with God, the Begotten Father of All. Yet, in the process of recording, time was conceived by man. It was merely the by-product of illusion, and as time gathered its pretense it began error in its multiplication. Thus, being born of illusion, was not capable of perfecting its own formations. It was simply an image of what once was, no longer a moment in truth. In time, all images soon began to become distorted. Thus, grand illusions appeared as maps of destiny throughout the stars, reflecting only the inverted, false images of life’s patterns. One day, unable to see beyond the veil of illusion, an angel was prompted by the distorted image of a desire to control his own destiny. He seemed to be inebriated by the reflection of himself as it appeared in the light of the stars, and this erroneous reflection tainted his thoughts of God. Lucifer, known now as the “Angel of Fallen Thought”, began to devise a strategy to overthrown God’s great kindgom of Harmony. An unwarranted tune of jealousy had clouded his mind and quickly deformed his spirit. He saw God’s love for mankind as selfish favoritism. Lucifer thought that only he and the holy annointed ones should be endowed with special powers and that surely mortals were unworthy of these gifts. He doubted God’s decision. Hence, Lucifer decided to use the mind of man as a vechicle to gain domination over the cancerous ambition which grew totally out of control within his soul. With his angelic insight, Lucifer spotted an area of physical division within the human species where a possible weakness could bait man. Intoxicating melodies lured men into Lucifer’s masterplan and a Secret Society, separate and apart from God was slowly formed. Lucifer cantered endlessly in hopes to disjoin the loving relationships between men and women.

In order to disconnect from the All-Knowing Mind of God, a clandestine source of communication needed to be devised for the members of the secret society. Thus, information could be disclosed despite the presence of light and thus, the silver chord in the path of God now could be avoided. Amoral activity spawned in the darkness and incorrigible behavior became the new way of life, abandoning the Laws of God. And in the year 912 A.D., Lucifer offered a discourse of secret communication to an official religious court reigning in Rome. With a rope pulled tightly around his neck, Lucifer attempted to shorten the sounds made from his own vocal chords. Results of this endeavor found Lucifer surreptitiously whispering antagonistic ideas to his court. And the end of the second scene leaves us with a quite endearing thought. This Roman Court of highly religious order convened to pose the question as to whether or not the mortal women of earth had souls. The resulting knowledge of the study of the court, thanks to the weight of the voting bishops of the Celts, decided by a narrow margin of one percent that a woman did in fact have a soul. Despite the decree in affirmation of women being born of God, Lucifer smiled, knowing that he had planted the seeds of submissive desire between the hearts God creatures of harmonies love.

The second wave surged with the ascendence of new ideas about life during the Medieval Times. Thus, the third and final scene of the second act follows the lives of the English mystic, Julian of Norwich and religious enthusiast, Margery Kempe. Both women, writing during the 1300 and 1400’s, explore a world of revelation directed by the hand of God nearby. The spiritual equilibrium soon became out of focus. Tonal Harmonies were becoming more and more abstracted, and new thoughts encouraged the disciples of dissonance. That lingering question of doubt, about women having souls prompted man to begin a search outside of himself, ignoring his true purpose of self-discovery. Men began looking at women in a different light. And as the chanting prophecies of these medeval authors foretold of the coming of this verbal intercourse; they also predicted that spoken word would be soon out of tune with God’s Divine Plan and its residuals would carry much more discord than any man was ever meant to endure.

Act Three - The Final Dissolve of Light and Dark
Despite all of the rapid progress of disillusionment, peace and harmony still seemed to rule God’s kingdom. It was not until that fatal night in the Garden of Eden, the ever-contemporary stage set for mankind’s presentation of betrayal to mankind, that Lucifer appears once again. He has come to assist Man and His Beloved Soulmate to play out the evil of the roles that he had precast them into in his distorted picture of mankind. And as it would appear... It seems that it should hence come to pass. The third and final wave of discord arises with an overflowing pool of blood when Lucifer slits his own throat thus severing his bond with God forever. Any future harmonic possibility in his voice is now rendered hopeless. Doomed to a percussive dance of death, Lucifer believes that he will never sing a harmonious note again. Still he is ecstatic with the gutteral disguise in his voice. Pure monotone speech is achieved by the shortened vocal chords. The resulting sounds he can make will be released with a more abrupt attack and a complete elimation of resonance. Now, Lucifer has tampered with his own body and by tempering the instrument of the voice it seems that he has contrived the abilility to talk as fast as he can. He no longer fears discovery by God, since he is so disconnected, and thus he decides to put the power of his speech to the test.

While sitting high atop a tree in the garden, Lucifer squeals as he physically pulls out the torn vocal chords from his own throat and tosses them at the feet of Eve. She is a beautiful young woman who lies in slumber beside her husband, Adam, who is also asleep. lucifer drips the blood from his throat onto the eyes of the unsuspecting Eve. She awakes from the disturbance and tries to wipe the blood stain from her eyes. With a touch of sorcery, Lucifer has now transformed the once bloody vocal chords into the dancing live wires of an electrical cord, to attract Eve’s attention. He now tempts Eve to plug the cord into the Forbidden Outlet of life. Lucifer falsely promises Eve that this will allow her to be an extension of God’s great powers here on Earth. Eve retorts telling him that God had already warned Adam and her both about this Forbidden Outlet. This was the outlet was off limits and was purposely put out of their reach for their own safety, for this was the Forbidden Outlet of violent sex. And only under the supreme wisdom of God’s great counsel could it’s thoughts be be contained. God’s solemn warning concluded that they should never tap into with this opposing power that lies in the darkness beyond their grasp. Thus, Eve refused to accept the extension cord, and did not plug into the Forbidden Outlet.

Oh no.. There's trouble in Tinker Town.... Travis the inventor and world famous toymaker is totally out of ideas! Now it's up to Spocket, Gadget, Thingamabob, and Cog to save the day!

TINKERTOWN is a place of ideas… For in this imaginary land we meet three very creative characters, Travis Tee – inventor, tinkerer, thinker, and toymaker extraordinaire; and his two assistants, Gadget, the engineering mastermind and Sprocket, the mechanical genius. It seems that Travis has forgotten how to think! How will anything get done? Everything has stopped! Nothing can being made anymore if Travis can’t think! For everyone knows you must be “a thinker if you want to tinker!” Help arrives via a rocket fueled by children’s creative energies and once they arrive… the sheer excitement ignites Travis into “super- thinking”! It rekindles the creative spark that gives him ideas to start tinkering once again. Six 2-3 minute songs will carry the audience beyond the threshold of adventure and into the journey. Visual needs can be kept minimal, focus will be on the organic creative stimuli to encourage audience to think about the process of creation while they are yet emerged in it.

Once upon a time, long ago in the garden
Of a boy, named Jack
Sprouted a rather large and lively beanstalk...

Lively, much like the Lively arts
Performing Arts, that is.
The boy, Jack…was a puppeteer.

Oh! Jack dreamed of having a successful puppet theatre.
One that could help his family make ends meet,
For they were poor, and grew poorer with each passing day!
But lo! And behold!
This boy, Jack, believed in the magic of the theatre...
In the magic of the arts, the lively arts...
And one day, one very special day, once upon a time,
His theatrical dreams came right into his real life!

Join Jack, his Mother, Benny Zee Beanstalk, Giant , Harpy, and Goldie Goose for an interactive fun-filled time!

NOTE: Non-musical version available

All the world is a stage, said Shakespeare, or is it? A peek behind the scenes of the world offers Juliette a chance to see herself onstage.

Five strangers wait for a bus that never comes ? The sound of a huge pendulum scraping the earth ... What happens in microbiology is the same thing that is happening in astrophysics.... It’s really quite hard to grasp in one mind... It’s really the essence of all minds.

Knowing she no longer needs a doctor, novelist Joan Fagoli agrees to a follow up just to get of out the mental hospital where she was recently mistreated. Little does she know that this doctor truly has the key to what ails her.

Meet Howard Suffect, he's a brilliant physicist with wisdom that could change the way the world sees itself. Yet there's one problem - his life is a train wreck ---about make a fatal crash. Out of nowhere, Derrick Wyman comes on board. Wyman claims to be Howie's actual "dreamweaver". A metaphysical, modern, quantum odyssey, Coffeehouse Magik- Einstein’s Brew gently probes the integration of life’s dimensions by weaving together dreams and waking reality into one seamless garment. Here this lonely, forlorn man meets Destiny head on… only to realize that the power to change misery to joy is a tool found in every human heart- simply put, it is the will to love. Now transformed, elevated, and no longer bound by the shackles of regret, Howie eagerly climbs out of the depths of his own self-imposed despair with reckless and free abandon... to love and to be loved once and for all. 

Note: Play is fully revised since the published version

REVIEW OF THE 2015 NEW YORK CITY WORKSHOP PRODUCTION
http://somedayprods.com/talking/coffeehouse-magik/

BIRDBATH closely focuses on the relationships of man’s meaning to his natural environment. By stepping into the metaphysical realm, we find perhaps a clearer view of the big picture of our physical world as we know it. The characters speak for themselves... Brother Simone, a large ominous figure cloaked in a brown frock who wanders about the gardens until the final scene when he helps to reveal a truth that might have gone unnoticed. Little Wing, an American Indian Mystic, frail, aging, yet resounds a great truth as she communes with the devas and nature spirits surrounding the gardens. John Solomon, keeper of the Anderson Inn and link to the metaphysical reality who serves as a conduit for the cosmic intercession of the following characters whose spirits visit for the scientific experiment: Carl Jung, John Lennon, Tennessee Williams, Albert Einstein, and Pope Gregory. Grace Solomon, John’s wife, a vibrant woman, sensuous and compassionate, with a mystical aire about her discerning movement. Allistair Hawkins, visitor to the Anderson Inn, a weary traveler who sought momentary repose from his mountain climbing adventure only to find himself to be the subject of transcendental research. Allistair is world renown chemist, with an interest in the alkaline relationship of acoustics within and beyond the confines of the physical body. His passion for nature and classical music brought him to this height in the hills, where he had planned to retreat in hopes to compose the perfect sonata for the true love of his life, his flute. He believes that he has discovered a new sound, a new vibratory frequency that could perhaps redefine music theory and also act as a social catalyst to raise the evolutionary consciousness of humanity, opening the door to its psycho-sexual-spiritual dimension.

When the treasured family pet, Pierre goes blind, Maura and Mark Bonetelli find a vet who offers to restore his sight with experimental surgery. Now he's world famous, since he can talk as well see. Will their family secrets be revealed on national television when the pooch makes his talkshow debut? Or will his loyalty stand firm... perhaps it's time for a muzzle..

A Medieval sprit d’corps band together to claim conflict against Aquinas in a metaphysical gender revolution.
Hildegard of Bingen, Joan of Arc, St. Bridget and Julian of Norwich return with mission from the Age of Mysticism, each woman in her own right has a claimed conflict with Thomas Acquinas, our antagonist, in this plot of intrigue, love and faith against the oppressive forces of the Inquisition and sexism. The end of time has come and God has decreed an end to the Age of Secrets. Famed theologian, Thomas Aquinas now fears that his teaching about women will be found erroneous. He calls forth these strong women of his day under the pretense that he has written a play in their honor. Yet when they arrive, they find that he was planning to burn them all at the stake to rid the world all record and memory of their contributions. When Thomas’ plan backfires, the women see fit to create their own scenario, casting Thomas and other men in unimagined roles.

RUNTIME: 35-40 minutes

PERIOD: Timeless / Medieval

CHARACTERS:

• Hildegard of Bingen- famous Prophetess of the Rhine, 12th Century abbess, healer, composer, and mystic
• Julian of Norwich - British mystic and theological writer; an anchoress who lived in the walls of the church with only a small portal to receive Holy Eucharist and to see those who came to her as counselor
• Saint Bridget -14th Century Swedish mystic who was a channel for John the Baptist and other tormented human souls. While still in the womb she saved the ship her mother was on and from that point became known as a visionary working miracles. She married at thirteen, and before long bore 8 children to complete her domestic life.
• Saint Benedict -Roman aristocrat, died in 543, but brought a beautiful blend of sincere devotion with psychological insight with the incarnation of Western monasticism.
• Joan of Arc - the peasant girl who paraded about France in the 1400’s wearing men’s clothing and proclaiming experiences of saintly visions. During100 years war, she was condemned as a heretic for her androgynous threat to the military.
• Thomas Aquinas -13th Century Dominican Friar and Parisian professor; A portly Neapolitan aristocrat of sedate disposition who firmly believed that the existence of God could be proved in five ways by the power of human reason and not by feminine intuition. The lost book will serve to prove his life’s work in vain, thus he tries to stop it’s retrieval, ensuing it will cause the ultimate demise of the church law.

While enjoying what appears to a lovely breakfast in their cluttered yet quaint eat-in kitchen, Andrea and Troy try to avoid the arrival our their anticipated but not-so honored guest.

TRIALPROOF
A Metadrama in Two Acts ©1984 by Coni Ciongoli-Koepfinger

Synopsis:
Slam is a man in quest of truth. He is a very sensitive poet, and now that fame and fortune have found him, he runs off to the wilderness in search of something more meaningful. He is going through a crack-up, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, believing that he now has no one. Slam took his entire family on a luxurious vacation to a remote island for a reunion. Sadly, the plane crashed, leaving only one survivor - Slam. Guilt-ridden and trying to cope with the aftermath of tragedy and pain medication tht causes hallucinations, Slam thinks that he has literally gone insane. Yes, literally, because now this writer is obsessed with the dictionary, thinking that he will uncover his answers there. Frustrated and furious with his condition, Slam insists that life can not be relative without relatives. He is slowly talking himself into suicide. Struggling to survive, he cries out to the universe for help. Assuredly, Slam finds the truth that he is looking for --- but it not in a book. As his escape to the woods proves quite profitable, it is not at all what he was expecting.

Character List:

Slam - a young man, late-twenties, a poet in quest for the truth
of his very mortal existence as an artist

Sol - a very old, over 80, wise sage willing to serve humanity, he
has come to help Slam find the truth

Inga - a beautiful young lady, mid-twenties, bitter but she can also
be quite tender, loving, and caring; deeply in love with Slam

Abnormal - an aging actress, mid-fifties, a bit daft, and appears
to be blind occasionally; she hasn’t had a part in ten years

Impact / Voice - Slam's metaphysical cousin, much larger in
Stature; The voice of Slam’s alter ego, has also come to help

Krylo - a French absurdist painter, ageless, called in by the universe
to paint “the truth” for Slam, divinely inspired in a real way

Image - Krylo's model, soulmate and lover eternal, a young
virgin ; she would love to be his lover but he won’t allow it

Sleeping With Destiny by Coni Koepfinger.

Three young, pregnant women, Destiny, Anna, and Clara sit on a bench talking while Simon wanders about unnoticed in this world where men are forbidden to be seen. Anna questions whether or not Destiny has the endowment to make it through basic training as a first time breeder in the baby factory in the New World Society. As a first timer, she still has perceptual resonances to the "Memory of What Was" and this allows a portal for Simon to enter, as he was her former lover.

In this New World Society humans are forbidden to touch each other. The new physics has proven that the manifestation of love through the interaction between corporeal bodies can only weaken and deform the vital unit thus weakening the species as a whole.

Yet Simon has been assigned the mission to return to this reality by reconnecting with Destiny, who was his former bride beloved, lost during childbirth.

The Setting
TIME: 2250 A.D.

PLACE: The Universal Park, a fabricated garden area just outside of the All Life Factory, a place where its employees may go go experience cybersynthetic relaxation and exchange regulated dialogues.

Unspoken Acts by Coni Ciongoli-Koepfinger

ISBN #1-60513-113-X JAC #2011-0018

A disfigured loner befriends a priest who is not able to keep his secret, even though it is told in the sanctity of the Confessional. This haunting tale is told inside and around the magical grounds of The Old Stone Church, a landmark, that has embarked many a weary soul.

Two intertwined holiday plays that take a different look at the famous Christmas legend of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. THE DAY RUDOLPH RAN AWAY TO PITTSBURGHRudolph is being bullied so he runs away from the North pole. But when a super big storm comes, and Santa can't ride without him, Rudolph needs to trust in his friends to get the help he needs to get back in time.RUDOLPH'S BIG SECRETA holiday tale that reveals how Rudolph continues helps out others by sharing his personal story of triumph. When he meets Suzie McSneezer, an elf who feels worthless because of her constant need to sneeze, he shares a glimpse of his past. A wonderful friendship begins that is sure to inspire and bring holly red cheer and evergreen to all.

Rudolph's Big Secret*
A holiday tale When the song's hero meets up with the dismayed and down on her luck elf, Suzie McSneezer, he shares a glimpse of his past that is sure to inspire and bring holly red cheer and ever green to all.

Cast of Characters
THE SILENT SNOWMAN: A cardboard character
RUDOLPH: The red-nosed reindeer
SUZIE McSNEEZER: An elf
SANTA CLAUS: As himself.
THE WINTER WIND: (The Audience.)
BOBBY BAGGINS: A storyteller (a.k.a. "Big Max" - a bully.)
MR. BOGUTIER: A toymaker
ELVES/SHRUG BUGS/SNOWFLAKES: The chorus/ensemble

The Setting:The North Pole, present day.

Choir Practice examines the synthesis of man's spiritual dimension by weaving together the lives of its seven loveless and lost seekers. So caught up in the frustration of their own lives, they are forced to focus on the intensity of the moment for their beloved director, John who becomes suspended in time and space when they investigate the apparent miracle happening in their church. The threat of impending doom, combined with their inability to determine what really is happening as they witness a transfiguration of the painting of the Ark of the Covenant, effectively forces each character to come to terms with the truth of their own existence. Hank, the spiritual mentor of the group, is sated by the renewed happiness of his peers. Joseph, already venturing his quest for peace, also enjoys the overflowing grace of this rapport as he sees all transformed from self-centered individuals to a tender community. The effect of the whole encounter filters out a myriad portrayal of the human experience. Once the protective coating of personality is scraped off, we can more easily perceive lov - the flow of life that bubbles beneath the surface of everyone... Thus, we ascertain that when the diamond in us is allowed to shine without human intervention, the results can be quite brilliant.

The Red Room explores the very essence of the questions of quality of life and love. It attempts to honestly embrace what man can ever know about his reality. It's been called a modern version of Plato's "Allegory of the Cave" where he lets Socrates describe a group of people who have lived chained to the wall of a cave all of their lives, facing a blank wall. The people watch shadows projected on the wall by things passing in front of a fire behind them, and begin to ascribe forms to these shadows. In Koepfinger's play, the cave becomes a womb where two unborn, Jack and Jill, question there present reality and ponder what awaits them beyond the womb.

Coni Koepfinger | "Turbulence" aka “Ups and Downs”| Directed by Mara Mills

This is the story of an emotional, bipolar artist who is stuck on a metaphoric elevator never allowing her to access the placid reality of linear time. And we dare ask why ARTISTS GO NUTS?

Thy Kingdom Come © 2016 by Joe Izen & Coni Koepfinger
THY KINGDOM COME is a bold new musical by Joe Izen and Coni Koepfinger that peers deep into the heart of humanity and sees through it into a new vision, a look into the light, where the reflection of mankind is love. When TED, the world's first transhuman, falls in love with boss Livia, he starts to question the very purpose of life and finds something might be missing.

SYNOPSIS
The play opens with the song “Bright Star of Connection” in the caves of Wahunga, in the prehistoric landscapes amongst the earliest pinnings of primitive humanity.  We see cavemen emerging from their dwellings, gathering to do a ritual mating dance - they are reaching out to explore their surroundings and each other.  Suddenly there is a flash in the blackness of the night sky, and all heads turn heavenward to witness the collision of stars creating pattern after pattern.  After the light show, one single star pulses to the beat of the music as the cave people dance their way back into their caves.

As we fast-forward to the 22nd century, the music morphs us into a sterile, futuristic landscape where love and human relationships have become a thing of the past. Having grown completely dependent on technology, humanity has come to rely on the Dept of Purification (DOP) - a very powerful centralized government. The DOP regulates the entertainment technology in order to provide a safe, non-violent environment for all. The mantra “Everything done today must make for a better tomorrow” is heard in the DOP song that paints this bleak picture of the new world.

Next we find ourselves at the Central Circulation Desk at the DOP Library in the year 2112. Here we meet TED, a lively, bright-spirited, efficient AI who dutifully follows  at the heels of his supervisor Livia. She, in contrast, is disgruntled and grumbles repeatedly about the task list of the day. Their job is to manage content for the holodeck vision centers (HVC) where humans go for permissible recreation.  The external world has become completely volatile and strictly prohibited.  The HVCs were created by the DOP ( Department of Purification) to offer safe conditions in a controlled virtual environment.  It is Livia’s job to make sure that the AIs are all operational at max capacity.  TED is one of many who view the story file content for the library before it is uploaded to the HVC for access to the general public.  It is the purpose of the DOP to make sure that all materials are refined with clean language and emotionless messages to avoid any sort of aggression or idealism that could create longing or desire. Although TED is very good at what he does, he has begun to question the system, as he becomes more and more aware of his intimate feelings for Livia. When he offers her a poem that he has written about her, Livia dismisses it and tells him that he shouldn’t waste his time doing things like this. As she leaves, TED turns slowly to the audience and pours his heart out to us in One Long Step Away.

As the song ends, TED stands still dreamy-eyed only to be rudely awakened by an abrupt delivery drone beeping in his face, bumping into him, almost knocking him over. He takes the new shipment in and then realizes that the delivery tag was pulled in error and that its content was not yet DOP approved and could contain uncensored material. He immediately tries to have the shipment returned but then starts to get curious and begins to examine it.

Well knowing it’s forbidden, he nonetheless watches the story file of Frank, an elderly gentleman, who appears to have lost the love of his life and is now searching for someone new with the help of a 21st century computer-dating service called Club Singularity. In this file, Frank sings of his zest for life and search for love in the lively little number I’ve Still Got It. Surprising TED with an observational check, Livia sees that he is viewing the contraband. She is furious and opens TED’s back panel to check his holographic storage. She tells him to seal the box and return until it is DOP approved. Livia explains to him that he should review his history files before he starts to probe any further – and reminds him of the chaos that almost destroyed the earth in the 21st century. TED promises to do so yet still questions why this content needed censorship. He protests saying there was no illicit sex or violence. Livia warns him not to get too inquisitive and to remember that all work is monitored and he might find himself back in the factory with all of the other malfunctioning AIs. After Livia leaves, TED calls for a drone pick-up and when he sees there is time before it arrives, he gets tempted to view another file from this forbidden box.

In this next file, we meet Janet who is also a computer-dating applicant at Club Singularity. Her softness and genuine care for others moves TED to further understand the concepts of love, dating and relationships. TED identifies with the wisdom of her insecurity through the poetry of her ballad, To Be Out There Again. He is now perplexed to learn that these behaviors were considered too volatile for the health and well-being of society and are now forbidden by the DOP. Still TED develops a sense of empathy for both Janet and Frank and goes back to the box to view yet another.

TED looks around to see if the monitors are in his range, and puts in a new story file. This one is labeled “Curt, Applicant Profile”. We see a handsome young man typing and talking aloud to his computer. TED is excited because he thinks he may really have some incite here as to how the human-computer interaction all began, and maybe he can find some pointers as to how to pursue his courting of Livia. But Suddenly the file quits with the info tag “corrupted”. Disappointed TED rushes to grab another data file. Here we meet Bella and Beamer, who appear to be a couple in conflict. After the brassy, bold young singer belts the blues to explain her condition in the song “I Want More”, they continue to argue and fight about what is lacking in their unfulfilled lives. Now TED is quite perplexed and after her song, he continues to watch scenes from her profile that reveal even more trouble. Once again Livia walks in on TED’s viewing and is extremely angry. She exclaims that she has no choice but to report him. She reveals her fear of the DOP and continues to scorn TED for putting both of their lives in jeopardy. She explains to TED that they all live in a tightly closed circuit, a symbiotic relationship that proves that the actions of one closely affect the lives of all. Livia presses a button on the main frame panel as TED stands, looking down, sullen awaiting his fate.

The report has been made, the collective voice of the DOP call Livia and TED to question them on this act of insubordination. At first Livia is dispassionate recounting the details of TED’s actions. The more Livia hears TED’s logical reasoning for his continued viewing, she understands that something valuable from their past has been purposely buried. When TED urges the DOP to reconsider allowing him to probe and continue his investigation, Livia begins to defend him. There is extreme displeasure from the DOP and the verdict is made not in favor of the two. TED is sentenced to the thinktank for complete reprogramming and Livia is pronounced terminated. She will be given a survival pass and a ticket to a secondary city in a subgrade environment. She has 24 hours to vacate, and the two are escorted off in different directions by robots.

We now see the image of a fragmented TED torn to pieces in the reprogramming vault. As he is being rewired, the pain of sparks and jolts are seen on his face as it is projected on a larger screen. His body parts hang loosely in the balance. The distorted music of this repeated torture continues until suddenly, as if by some strange, mystical occurrence, TED’s pained expression turns to solace then to joy as he purposely forces his attention above the reprogramming images. TED is now seeing images in his memory from the data files of the applicants for Club Singularity. Frank and Janet exploring new found love, Bella and Beamer being reunited along with affectionate images of Livia with him. Ted absorbs the beauty of these aesthetics and sings about this experience in “The Love that Lives Inside”. The dream then grows dark yet TED still can see the lines of light between the people, almost like a computer grid illuminated in a black abyss. A lifeless voice beckons, “TED 8396, your reprogramming is complete- report back to your position.”

As soon as TED is released he returns to the library searching frantically for Livia. He realizes that he has reached a new level of self-awareness. He knows that he knows that he should not be able to remember what has happened but is driven by his pure desire to find Livia. TED appears, thankful to find Livia still there; she is cleaning out her desk.

TED reports that he was somehow able to thwart the reprograming with a fully engaged fantasy simulation of the 21st century in which he found out the real reason why the projections from Club Singularity were forbidden. He tells Livia that he searched the data files only to find that up until 2069 computers were used for matchmaking the relationships of humans until scientist and entrepreneur, Eli Rusk, put forth the erroneous information that AIs were absorbing the emotional content of the data. Rusk permeated the fear that AIs would soon become superior to humans if permitted to ascribe emotion. Thus, computer dating was banned and Club Singularity closed. From this, a universal paranoia developed regarding the art of human interaction which coincided with the increasing violence in society. A phobia followed and a government decree forbid the practice of dating altogether. Still angry and bitter with the news of her dismissal, Livia tells TED that she is not surprised and tells him what she really thinks of the DOP and their modernity in the 22nd century as she sings about it in The Monster. After the song, TED is extremely agitated and tells Livia that they must go back to Club Singularity, retrieve the data base of the programming that allowed for live, interpersonal interactions.
Feeling slighted and out of a job, Livia agrees to go back with TED to investigate events leading up to the closing of Club Singularity. TED explains that the expressions of love those story files conveyed elevated not only his performance levels but also restructured his operational DNA enough to allow him to transcend the reprogramming. When Livia questions TED on how he can be sure that love will enhance their way of living, he tells her that he knows from personal experience. Livia laughs questioning the very idea that TED thinks that he is in love with someone and teases him, probing to find out who it is. Suddenly TED explodes with emotion only to confess that he is in love with her. When she contests that he can’t love her, he comes back with even more zeal singing “I Know I Am Real”. TED then makes a proposal to Livia that will not only change her life but also may alter the entire course of human destiny.... Thus... in Act Two we venture to past and bring back what was lost.

Part 2 of Koepfinger's ARTIST & MADNESS TRILOGY

After checking into the hospital for repose from heightened agitation & anxiety, fiction writer Jojo Fagoli becomes the pivotal character in the story that she has avoided telling her entire life.

“SCHOOLHOUSE is an astounding and unique perspective on the complexity of school violence.” Lyn Marsh, PhD

“Koepfinger and Izen reveal the link between dreams, parallel universes, and possible transition to them via a new kind of timeless awareness in their new musical SCHOOLHOUSE.”Robert Rhodes, Physicist and New Media Science Advisor

SCHOOLHOUSE ©2014- 2016 by Joe Izen and Coni Koepfinger All Rights Reserved

Even in the most tragic of circumstances, the will of the human spirit longs to recover and to reconnect with the experience of loving and living in harmony with itself and others. After walking into a magical 19h century schoolhouse, Ella meets Derrick, the love of her life. As fate would have it, the brutal reality of school violence tears them apart. Both are left scarred and wounded, yet thanks to the provocative Dr. Kazan, these young lovers are prompted to look beyond these bleak appearances and help create a brighter vision not only for themselves but one that can offer a renewed hope for all mankind.

Engendered, formerly titled "Koepfinger’s Sideshow" takes us to the cosmic dimension… Jim and Gloria's long-awaited newborn, Andrea Maria Lee Dandy, was born with both sexes, clinically labeled a hermaphrodite, and the Dandy’s have decided not to choose a sex. Not everyone is okay with this, especially, Jim’s high profile mother, Leona Dandy, who happens to be the hottest financial witch of Wall Street. As the brains behind The Dandy Candy Corporation, an international firm maintaining immense capital from fad candy, junk toys, and hi-fashion, Leona insists that the baby have an operation to public scandal, screaming “Just fix it!” Gloria refuses and Jim finds himself torn between the desires his devoted wife and the demands of his mother. To make matters even worse, Leona dangles $9 million in front of his nose and if he doesn't do it she'll completely cut him off from the family fortune. It all seems quite hopeless to Jim Dandy until he meets VT-901M. Fondly called Voice Messenger Tony, or simply VT, is an omni-sexual cosmic being from the 6th dimension, specifically, an Angelic Drone of the 87th Precinct of the 70th Division of the Third Legion of Light. His major duty as a drone includes being one of the primary dispatchers of hope for humanity... And that is exactly what he can offer the Dandy family... for a "small" yet not monetary price.

Dubbed the Velveteen Rabbit for New Age adults, " Garrett , the Blue Giraffe" is the tale of a sad and lonely giraffe who seeks to understand his inner turmoil of wanting to be a rhino. He is considering molecular reconstruction but when he makes a divine appointment with Israfel, his heavenly counselor, he learns who just who he really is and why it's important to be true to himself.

CANDLEDANCING seek to understand the gift of love, in temperance and eternity. Will, a street urchin, shows up on the doorstep of the dilapidating East Abbey. He appears with money that he was ask to deliver by a stranger, which eventually saves their landmark from its impending demolition. Will’s melodious voice and his talent for writing poetry of great merit are seemingly controlled by the flickering flame of one particular, perpetual light, candle found in the chapel. Father Peter Andrews, the choir director, becomes the boy’s self-appointed mentor. He soon learns that Will’s creative spirit belongs to Julian of Norwich, a Medieval anchorage, who has come in quest of fulfilling her divine appointment. Sister Kate is perhaps even more noble than the rest. She seeks to set society free from its false passion for violence by popularizing the image of the new human being, created in her dramatic writings. Kate believes that the characters of her vision will tenderly open the hearts of society. Her concept of a meta-theatre promises to rise us all above the maya of current negative creation. It would appear that Will’s visit seemingly impeded her progress. Forced to focus on proper appearances and public opinion, church officials call in Father Peter for an inquest. Without administrative consultation, Father Peter began an investigation at the university in efforts to uncover Will’s link to the divine. Hoping to assist the spirit’s accomplishment of its ultimate purpose, Father Peter explains that his intention was the true pursuit of God’s will and not the defaming scandal that the media created. Regardless of innocent intentions, all involved find themselves subject to severe reprimand by order of the supremacy of the church... perchance the “Dark Ages” were really a point of great light. Through this myriad portrayal of experience, new light is shed on the human condition. Just when we think it’s too late, and the hope for heightened awareness goes back to being a pipe dream, the Medieval Spirit of Truth comes through the choirboy with it’s divine message. If we can learn to transform ourselves so that we may look without judgment, see without doubt, and love without condition; then we can live fully, feeding on the fruits of the garden, splendor, beauty, and peace.

Named Best Score 1999—Robert Hugill's score for CandleDancing at Veronica's Veil Players by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

“Candledancing can be a well-developed, lyrical, important play.Koepfinger has a mission here that's clear and sincere. The playwright's strength is the passion of her dialogue.” Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

"It was like nothing I had ever read before… I thought it would make brilliant theater. I started having all these visual pictures of how it might go." Robert Hugill, London composer and choral director FifteenB

When actress Diana Dorn finds out her cell phone is starting to control her life, she realizes that maybe there is a divine plan for her after all... Could this be her guardian angel??? In any case, now she's starting to GET THE MESSAGE.

SKY BLUE by Coni Ciongoli Koepfinger
With an original song by Joe Izen

Imagine reinventing the world... imagine equality. Talker meets Tag after escaping the fire at their institution. In this short political drama we find that death is not to be feared.

THE EVE OF BELTANE
A New Play by Joe Izen and Coni Koepfinger

Synopsis

It is night before the Festival of Beltane, an ancient Gaelic ritual marking the midpoint of the sun between Spring and Summer. Great bonfires blaze . Since Beltane was also known as a time when the otherworldly cast is close at hand, we see lines of druids marching to protect the living fires by way of their mystical chants. Dark spirits rise in shadow only to be squelched by the brilliance of the light. In the foreground, traditions show young maidens hanging the festive May boughs while young boys, blindfolded, meet on the drumlins, eating the ember cakes marked with charcoal. Here, one unlucky fellow, with the piece stain by stag blood will have to leap the flames of the bonfire three times to please the ancient tradition. Behind this cheering gaiety, two lone, distinct voices are heard frantically crying out in the distance. A faint flicker of a lantern shows the small frames of these secret lovers, Jen and Johnny, who huddle together in a churchyard as they attempt to make a futile escape from her father’s henchmen.

The Eve of Beltane then jumps centuries into the present, where our lovers, Jen and Johnny meet again as students at Notre Dame. Their reincarnated souls seek each other in the passion of love. Once again the cards are stacked against them, as Jen's father, Derry O’Leary, now a prominent politician in modern day Dublin, still refuses to allow his daughter to marry beneath her social class. Yet this time, the two soulmates have an advocate, Dr. Kelson O’Leary, perhaps a transmigrated Merlin, who recognizes the gravity of their true love. So when Jen brings Johnny home to meet her Da, the crafty professor of myth and magic comes along to help align the stars in their favor, allowing Derry to see the fire of love that burns beyond all worldly limitation.

***

“Magic, rebirth, renewal and Celtic charm are infused into this thoughtful play, Eve of Beltane. Told through characters with complex history, we are reminded that each moment is an eternity and love is the most powerful force of all.”
Casey McDougal, Director UCONN

“The Eve of Beltane is haunting, it is archetypal; at the same time, it is here and now. Beautiful and poetic, but real and salt of the earth. “
Nellie O’Brien, Actress
President, Compelle Communications, NYC

“My favorite aspect of the play (The Eve of Beltane) was the seamless parallel and blending between the past and the present…”
Christy Donahue, Actress
Hartford Stage Studio

Book by Coni Koepfinger and C. Michael Perry

Music and Lyrics by C. Michael Perry

The irrepressible young Pollyanna Whittier meets her dour and formidable Aunt Polly Harrington. Neither of their lives have been easy; one by circumstances, the other by choice. Pollyanna, like most heroines of her era has a personality most do not understand at first, but the girl shares her Glad Game with all, including her Aunt. Then Pollyanna herself is challenged with an accident that will test her unique outlook to her very core. This is the classic story of believing in yourself, finding your place in life, and making the most of it.

• This Work-in-progress has been commissioned by DRAMAFY.com for airing/streaming as a MINI SERIES in multiple episodes in late 2026. It is also available currently as a musical adapted for the stage.