Gloria Bond Clunie

NORTH STAR - (drama, 6 males, 5 females w/doubling-Note: A) Ethnically specific version & B) a color-conscious version to cast actors, regardless of race)

A POWERFUL COMING OF AGE STORY! A young girl faces life-changing choices in the midst of the Civil Rights era.

Set in North Carolina in the 1960s, North Star is the story of Relia, an African-American girl, searching for her place to shine in both society and her personal life. The joyous innocence of Relia's summer is transformed by the rising tensions of the growing civil rights movement. Relia's parents are hotly divided between letting her participate in the demonstrations and shielding her from the harsh realities of the civil rights struggle and their community's battle for freedom. Relia's memories of magical moments stargazing with her father help guide her as she risks her life to be a part of "Big Freedom."

1995 PREMIERE~VICTORY GARDENS THEATER, CHICAGO REVIEWS: “powerfully depicts impact on one family in the ‘60’s” (Chicago Tribune), “strong, poetic streak, appealing characters, . . . a sense of humor.” (Chicago Sun‐Times).

SANTA’S BOOTS: (75 minutes, family, 7 characters, 3 males, 3 females, 1 gender flexible) ~ A holiday play with a Christmas Wish and magic for all ages! Santa and his trusted elf Mistletoe sneak into the seaport town of Mystic Harbor on a mission that must be successful – or there will be no Christmas anywhere! (Premieres- Birmingham Children's Theatre- Nov/Dec 2026)

THE HULA HOOPIN’ QUEEN: (60 minutes, 6 characters, female)
Based on the best-selling book by Thelma Lynne Godin, illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton
Kameeka is certain that she will finally beat her rival, Jamara, and become the Hula-Hoopin’ Queen of 139th Street in Harlem. When previous plans to celebrate Miz Adeline’s birthday clash with the date of the competition, Kameeka is faced with tough choices that guide her to a joyous understanding of community, commitment, and inter-generational friendship. ~ Jointly commissioned by Childsplay in Tempe, AZ, and Imagination Stage in Bethesda MD. Premiered January 2023 ~ “Play is the name of the game in this delightful children's musical. . . It’s a party you don’t want to miss!”- (DC Theatre Arts); “Even if you do not have children, you should see THE HULA-HOOPIN’ QUEEN. It’s a great time.”-(The Washington Informer); “...a charming celebration of family and community.”~ (City Sun Times, Phoenix); nominated for DC’s 2023 Helen Hayes Awards. in choreography and adaptation.

SWEET WATER TASTE: (two-act comedy, 4 males, 3 females w/1 doubling) All hell and a little bit of heaven break loose when a prominent southern black undertaker and former civil rights leader approaches his wealthy white cousin and demands to be buried in ‘the family cemetery.’ Think Thomas Jefferson and Sally Hemings in the Obama Era! Premiere ~ Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, Mars Hill, N.C, REVIEWS: “a winner…ready to be taken to the best Broadway playhouse… finely written and splendidly refined production of a very compelling story of race and its ramifications . . . exceptionally fine dialogue . . . stellar impact”(Jim Cavener, Asheville Citizen-Times); Theodore Ward Prize for African‐American Playwriting w/ Columbia College production; New Stages Series, Goodman Theatre, Chicago; ScriptFest winner, Southern Appalachian Repertory Theatre, Mars Hill, N.C.; PlayFest Harriet Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater; Horizon Theatre Co, Atlanta; Orlando Shakespeare, 2022-23 Season)

MY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY SUIT: (60 minutes w/pre and post show activities: 2 females, 1 male / ages 4+)~ In a room overflowing with beautifully wrapped presents, Oobladee, Oobladah and Shebopshebe explore friendship at a magical birthday party! On this Side of the Rainbow, when hurtful words about skin color slip out, best friends discover how to appreciate outer beauty while learning to seek the remarkable gifts inside each of us. ~ Commissioned by Chicago Children’s Theatre. Premiered January 2018 ~“…the genius of this charming and thought-provoking show (geared particularly for kids ages 4-7) is that it introduces questions of racial difference in the mix. Crucially, it does so in a way that doesn’t preach or talk down to its young audience members.” (Chicago Tribune, Kerry Reid), “A birthday bash with a timely – and timeless message.” (Buzz Center Stage)“…feels like a warm hug.” (Chicago Reader)

MONKEY SUIT LOVE- (two-act comedy 2 males, 2 females) A Delightful Dance-i-cal! Quirky comedy quick-stepping with love and laughs as a married couple tries to survive ballroom dance battles and scuba skirmishes in hopes of reviving romance.

(two-act drama, 3 females, 1 male) Tackles privacy in the modern world, the science of a rocky marriage, and the dire consequences that occur when high school basketball star Mercy Angel jumps the backyard fence of a condensed matter physicist and tries to steal his apples. Readings: Northern Writes Festival, Penobscot Theatre, Bangor, ME, (reading), Summer Reading Series, Fleetwood-Jourdain Theatre, Evanston, IL, (reading); O’Neill Conference, semifinalist, 2020 Risk Theater Modern Tragedy, finalist.

THANK YOU, OMU! (60 minutes, 6 characters) Caldecott Honor book by Oge Mora Omu celebrates community and kindness when Omu shares her delicious red stew with neighbors until her pot is empty and she wonders what to do for her supper. Commissioned by Childrens Museum and Theatre of Maine. Premieres February 2027.

SANKOFA! -THE SUPER-HERO PROJECT~ An Adventure in the National TYA/USA BIPOC SuperHero Project! ~ (60 minutes, 5 characters, 2 male, 3 female) ~When 9-year-old Rashad catches Aboagye (A-bow-a-gee) sneaking through a secret comic book portal to snitch Cheetos Flaming Hots, he persuades Aboagye to take him back through the portal to the Sankofa SuperHeroes Academy and help him develop a superpower that will change the world – and make the kids stop teasing him. After awesome adventures and mighty mishaps– Rashad discovers an amazing ability that changes his life. Commissioned by the Alliance Theatre, Atlanta,).

ELIJAH ROCK ! ~A JUBILEE BATTLE - (60 minutes, 6 characters, 3 male, 3 female) ~ When middle school history champ Elijah Rock spices up past events, he finds himself in a battle against everyone, including the mysterious Fisk Jubilee Singers. Music, rap, and the mysteries of time collide in this thrilling adventure. Commissioned by Nashville Children’s Theatre, Premiered Feb 2025. ~(Nashville Scene: “2025 Best New Play for Young Audiences...challenged youngsters to consider the stories we tell and the importance of standing up for the truth . . .a great mix of music!)

LAST STOP ON MARKET STREET: (65 minutes, 5-7 actors, 10 actor version available)
book by Matt de la Pena, illustrated by Christian Robinson
One Sunday morning, CJ and his Nana set out in the rain on their weekly bus ride across town. Along the way, CJ wonders why they don’t own a car, or headphones, or an iPad like his friends. Most of all he wishes they didn’t have to journey to the scary last stop on Market Street. Their trip through the bustling city becomes a magical adventure which helps CJ solve a mysterious riddle, make very special friends like Mumford, The Dragon—and discover a wonderful new world of beauty. ~ Commissioned by Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, Premiered October 2018 ~“A charmer…” (Charlotte Observer); “Amazing . . inspired . . . .thinking about this play 6 days later…” (Charlotte Smarty Pants)

QUARK: (two-act drama, 2 males, 2 females) Tackles love, death, a starving planet and the stars in a world where an astrophysicist and a kindergarten teacher ponder the merits of commercial space travel and the meaning of life. Premiere - MPAACT Theatre in association w/ Goodman Theatre, Chicago. “Clunie knows how to hit the heart…QUARK opens a wider universe of possibilities.” (Kerry Reed, Chicago Tribune); Goodman Theatre, Chicago - workshop/reading; Collider New Play Project, Fox Valley Repertory, St. Charles, IL- workshop/reading; S.T.A.G.E.(Scientists, Technologists & Artists Generating Exploration) International Script Competition, Professional Artists Lab, University of California, Santa Barbara, finalist

DREAM, QUICKIE! DREAM! ~ (7 Actors, may add additional ensemble members) ~ Daddy D. is a new dad! Tired, frightened, frazzled, and desperate to survive the night with a crying baby who refuses to sleep. Suddenly from his past, the young boy Quickie magically appears to rescue him! Together, they journey through childhood adventures to sooth his new son and help them both rediscover how to dream big! Inspired by the exciting childhood of Green Bay Packers wide receiver, Super Bowl champion, and Dancing with the Stars winner Donald “Quickie” Driver. Commissioned by First Stage Theatre, Milwaukee, Premiered in 2023/24 Season ~ “With every scene, this show drives towards the goalposts with its uplifting tale of how a young boy overcomes a rough childhood and eventually attains NFL glory... action-packed sequences that almost match the energy of a Packers game at Lambeau Field.” – Anne Siegel, The Shepherd Express. “An inspirational family story.” – Jim Higgins, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

SHOES: (two-act drama, 3 males, 6 females) Inspired by the 1963 Birmingham church bombing which killed four young girls, a family seeks the grace to overcome great tragedy. Premiere ~Victory Gardens Theater, Reviews: “Intensely challenging and ambitious new play…a sense of personalized warmth, dignity and compassion that only builds as the play unfolds… the kind of theatrical intensity that stays with you long after the curtain.” (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune), “. . .capture(s) in perfect detail that moment…when a girl still possesses the vestiges of childhood but has begun testing the waters of womanhood.”(Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun‐Times).

LIVING GREEN - (drama, 4 males, 3 females)
A wealthy suburban family wonders, “Can we return to the ‘old neighborhood’ and make a difference?” Inspired by A RAISIN IN THE SUN.
It’s 1995 - the year of the Million Man March. Frank and Angela Freeman, an affluent Black couple in a mostly white Chicago suburb, collide when they decide to sell their mini-mansion to fund their daughter’s education. Should they move their family to another “safe” white community or return to rediscover their roots in “the old neighborhood?” A modern homage to “A Raisin In The Sun,” this timely work by Gloria Bond Clunie (author of the award-winning “North Star” and “Shoes”) poses the question, “What happens to our society when we flee the communities that once nurtured us?” 2009 PREMIERE~ VICTORY GARDENS THEATRE~REVIEWS: “rich, enjoyable, memorable. . . a very gutsy piece of writing (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune) . . .“tills fertile ground. . .impassioned. . . impressive . . .” (Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun Times), “question that is still crucial . . . immensely likeable characters” (Megan Powell, Time Out Chicago), “you laugh. . . feel a tear. . . I think Ms. Bond Clunie has it!" (Al Bresloff, Epoch Times), “vibrant . . . insightful and culturally relevant play . . . exceptionally well‐written, (Brian Murphy, Evanston Roundtable).

BLU: (90-minute drama & musical -- 13 + characters; gender flexible/ 7character version available / ages 11+) ~ A fantastic young artist battles the bullying that threatens to turn his technicolor world grey! ~ The Growing Stage Children’s Theatre of New Jersey 2015 New Play Festival; 2015 Utah’s Playwright In Our Schools Program, 2017 Write Now Conference for New TYA Theatre, Childsplay, Tempe, AZ).

A ghost story! In a former Underground Railroad Station, four generations battle with the supernatural to heal family wounds, save a Chicago boy from big city violence, and cope with the legacies of slavery that still scar the 21st century. [2017 August Wilson New Play Initiative, Congo Square Theatre, Chicago., 2026 Appalachian Festival of Plays & Playwrights, Barter Theatre, Barter VA)

(two-act drama, 2 males, 2 females) It's the 1960's! Camels are Kool and tobacco is king in Carolina! When country store owner Ora Rakestraw meets the mysterious union organizer Wallace Johnson—love, promises, and secrets collide with small town southern politics in one sizzling, tumultuous summer!
(O’Neill Conference, semifinalist, READINGS: PlayFest Harriet Lake Festival of New Plays, Orlando Shakespeare Theater; Chicago Writer’s Exchange, Her Story Theater, Chicago; 2015 FutureFest, Dayton Playhouse 2015 New Works at Playhouse On The Square, Memphis; 2016 Southern Appalachian Play Festival, 2017 Florida Rep Playfest)

(two-act verse drama, 2 females, 2 males, 1 male or female) On the 100th Anniversary of World War I, a desperate race to the Tower of London forces a medieval mother, a World War I soldier, a World War II veteran, and an artist who crafts memorial poppies to wrestle with war, sacrifice, love and beauty in the modern world. Utah Valley University (reading - March 2015; 2017 O’Neill Conference semifinalist; 2024 -DePaul University Theatre)

THE LAST STATUE: (12 actors – 5 female, 7 male- with doubling) In the midst of a Black Lives Matter demonstration, Marguerite and Charlie, two former sweethearts, are thrust back together as a small southern town battles over one of the last Confederate statues left standing in the south. Decades earlier, the couple met in a high school production of Romeo and Juliet which tore the town apart when she played a Black Juliet and he was the white Romeo. As hate threatens to explode again, they struggle to make sense of this new moment in history before it destroys the town and their rekindled love. READINGS: Samford University, Birmingham

(two-act musical, 15 characters-7 women, 8 men w/doubling, additional chorus may be added)) A musical inspired by Chicago’s Magnificent Skyline and her courage to build! Brilliant young African-American architect Rose Cornelia Green fights to make her mark on the Chicago skyline while trying to prevent her family and a dying West Side community from disintegrating. {Supported in part by Djerassi Resident Artists Program}

(one-act comedy, 3 females) Two sisters are thrown into a tizzy when they discover their mother buck-naked in the back yard, convinced that becoming a nudist will spice up her senior years! [2015 Heartland New Play Prize & staged reading, Heartland Theatre Company, Bloomington, IL; 2015 BoxFest, Detroit, 2017 Women’s Playwrights Initiative, Ivoryton Playhouse, CT]

TALL ENOUGH: (60 minutes, 5 characters: 3 females, 2 males, options to expand the cast) ~ To win the coveted Grand Prize Physics Challenge at Wild Winds Amusement Park, the Hawkins Middle School Science Club must not only be brilliant — they must all ride the ThunderBeast. Problem! Asia, their fearless leader, is secretly terrified of roller coasters! ~ 2020 Cunningham Commission, The Theatre School at DePaul University, Chicago Playworks ~ Premiered Spring 2022.