D. Lee Miller

Paris, 1909. Betsy takes her charge, the young Helene, to find a present for Helene's mother. A precocious rapscallion, Helene runs off and enters a building, the Bateau Lavoir. It professes to be a washhouse, but there are many paintings there. Betsy hates A WOMAN'S HEAD, and explains why. But Helene knows something she does not. Will her mother get a good present?

Letty’s been having the most incredible dreams lately. All she wants to do is sleep. She started mudlarking to help stay awake. Mari, a stranger, comes along knowing there is someone she needs to find. Can they help each other?

Sitting on the train alone, Sallie closes her eyes for a moment. She’s carrying a meatball hero in a takeout bag and has an overnight bag for her costume and makeup. Just before the door closes, three scuzzy suspicious looking characters step onto the train. She sees them – sits up - The train leaves the station. They head towards her – one has a gun in his pocket.
She’s doomed.

The Cowbell Girls – a mother/daughter duo had a great show tonight. The equipment is getting loaded and it’s time to make the made dash through the crowd to the limo. Serena, Casey’s mom, always goes first and is swallowed up. Then Casey follows with her baby/toddler.

Tammy, a pre-teen, has been overheard teaching a ‘dirty’ song to Mame’s young son.

Sarah, who has mild cerebral palsy and retardation, decides she is tired of sitting with her sister at family gatherings. She makes her move on Thanksgiving.

Someone’s trying to find a good station and the big band music that passes by spurs Cecilia into remembering her golden past – especially with her Golden Georgie. But music doesn’t last forever.

MOM is preparing a poster for a NO KINGS march. Her daughter makes fun of her, not believing a march helps anything. Not believing in anything.

A woman must get to her doctor's to see if she has Covid 19. She has symptoms - and is very anxious that she is riding the subway.

Yesterday, JESSICA turned down HOWARD’S proposal. She’s returned today to tell him she changed her mind.

Danielle visits an art gallery showing photographs. She makes a discovery that floors her. It’s a photograph. She returns to it. Speaks to her. She has to have it.

Jenna needs to speak at her lover’s/eternal best friend’s funeral. She is at a loss.

Johanna is in charge of preparing on Christmas Eve day!
(based on the classic song: THE CHRISTMAS SONG)

Debbie is speaking to some people about where she stands regarding hope for peace in the Middle East.

Dolly, a social worker, has arrived to do a home study for an adoption. The Bests have definitely prepared for this. Michael works for the government.

10 year old EDDIE obviously cheated on a science quiz and Mrs. Phipps wants to find out why.

Frankie’s wife forgot to take the mortgage papers to work. Why can’t he take care of it? She’s tried of doing everything. What isn’t he telling her?

Ariel joins her life-long bestie, PAL, to write voting postcards. What is the message really on their minds?

Mo and Jack have been waiting a while to have their order taken by Dandy. They want to know why.

ANDI, a dramatic, smart cat is being cat sit while their person is on a trip. How will they survive? Will they?

Diane is meeting her older sister, Julia, for her input on naming Diane's baby -to-be. What will be the right name for this child.. This tough relationship becomes harder. Or does it?

1921. Yitzchak has escaped death in the waters of the Baltic Sea. His wife, Shandel finds him on the waterfront. She thinks it is time they move to America. He knows how hard this is decision is for the both of them. Will they go?

Remy, a young mother, tries to get her baby daughter to say her first words, 'Okay, Mama'.

Rachel, Sarah and Naomi sit in the living room, readying for their mother (in the bedroom) to pass. Visiting at the last moment in their old, blind aunt. She wants to see her younger sister before she dies.

LEICA is just that - a camera - who has seen the best of life - the worst and --

Ruby is visiting her grandmother, Bubbe, at her nursing home. While she is scared, she wants to know her grandmother's real story during the Holocaust. She wants to know if she would survive another one.

Early 60's. Miss Mortimer and Mr. Childs are chaperoning a freshman dance. Miss Mortimer would really like to dance with Mr. Childs but he isn't biting. Will they find common ground?

A senior today starts a diary - which she calls Anne Frank.

Babbette, an event planner, is working on seating arrangements for an event. She is powerful and must know all the ins and outs of the business. No 2, her apprentice, is working with her for the first time. He is trying to learn but doesn't seem to be doing extremely well. And then they are thrown a curve ball. What will the outcome be?

Lifelong best friends, Trish and Mandy are summarizes what they know about each other in a little competition. Mandy has learned a couple of things that said aloud, surprise her. Now they are at the subject of guilt where she tries to right her life. But it is truly hard.

Kate is meeting a family that is escaping ICE but runs into an old friend who is looking for the family. She tries to stall him so the family can get away. Will they?

The Statue of Liberty has shrunk, due to the changes the government has brought to America. A cat, Mindy, quite large, tries to get her to rise again. With the help of a PR campaign, Mindy wants the Statue to to fight for the people so they will fight for her. Can Mindy get the Statue to stand?

Zazu, a hoofer, has gone to audition at the Rialto, but it seems a dancer is missing and the dancer's husband is dead. Before long, Magda is found dead. Zazu only takes detective jobs when she needs to. But the theatre folk want to hire her and figure out the mystery. Who killed Magda? Note: this is part of a scene

ARLENE, 10 year old Amy's grandmother, has gone to a school meeting. There was a family tree project and Amy didn't do so well. She wants the teacher to change family tree projects to a different kind of project. A better project.

Melissa, the farmer's Wife, has come to the city in need of two eggs. She doesn't have enough money so tries to barter with some homemade items. The shopkeeper will have none of it - but Abra, the city dweller, saves the day.

Claire, a college student, is having a panic attack and is reaching out to be saved.

Shira has gone to write and ultimately has decided to take down the 'Welcome Home' sign meant for her brother. Sadly, her brother was a hostage that was recently killed, She can't bear the grief and has held it off - She needs a ladder to help take the sign down. Lior, has joined her and they strike up a conversation. Doron, her brother, is known nationally and they remember together - until he disappears. Where has he gone? And who is he?

Tina, 29, meets her brother-in-law, Bobby, 27 at Midtown North Precinct. Her husband is there and she wants to know why - but when she finds out, she doesn't know what to do.

Louise needs to go to the bathroom. But she's forgotten where it is. She's forgetting a lot lately and wonders if her husband knows.

What if there was an executive order to get rid of all but the number 5?

Ophelia wants to find someone write a biography of her so she can fix misconceptions of her death. Will this story ever be written?

Maggie and her daughter go on a hiking vacation so Maggie can tell Jessie that she is ill. But Jessie is at that age where the world is only about herself while Maggie has discovered that we are part of a much bigger world. How will they move forward?

Kate, an older mom, is waiting outside her 12 year old's ballet class. She's playing a game on her phone and strikes up a conversation with a young woman who brought her niece. This woman wants to know if she should be a parent. Kate tries to give it to her straight.

Joe is in a bar when ICE patrols come in obviously to pick up the kitchen crew. He steps in and stalls them so the staff
has time to get away. Will they?

Graham has separated from Candy - they've been a couple since they were 12. Graham dances with someone else and ultimately, Candy does the same. Upset at this break-up, Graham says he's going to war. Will they ever be together again?

Eddie and Tony, 13-14, are walking on the street and stop in front of store that has a large poster of a model's face, close up. Tony wants to show Eddie a picture of a girl but Eddie is seduced by this photograph. They discuss beauty.

Jenn and Martin have just gotten engaged and Jenn can't wait to hear all the responses! But Martin has spoiled the announcement. Is this enough to pull them apart? Can these 'Bickersons' stay together?

From FACING FEBRUARY
Prompt 3 - Opposites Attract, a two-hander

Marc, 10, finishes up his family tree project. Grammy has helped him but when an article from WWII surfaces, Marc learns more of the horrors of the Holocaust.

The cancellation of Sesame Street.

Dee, a retired NY teacher and Arnie, an out of work actor (30's), have each joined a tour that includes hiking for miles and the descent into an extinct volcanoes. Unbeknownst to each other, they are challenging themselves for personal problems - both physical and mental. They are travelling alone. The play begins as they're the next to descend into the volcano. Will they meet success?

Cheryl and Peggy, seniors, stop for their daily lunch. Peggy learns that her friend has fallen in love. The more details revealed, the more Peggy realizes this is a romance scam. As gingerly as possible, Peggy breaks it to Cheryl . How could this have happened? Will their lifelong friendship survive? THE BILL reflects the fear of choices we make and the wish not to be alone or stupid... Love and politics have this in common - so it's a lot like today.

Noreen describes a reservice by the exterminator - the first visit was a young fellow didn't do a good job. This guy is an old timer knows how to get the job done. He's a good talker, too, and makes her think. And maybe Noreen listens to what she is saying. And maybe she gets a new view on life. And just maybe, she'll change it.

A news story regarding the discovery of a sheaf of love letters and photo from the war fuel a journalist's trip to the daughter of those in the letters/photo. But what if the daughter doesn't want to allow the story?

1992. Marie has been notified that her husband, MIA in Vietnam, indeed died. Who can she speak to? How does she reconcile this with her life?

Remy and Casey are in Grand Central Station at the Whispering Corners. It is here that you can whisper into one corner and it can be heard loudly in an opposite corner. Remy opens their heart to Casey but will Casey hear what Remy's said or what they want to hear?

published: Fresh Words, Contemporary New York Plays 11/22

NATALIE, 18, is from Ukraine. She is a ballet dancer and has come to the US to continue her studies. She is smart in a very different way than an American teen: she has lived in war. She has just fallen from the front stoop of an old building. She’s hurt. A stranger comes up to see if they can help.

Sage, a non-binary singer, is confronted after a concert by a man from the audience for paying too much attention to his wife while they were singing. And where will this end?

This monologue (in a slightly earlier version) is published by Smith & Kraus in the "WE/US: Monologues for Gender Minority Characters Anthology."

June 1, 1921. Place, Tulsa, Oklahoma. Event: The Tulsa Race Massacre. Rose, an immigrant from Kishinev, Russia is hiding Willie, an African American teacher. They await the return of their husbands but Willie can wait no longer. Can Rose stop her from going by baring her soul?

Debbie reveals her thoughts on love to a less-than-adequate boyfriend. Can anything equal this first love again?

Evie has brought her 89 mother (with some dementia) to a restaurant for her mother’s birthday. Also along is Delia, her older teenage daughter. Can it please be a normal meal?

Jordan has been accused by a neighbor of disturbing the peace. But maybe it's a little more than that. He has his say in court.

Stuart, a rather young big brother, is divvying up his candy with his younger brother. Is this the new arithmetic?

Mrs. Putnam is taking some children to march for human rights. Who will learn more on this trip?

Jackson, a senior, has spied a small miracle from afar at the bowling alley. He wants to celebrate this moment - wants the world to know - but will the child let him?

Randy is riding the subway - a mundane ride they do every day of their lives. But maybe just maybe small miracles happen on the R train.

Becky must return her sister Celia's going out dress but she doesn't have it. How can she soften this blow when her sister needs the dress that night? And is this only about going out?

Alice is getting reviewed at work. She's been there for all of her working life. Will Frank give her the raise she needs?

We track Debbie and Eddie from their first date through their lives together. We learn about their dreams, trials and losses... And although we all go through the circle of life, we never know where and when it will end.

2022 Semi-finalist Pick of the Vine
Best of the Rest reading, Actors Theatre of Santa Cruz 5/2023
2023 Pittsburgh New Play Festival

Shakespeare is writing The Tempest. Miranda and Prospero, two figments of his imagination appear for the first 'read through'. Miranda wants a voice in some changes in her role. Will he listen? He's very successful, you know.

B3 Theatre, Phoenix, AZ April 6, 7 2023

Doreen must authenticate a Rembrandt or her career could be in jeopardy. Who can help but Rembrandt himself? Unless he won't.

Marjorie is talking on the phone with her bff. She broke up with Ted, her boyfriend, in the afternoon and is trying to achieve 'closure' - especially because she has fallen for a guy on social media. He's perfect: handsome, nice home, sexy accent ... What could go wrong?

To pay homage to love, two American women come to the same Parisian bridge , the site of the truest love they've felt in their lives. But each wants to be in the same place at the same time and by fighting over it, they both miss their moments. Or do they?

Performed at The Secret Theatre Festival, 2022.

What really happened between Sarah and Hagar and can they forge a peace now? A 'futuristic' framing of understanding the Biblical story.

Matthew takes his son, Justin, to the park while the family readies for Chanukah. It is a joyous holiday and Matthew has to take away one of his son's joys. What is the outlook for the Festival of Lights?

Can be done on stage or radio.
Monologue soon to be published in Smith& Kraus' Best monologues of 2021.

A look at the actress/acting teacher, Stella Adler

A woman must get to her doctor's to see if she has Covid 19. She has symptoms - and is very anxious that she is riding the subway.

Mother doesn't want her grown daughter (whom she has been controlling all her life) to go to NYC. Will she get it together and go?

Julie is retired and her kids are grown. What is she to do in her life? Can she still learn new things? She doesn't want to get set to pasture.

Over 20 years ago, Sheldon stole the Skittles from the family. Sadly, he was exiled. He wants back in the family. Now his oldest sister, Chiffon, a lawyer, decided she feels bad enough to plead his case. Will he return to hearth and home?

monologue - 3-4 min - A mother, a daughter, an employee. She needs to make an emergency call. What could go wrong?

Katie has a pop tap test with her professor. Only class is on line - Zoom remote. Will she pass?

Published by Smith & Kraus in Laughter is the Best Medicine

A grandmother speaks to her granddaughter about marriage and yes, Janis Joplin.

Jean is looking for a roommate. But the building is on fire and - well good roommates are hard to find.

THE RECIPE concerns the holiday meeting of a woman and her daughter-in-law to be. Dinner is over and the women are left in the kitchen to talk. What constitutes closeness, a marriage? Who are we loyal to: our husband? Our self? Our future? How do we handle truth with those we love? These questions arise in this comedic drama.

In the midst of the pandemic. A mother in Brooklyn stands at the edge of a broken-down pier. Police have come. She is tortured by the loss of her son in the Atlantic Ocean, right by this pier, the day before. She called 911 then: No one had come.

(a monologue) Michele is interviewed by a reporter a couple of days after George Floyd's murder. Her city is in shambles (think Minneapolis).

How do you make sense of violence in a house of worship? How do you paint the pain?

Sue has gone to the neighborhood landmarked saloon in upstate NY. It's time she joined the adult world that she adores. Can she?

It is 1777. Sybil Luddington, 16, is off to alert the members of a NY stage regiment that the British are attacking Danbury. Her father, the Regiment's commander, doesn't want her to go on this ominous trip - certainly not at night!

10 min. play; Bud has died. While he is getting used to his journey he sees a bouncing ball of light. This is Juliet, his granddaughter being born. They talk - but he's confused - his daughter wasn't pregnant. Who is this child's who passes him towards earth as he has left?

JUDGEMENT DAY, is an 'homage' to Carrie Fischer and by extension, Debbie Reynolds. Carrie has died and Debbie dies the day after. This is their meeting just outside heaven's gates shortly after Debbie's death.

RECLAIMING THE NIGHT concerns the reconnection of a mother and son on the anniversary of the father's/husband's death. They are on a hike looking for a special spot the mother wants to find. Will he wait for the spot? It's getting late...

(monologue) A futuristic, post pandemic piece. Davida's husband awakens from a long coma. He is the 'centerpiece' of her home. She tries to fill him in - remind him of who he is. But has the world changed too much?

There is a shorter and longer version - a little over 2 minutes and over 4 minutes.

(monologue) After a year in Paris at 18, Fanny is going home to the United States. It is 1939 and war is on France's doorstep. They await Fanny's boyfriend who is to meet her father, her godmother and lover. He is more than late.

This is very loosely based on the artist, Fanny Brennan.

(Monologue) Loretta is at a meeting of Dependence Anonymous. She finally has something to say!

(Around 10 min) A blind date. She goes down to get him at the door and bring him upstairs - and they get caught in the elevator. (Before the age of Coronavirus)

Miranda is a new upper east side dentist's office, recommended by a friend. She likes to choose dentist's office by the magazines offered. She is desperate to get a magazine that someone else is reading. Finally, it's hers! What is it she is looking for?

(monologue) Fanny Brice is leaving Nick. Based on interviews and biographies, hear Fanny thinking through the next move.

one-act; 2005. Heaven. Peter Rabbit finally finds Beatrix Potter to help with a major problem back home on earth - on her own farm! Will he convince her to help?

(Short play) Mia and Billy, both artists, have been traveling cross country to draw, paint and visit exhibits in different cities. They come to the place Mia has been longing to see: a tree in D.H. Lawrence's yard. But how was it conceived? And what is Mia and Billy's future?

1 act play. Animation in Dust is about a somewhat estranged mother and daughter meeting in the backyard of the home where the daughter grew up. The Daughter hopes to use the yard for her upcoming marriage but her mother will have none of it.

Paul is tied to railroad tracks and a train is coming. He finally sees someone who might help and calls the person over, to find she's a woman. Nell decides that she'll free him if he apologizes for whatever crime he committed that got him tied to the tracks... Will he live? Will she free him? Would you?

Marty has killed a woman in her boyfriend's apartment. She turns herself in to the police. But what is the real story?

"I have to recant, give up the old belief that I am powerless and because of it nothing I can do will ever hurt anyone." Margaret Atwood.

Today, Mrs. Thompson has to teach reducing fractions - but a truth slips in and she can't.

What do you do when you can no longer sleep? The older Doris stands guard at her peephole.

Both of these are reflections of the Covid period in America.

Young professional, Brian, found out he has to rewrite a memo for his office team. Working remotely, he calls his co-worker in London to get some tips. He has a dicey past with Alasdair, so he'd like to get his friendship back on the road, too. Will he get the help he needs from Alasdair?

Cassie, a young Astronomy professor, has recently reconnected with her closest childhood friend, Danny, a climatologist. She imagines her next conversation with him as he's been coming to dinner daily, due especially to a recent hurricane. Suddenly, there he is for dinner. Will things go as planned? What does she really want?

Like so many women, Angelina Goldberg has spent the last years of her life caring for an old aunt, 24/7. She has been at her her family's beck and call. Now that her aunt has died, Angelina wants to start her life - though she's middle-aged. Is it too late for her?

Aileen, a good daughter who visits her mother weekly in an old folks home, has some happy news for her. However, Mam has dementia and doesn't often recognize reality. Will Aileen be able to get through to her? Will Aileen ever get to connect with her mother?

Izzy, single, is waiting for an angiogram. With mortality rearing its head, where is she in her life. Who does she find she can turn to?

Published by Smith & Kraus, 105 Five Minute Plays.