Alligator Whiskey at the Neon Cypress by
A tourist gets more than she bargained for when she stops in for a quick drink at a bayou roadhouse.
John Weagly
John Weagly
John Weagly’s work has been called "exuberant” – Chicago Tribune, "charming" – Chicago Reader and "appealingly quirky" – Chicago Sun-Times. In the early 1990’s, John toured the United States as a writer/performer with “Authorized Personnel: A Comedy and Improv Team.” His first play, "Dr. Goat: Goat Doctor," was produced by the Bloomington Playwrights Project in Bloomington,...
John Weagly’s work has been called "exuberant” – Chicago Tribune, "charming" – Chicago Reader and "appealingly quirky" – Chicago Sun-Times. In the early 1990’s, John toured the United States as a writer/performer with “Authorized Personnel: A Comedy and Improv Team.” His first play, "Dr. Goat: Goat Doctor," was produced by the Bloomington Playwrights Project in Bloomington, Indiana in 1992. Since then, he’s had over 100 scripts receive over 200 productions by theaters around the world. Some of the theaters that have produced his plays include Dandelion Theatre in Chicago, Illinois; Truffle Theatre Company in New York; The Artistic Home in Chicago, Illinois; Stage Q in Madison, Wisconsin; Second City in Chicago, Illinois; Ensemble Theatre of Chattanooga in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Strawdog Theatre in Chicago, Illinois; Screaming Media Productions in Halifax, England; The Inspirato Festival in Toronto, Canada and Belarusian Dream Theater in Copenhagen, Denmark. In 2010, a production of his short play "Scuffle & Jump" by Fort Point Theatre Channel in Boston, Massachusetts received live musical accompaniment from Peter Tork of The Monkees. He has been published by Dramatic Publishing, Art Age Publications, Next Stage Press and Smith & Kraus, among others.
As a fiction writer, he’s been nominated for the Derringer Award 7 times, winning one in 2008, has been nominated for a Spinetingler Award and in 2004 won the Norumbega Award for his short story collection THE UNDERTOW OF SMALL TOWN DREAMS. He can be seen in the 2008 documentary VINCENT: A LIFE IN COLOR reading one of his haikus.
A collection of his short plays, TINY FLIGHTS OF FANTASY, was taught at Columbia College and is available through Amazon.
As a fiction writer, he’s been nominated for the Derringer Award 7 times, winning one in 2008, has been nominated for a Spinetingler Award and in 2004 won the Norumbega Award for his short story collection THE UNDERTOW OF SMALL TOWN DREAMS. He can be seen in the 2008 documentary VINCENT: A LIFE IN COLOR reading one of his haikus.
A collection of his short plays, TINY FLIGHTS OF FANTASY, was taught at Columbia College and is available through Amazon.
Plays
Always Be Fetching by John Weagly
·Cast:3Genre: comedy, parody/spoof + 3 more·Keyword: dog, Alien visitors + 6 moreGenre: comedy, parody/spoof, satire, science fiction, young audiencesKeyword: dog, Alien visitors, fashion, pets, puns, silly comedy, Monty Python / Marx Brothers style, comedy for kidsTwo aliens come to Earth to put dogs in designer clothes, but Bailey the Pit Bull only wants them to play fetch.The Armadillo-Iguana Bacterial Unification by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: pets, Monty Pythonesque + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: pets, Monty Pythonesque, park bench, animals, animal rescueTwo lonely, possibly-poisoned pet owners find exactly what they need: each other.Ava Takes Up Aviation by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy·Keyword: LGBTQ, lost love + 5 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: LGBTQ, lost love, girls night out, drunk, Alcohol, cocaine, breakupAva's friends have their hands full when they find her up a tree, in this heartbreak - and cocaine - fueled comedy.Azzmetta Abbington’s Mistletoe Meatballs - A Short Christmas Play by John Weagly
Recommendations: 2··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Monty Pythonesque, holiday + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, holidayKeyword: Monty Pythonesque, holiday, christmas, Xmas, dinner party, food, poisonOld friends get together for the holidays with a poisonous twist.Bags of Bones by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: Monty Pythonesque, skeletons + 2 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: Monty Pythonesque, skeletons, fringe, halloweenDave doesn't get along with his skeleton. He enlists the help of a stranger to find a cure for his suspicious malady.Betrayal Among The Grinning Gators by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: video games, Geek + 5 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: video games, Geek, geek culture, nerds, fringe, betrayal, comic conLouise has done something she shouldn't have with another man. Can Roy see past his rage and forgive her?A Bullet for Grandma - A Zombie Play by John Weagly
·Cast:4Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: zombies, undead + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, horror, science fictionKeyword: zombies, undead, waiting, graveyard, cemetery, Waiting for Godot, Beckettian, halloween, horrorIn the dark of night during the zombie apocalypse, three friends sit in a graveyard waiting for Grandma to rise from the dead.Caffeine Cavern by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: Alien, astronomy + 8 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, mystery/thriller, science fictionKeyword: Alien, astronomy, murder, silly humor, UFO, coffee shop, coffee, music, Bongos, fluteWhat was in the night sky in San Francisco all those years ago?Cargo by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: drama·Keyword: quirky, Beckettian + 1 moreGenre: dramaKeyword: quirky, Beckettian, Pandora's boxTwo sailors on a cargo ship off of the Great Barrier Reef question their duty and the nature of curiosity.Convoy Tony and Convoy Troy Talk About Convoys by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: Monty Pythonesque, Truckers + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: Monty Pythonesque, Truckers, Convoy, fight, sillyConvoy Tony and Convoy Troy both love big rigs, CB radios and convoys – but do they both love honesty?Dead Dwarf Intermezzo by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: Monty Pythonesque, fringe + 2 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: Monty Pythonesque, fringe, street corner, quirkyTwo strangers vie for control of a dead midget.Dr. Goat: Goat Doctor by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Monty Pythonesque, Maltese Falcon + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, mystery/thrillerKeyword: Monty Pythonesque, Maltese Falcon, noir, crime, cheese, maltese falcon parody, parodyBilly and Nina are after something in Dr. Goat's office, and they'll do anything to get their hands on it.Down There by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: basement, lovecraft + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, horror, science fictionKeyword: basement, lovecraft, Lovecraftian horror, halloween, mythology, Cosmic HorrorWhen Karen accidentally opens a portal to another dimension, she calls the only person she can rely on for help. A Lovecraftian tale of terror.Fast Food at 4:20 by John Weagly
Recommendations: 2··Cast:1Genre: comedy·Keyword: food, snacks + 7 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: food, snacks, munchies, pot, marijuana, reefer, Late Night, monologue, CannabisA MONOLOGUE. Penelope is hungry, but what tastes good in her mind?The First of Spring - A Very Short Dystopia Play by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: Dystopia, Robots + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, political, satire, science fictionKeyword: Dystopia, Robots, Police State, anti-fascist, protest, Monty Pythonesque, monty python, sillyAgnes & Rutherford enjoy the first day of spring in a Dystopian society.Imperfect Angels by John Weagly
Recommendations: 3··Cast:2Genre: comedy, romantic comedy·Keyword: regret, long lost love + 3 moreGenre: comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: regret, long lost love, hair, Gorilla Girl, melancholyA short tale of lost love, regret and gorilla arms.Interlude with Two Scream Queens in the Woods by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 5 more·Keyword: Comedic horror, slasher + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, farce, horror, mystery/thriller, parody/spoof, satireKeyword: Comedic horror, slasher, horror, silly, slasher spoof, 1980s, B-Movie, ChainsawMarcie and Linda are lost in the woods, a deranged psychopath hot on their heels. Will they escape? Or will slasher cliches be their doom?Invisible Lightning by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: drama, faith-based·Keyword: female, christianity + 5 moreGenre: drama, faith-basedKeyword: female, christianity, Jesus Christ, Jesus, Easter, religion, monologueA MONOLOGUE. Susan tries to get past her religious infirmity.The Juggler Who Lost His Arms In A Rodeo Fire by John Weagly
·Cast:1Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: Rodeo, cowgirl + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, drama, romantic comedyKeyword: Rodeo, cowgirl, black cowboys, juggler, love, lust, monologueA MONOLOGUE. Lily remembers a rodeo man and the features that made him the love of her life. "The most thoughtful and tender memory monologue about the highs and lows of love."Komodo Dragon Heart by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: Valentine's Day, love + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, holiday, romantic comedyKeyword: Valentine's Day, love, romance, senior citizens, silly humor, Elder, valentine, elderlyNorman has big plans for Valentine's Day, but a Komodo Dragon has other thoughts.The Krampus Slander by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: christmas, Krampus + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fable/folktale, fantasy, holiday, horrorKeyword: christmas, Krampus, Xmas, Holidays, silly, monster, demonKrampus needs to replenish his supply of birch rods, but a snooty salesperson stands in the way.A Lady Who Collects Spiders Meets A Gentleman Who Collects Snakes by John Weagly
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy, romantic comedy·Keyword: love, misfits + 6 moreGenre: comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: love, misfits, science, snakes, spiders, Valentine's Day, sweet, charmingLove blooms between a peculiar woman and a misfit man.Lazy-Day Observations on Feral Hogs by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: gun control, Monty Pythonesque + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, politicalKeyword: gun control, Monty Pythonesque, absurd, gun violence in America, gun violence, school shooting, silly, Red State/Blue StateFeral hogs have wandered into the farmyard and are very close to the children. Will thoughts and quicksand be enough to stop them?Lizard Heat by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: dark comedy, drama + 1 more·Keyword: motel, change + 6 moreGenre: dark comedy, drama, fantasyKeyword: motel, change, Sam Shepard, evolution, infidelity, fringe, love, transformationIn a run-down motel room on the edge of a desolate highway, two broken souls crash into each other. Is change possible, or are we stuck being who we are?On the Job for Tommy Two-Toes by John Weagly
·Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: noir, Monty Pythonesque + 4 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: noir, Monty Pythonesque, mafia, gangsters, crime, hotel roomTwo lady-thugs wait for their boss to pick up a package.Orville and Wilbur Discuss Aerodynamics by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: Brotherly Love, Clouds + 2 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: Brotherly Love, Clouds, Chickens, philosophyOrville and Wilbur, two brothers, talk about clouds, the meaning of life and edible birds.Oscillating Sasquatch - A Halloween Play by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: halloween, dark comedy + 8 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, holiday, horrorKeyword: halloween, dark comedy, grave robbing, Rock & Roll, close friendship, goth, punk, hillbilly, graveyard, cemeteryTixiebelle-Wren and Calliope-Peach really want to go to a Halloween concert. Unfortunately, the tickets were buried with Cooter-Cain.A Pigman Walks Among Us by John Weagly
·Cast:3Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: fairy tale, transformation + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fable/folktale, fantasy, romantic comedy, science fictionKeyword: fairy tale, transformation, tarot, silly, pizza, love, charming, hotel roomA Pigman, his manager and a pizza delivery woman meet in a motel on the edge of nowhere.Purple Hearts and Missing Femurs - A Short Play About The Absurdity of War by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 2 more·Keyword: amputee, Monty Pythonesque + 2 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, political, satireKeyword: amputee, Monty Pythonesque, war, fringeTwo soldiers in a never-ending war, discover a new way to become a hero.A Reason To Rejoice At Coffins-R-Us - A Short Play About Schools Reopening by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 3 more·Keyword: Covid-19, Python-esque + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, parody/spoof, political, satireKeyword: Covid-19, Python-esque, monty python, American schools, coronavirus, pandemic, funeral home, coffin, 2020There's good news for suppliers of child caskets this fall!Reflections of a Friendship on Cedarwood Road by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: ghosts, simple set + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: ghosts, simple set, halloween comedy, friendship, best friendsThea and Ellie find a vanity being thrown out, but what could possibly be wrong with this nice piece of furniture?Rickshaw Dreams by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: nostalgia, friendship + 2 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: nostalgia, friendship, public transportation, Chinese New YearTwo women discuss dreams and desires while waiting for a rickshaw.Seven Short Scenes About A Man And A Sock Monkey by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:1Genre: comedy·Keyword: TWISTED LOVE, Monty Pythonesque + 3 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: TWISTED LOVE, Monty Pythonesque, fringe, stuffed animals, loveConor needs a room-mate. Is a Sock Monkey looking for a place to live a dream come true or a nightmare in cotton?The Shark Exorcist by John Weagly
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: halloween, sharks + 5 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, horrorKeyword: halloween, sharks, Monty Pythonesque, absurd, priest, exorcism, religionIn this tiny bit of nonsense, Father William is summoned to Agatha's home to try to save her from an unfortunate predicament she contracted at the beach.Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Christmas Goose by John Weagly
·Cast:8–28Genre: adaptation, holiday + 2 more·Keyword: Sherlock Holmes, christmas + 5 moreGenre: adaptation, holiday, musical, mystery/thrillerKeyword: Sherlock Holmes, christmas, winter, Victorian England, holiday, Xmas, Arthur Conan DoyleIn this family-friendly holiday mystery, Sherlock Holmes is asked to discover the identity of a man who lost his hat and goose in a late-night scuffle. At first, Holmes treats the request as only a mild curiosity, but then the countess of Morcar’s rare and valuable blue carbuncle is found stuffed down the goose’s throat. The pursuit of the thief leads Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from 221B Baker Street to...In this family-friendly holiday mystery, Sherlock Holmes is asked to discover the identity of a man who lost his hat and goose in a late-night scuffle. At first, Holmes treats the request as only a mild curiosity, but then the countess of Morcar’s rare and valuable blue carbuncle is found stuffed down the goose’s throat. The pursuit of the thief leads Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson from 221B Baker Street to Covent Garden Market and all over the streets of wintery London.
Co-written with Michael Menendian.Simian Swing by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, romantic comedy·Keyword: gorilla, gorilla costume + 6 moreGenre: comedy, romantic comedyKeyword: gorilla, gorilla costume, dance, silly, old movies, romance, coming out, charmingCornell is caught by his new wife, Hopley, sneaking back into his hotel room on his wedding night. Where has he been? What has he been doing? What is he wearing?Spontaneous Clownbustion by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: comedy·Keyword: silly, circus + 4 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: silly, circus, Monty Pythonesque, absurdism, clowns, sideshowTwo abandoned, out-of-work circus performers try to make sense of a bizarre big-top catastrophe.The Squamous Darkness of Cobblestone Lane - A Lovecraftian Steampunk One-Act Comedy by John Weagly
Recommendations: 2··Cast:4Genre: adaptation, comedy + 4 more·Keyword: Steampunk, H.P. Lovecraft + 8 moreGenre: adaptation, comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, horror, science fictionKeyword: Steampunk, H.P. Lovecraft, Lovecraftian horror, Monty Pythonesque, silly, cthulhu, apocalypse, necronomicon, prophecy, fringeArkham, Massachusetts. The late-1800’s. The Age of Steam. Over a three-day period of philandering secrets, a dire prophecy is foretold and comes to pass.Strange Aeons and Free Hot Dogs by John Weagly
Recommendations: 2··Cast:2Genre: comedy, fantasy + 3 more·Keyword: election, H.P. Lovecraft + 4 moreGenre: comedy, fantasy, horror, political, science fictionKeyword: election, H.P. Lovecraft, Cosmic Horror, mythology, American politics, city politicsWould you vote for an evil cosmic deity for Alderman of the 14th Ward?Suitcase Full of Monkey Heads by John Weagly
·Cast:1Genre: dark comedy, drama·Keyword: loss, children + 6 moreGenre: dark comedy, dramaKeyword: loss, children, coffee shop, coffee, melancholy, monkeys, Mental Health, monologueA MONOLOGUE. Loretta remembers her lost son while trying to decide on coffee.Syphilis Steve and the Christmas Miracle - A Short Christmas Play by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 1 more·Keyword: Monty Pythonesque, christmas + 7 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, holidayKeyword: Monty Pythonesque, christmas, holiday, Xmas, joy, STDs, disease, Sex, sillyVictor has a wonderful surprise for Dianne this holiday season.The Ticking of Clockwork Hearts by John Weagly
·Cast:7–11Genre: comedy, dark comedy + 4 more·Keyword: Steampunk, Monty Pythonesque + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedy, fantasy, period, romantic comedy, science fictionKeyword: Steampunk, Monty Pythonesque, time travel, fringe, Robots, Hallucinogens, Victorian, sillyEngland. The late-1800’s. The Age of Steam. Gerard and Elisabeth wander through their steampunk lives searching for ever-elusive love. Along the way they cross paths with dirigibles, time travelers, gyromancy, squids, poetry, destruction, magic mushrooms, mad scientists, dynamite-fetishists, and a mechanical man with a cheating heart. Perfect for Fringe Festivals.A Touch of Grass by John Weagly
Recommendations: 3··Cast:1Genre: comedy·Keyword: nostalgia, monologue + 5 moreGenre: comedyKeyword: nostalgia, monologue, grandma, nature, outdoors, dizzy, joyA MONOLOGUE. Let your feet touch the grass everyday, but don't overdo it.Two Gentlewomen of Sedona (a short play in iambic pentameter) by John Weagly
·Cast:2Genre: comedy, dark comedy·Keyword: iambic pentameter, inspired by Shakespeare + 6 moreGenre: comedy, dark comedyKeyword: iambic pentameter, inspired by Shakespeare, Monty Pythonesque, faux Shakespeare, silly, absurd, lizards, desertIn the Arizona desert, a long-haul truck driver comes to the aid of a lady in distress - but is she too late?The Unpredictable Horizon - A Very Short Sci-Fi Play by John Weagly
Recommendations: 4··Cast:2Genre: comedy, science fiction·Keyword: Sci Fi, science fiction + 5 moreGenre: comedy, science fictionKeyword: Sci Fi, science fiction, Pluto, sci fi skit, real estate, science fiction comedy, scifi2023Stacey and Emma try to make the best out of a bad outer space situation.A Well-Governed Shark by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:3Genre: adaptation, comedy + 1 more·Keyword: sharks, silly + 5 moreGenre: adaptation, comedy, dark comedyKeyword: sharks, silly, poetry, Melville, absurd, Monty Pythonesque, Classic LiteratureA Mako Shark and a Tiger Shark dispute the sentiments of a beach-front poetry reading.Where Do We Go from Here? - A Short Play About Gun Violence by John Weagly
Recommendations: 1··Cast:2Genre: drama, political·Keyword: gun control, gun violenceGenre: drama, politicalKeyword: gun control, gun violenceSally and Patricia need something to do on a Friday night, but what's safe?