Morey Norkin

Morey Norkin is a retired technical writer/proposal manager now living in Japan. He was a regular fixture in Annapolis, Maryland community theater from the late ‘70s to the mid-90s appearing often at Colonial Players, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Annapolis Theater Project, of which he was a co-founder. Morey made his debut as a playwright in 2019, with “Last Laugh,”a one-act play presented at Colonial Players as part of an evening of three one-acts under the umbrella title, Generations. Since then, Morey’s plays have been presented at a variety of venues including the Stage It! 10-Minute Play Festival in Bonita Springs, FL; PlayZoomers, Prince Theatre’s Short Attention Span Theatre festival in Chestertown, MD; Short & Sweet in Sydney, Australia; Tiny Theatre; The Magnetic Theatre...

Morey Norkin is a retired technical writer/proposal manager now living in Japan. He was a regular fixture in Annapolis, Maryland community theater from the late ‘70s to the mid-90s appearing often at Colonial Players, Annapolis Summer Garden Theatre, and Annapolis Theater Project, of which he was a co-founder. Morey made his debut as a playwright in 2019, with “Last Laugh,”a one-act play presented at Colonial Players as part of an evening of three one-acts under the umbrella title, Generations. Since then, Morey’s plays have been presented at a variety of venues including the Stage It! 10-Minute Play Festival in Bonita Springs, FL; PlayZoomers, Prince Theatre’s Short Attention Span Theatre festival in Chestertown, MD; Short & Sweet in Sydney, Australia; Tiny Theatre; The Magnetic Theatre in Asheville, NC; the inaugural Fern Street New Play Festival in West Hartford, CT; the GreenMan Theatre Troupe in Elmhurst, IL; the Berkshires with the Jewish Plays Project; and podcasts by Theatrical Shenanigans and Broken Arts Entertainment.

In his spare time, Morey enjoys sharpening his table tennis skills and leading an adult English conversation class.

Scripts

Stairyway to...

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Carl and Carla make a discovery while hiking in the woods. Written in response to a photo prompt from Tiny Theatre.

Carl and Carla make a discovery while hiking in the woods. Written in response to a photo prompt from Tiny Theatre.

Gold Paint

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

When one of his friends suddenly dies on the way to the racetrack, an aging, socialist paint store proprietor in Washington, DC, is forced to confront issues of race and politics, as well as an inquisitive African American FBI agent, during the turbulent 1960s.

When one of his friends suddenly dies on the way to the racetrack, an aging, socialist paint store proprietor in Washington, DC, is forced to confront issues of race and politics, as well as an inquisitive African American FBI agent, during the turbulent 1960s.

Look Away

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

On December 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, Major General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11 expelling all Jews from the territory under his command. Although the order was quickly reversed by President Lincoln, the damage was done to the Jewish community and to Grant’s legacy. Grant would eventually become President and make amends to the Jewish community. But General Order No. 11 has taught...

On December 17, 1862, during the American Civil War, Major General Ulysses S. Grant issued General Order No. 11 expelling all Jews from the territory under his command. Although the order was quickly reversed by President Lincoln, the damage was done to the Jewish community and to Grant’s legacy. Grant would eventually become President and make amends to the Jewish community. But General Order No. 11 has taught us how fragile freedom is when hatred takes hold.

NEW DRAFT: I consider this a work in progress and welcome constructive feedback.

NOTE: Music samples listed on this page are just to provide familiarity with the music. These recordings are not to be used unless you obtain appropriate rights.

Last Laugh

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Two comics, one nearing the end of his career without the success he’d hoped for, and one hoping she’s on the verge of her big break, discover a connection beyond comedy.

Two comics, one nearing the end of his career without the success he’d hoped for, and one hoping she’s on the verge of her big break, discover a connection beyond comedy.

Flight of Fancy

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

An English literature professor has a chance encounter with an unusual flight attendant when his seat on a cross-country flight is upgraded. Immediately attracted to the flight attendant, the professor ultimately discovers that beauty and humanity are much more than skin deep.

An English literature professor has a chance encounter with an unusual flight attendant when his seat on a cross-country flight is upgraded. Immediately attracted to the flight attendant, the professor ultimately discovers that beauty and humanity are much more than skin deep.

The Big Sneeze (or Much Achoo About Nothing)

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A light-hearted romantic comedy that attempts to answer the question: Can a fractured rib mend a broken heart?

A light-hearted romantic comedy that attempts to answer the question: Can a fractured rib mend a broken heart?

The Replacement

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

For one white nationalist, at least, chants of not being replaced are for naught.

For one white nationalist, at least, chants of not being replaced are for naught.

On the Eighth Day of Hanukkah My True Love Gave to Me

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A resident of the Hebrew Home for the Aged receives a Hanukkah gift that proves there really are miracles.

A resident of the Hebrew Home for the Aged receives a Hanukkah gift that proves there really are miracles.

Urashima Taro

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

The story is from Japanese folklore. Urashima Taro, a fisherman, rescues a sea turtle and is rewarded with a voyage to the Dragon Palace in the undersea empire. There he meets and falls in love with Princess Otohime. As the two are about to be married, Taro remembers his obligations back home. He decides to return and takes a present from the Princess, a small box, which Taro must promise never to open...

The story is from Japanese folklore. Urashima Taro, a fisherman, rescues a sea turtle and is rewarded with a voyage to the Dragon Palace in the undersea empire. There he meets and falls in love with Princess Otohime. As the two are about to be married, Taro remembers his obligations back home. He decides to return and takes a present from the Princess, a small box, which Taro must promise never to open. Returning home to a strange world, Taro reconsiders his promise to the Princess.

Rewind

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Someone shows up at a video rental store seeking help after their car breaks down. A video rental store in 2023? What's going on here?

Someone shows up at a video rental store seeking help after their car breaks down. A video rental store in 2023? What's going on here?

Eden 2

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Two astronauts on a mission to begin populating Mars have a divine encounter that leads to a conclusion of biblical proportions.

Two astronauts on a mission to begin populating Mars have a divine encounter that leads to a conclusion of biblical proportions.

On Queue

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Two strangers drawn to an unexplained event try to fill time while waiting for something, anything, to happen.

Two strangers drawn to an unexplained event try to fill time while waiting for something, anything, to happen.

When in Rome

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A day at the Colosseum.

A day at the Colosseum.

Vegetables are Revolting!

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A corny story any way you spinach.

A corny story any way you spinach.

To Fetch a Pail of Water

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Not only are Jack and Jill incapable of fetching a pail of water without falling down, they're not very good with rhymes either.

Not only are Jack and Jill incapable of fetching a pail of water without falling down, they're not very good with rhymes either.

The Cat in the Box

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A cat who has never sat in a box considers its options.

A cat who has never sat in a box considers its options.

Heads You Lose

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A woman takes extreme measures to access a man's cell phone.

A woman takes extreme measures to access a man's cell phone.

Better Call Shoenstein

by Morey Norkin and John Busser

Synopsis

A collaboration with John Busser (who, truth be told, did most of the heavy lifting and deserves most of the credit, or blame if you prefer).

10 MINUTE - When standup comic Cicero Lipschitz lost the gig of a lifetime, there’s only one man he can turn to. Better call Shoenstein!

Featuring characters mentioned only once in Morey's WHEN IN ROME and John's RELEASE THE KAREN, but their story needs to be told. See...

A collaboration with John Busser (who, truth be told, did most of the heavy lifting and deserves most of the credit, or blame if you prefer).

10 MINUTE - When standup comic Cicero Lipschitz lost the gig of a lifetime, there’s only one man he can turn to. Better call Shoenstein!

Featuring characters mentioned only once in Morey's WHEN IN ROME and John's RELEASE THE KAREN, but their story needs to be told. See what you made us do?

Can You Hear Me Now?

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Bell and Watson invent a way to revolutionize communication, if only they can find enough string.

Bell and Watson invent a way to revolutionize communication, if only they can find enough string.

The Juggler

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A wannabe villain tries out a new act.

A wannabe villain tries out a new act.

Pie 3.14 - This Time It’s Piesonal !

by Christopher Plumridge and Morey Norkin

Synopsis

In Pie 3.14 This Time It's Piesonal, we see intrepid P.I. John Pie take on his third case, but this time it's personal. Someone wants to murder John Pie, so Pie has to find out who while he is still alive "Because I'm no use to me dead"

A globe trotting Noir comedy drama from those who bought you Pie 1 and Pie 2.

Read if you dare, and have nothing better to do.....

In Pie 3.14 This Time It's Piesonal, we see intrepid P.I. John Pie take on his third case, but this time it's personal. Someone wants to murder John Pie, so Pie has to find out who while he is still alive "Because I'm no use to me dead"

A globe trotting Noir comedy drama from those who bought you Pie 1 and Pie 2.

Read if you dare, and have nothing better to do.....

Better Call Shoenstein

by John Busser and Morey Norkin

Synopsis

A collaboration with Morey Norkin (who frankly, should have known better than to collaborate with me)

10 MINUTE - When standup comic Cicero Lipschitz lost the gig of a lifetime, there’s only one man he can turn to. Better call Shoenstein!

Featuring characters mentioned only once in Morey's WHEN IN ROME and John's RELEASE THE KAREN, but their story needs to be told. See what you made us do?

A collaboration with Morey Norkin (who frankly, should have known better than to collaborate with me)

10 MINUTE - When standup comic Cicero Lipschitz lost the gig of a lifetime, there’s only one man he can turn to. Better call Shoenstein!

Featuring characters mentioned only once in Morey's WHEN IN ROME and John's RELEASE THE KAREN, but their story needs to be told. See what you made us do?

Goldilocks and the Three Bowls of Ramen

by Morey Norkin

Synopsis

Pretty much the Goldilocks story you know with a few different characters and ramen. This is intended for young performers. If native English speakers, most likely elementary or middle school. If ESL students, most likely middle or high school. For schools in Japan, I have a slightly different version that includes Japanese translation. If interested, please use my NPX contact to inquire.

Pretty much the Goldilocks story you know with a few different characters and ramen. This is intended for young performers. If native English speakers, most likely elementary or middle school. If ESL students, most likely middle or high school. For schools in Japan, I have a slightly different version that includes Japanese translation. If interested, please use my NPX contact to inquire.

(A Day in) The Life of Pie

by Morey Norkin and Christopher Plumridge

Synopsis

A collaboration with Christopher Plumridge.

IF YOU’VE ALREADY READ THIS ON CHRISTOPHER PLUMRIDGE’S PAGE, STOP NOW! IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER!

A song lyric based play noir.

PI John Pie receives a letter from a mystery lady by the name of Kay, she needs him to find the murderer of her father, X. Will this wizened old ex-cop be able to follow her clues and track down X's exes....is Kay all she seems, who really...

A collaboration with Christopher Plumridge.

IF YOU’VE ALREADY READ THIS ON CHRISTOPHER PLUMRIDGE’S PAGE, STOP NOW! IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER!

A song lyric based play noir.

PI John Pie receives a letter from a mystery lady by the name of Kay, she needs him to find the murderer of her father, X. Will this wizened old ex-cop be able to follow her clues and track down X's exes....is Kay all she seems, who really was the shoeshine man... and does anyone care......?

Back in August 2022, across miles of sea and land, two wrangling writers from two great countries separated by one common language decided to take the beginnings of a simple monologue and produced this earth shattering, ground breaking 'PLAY NOIR' !

Christopher Plumridge (British, don't you know!) and Morey Norkin (Our Man in Japan) bring you.....
(A DAY IN) THE LIFE OF PIE !

Pie 2 - A Bigger Slice of Pie

by Morey Norkin and Christopher Plumridge

Synopsis

You didn’t ask for a sequel. You didn’t need it. Surely, you didn’t want it. (Sorry for calling you Shirley.) But here it is anyway, the sequel to (A Day in) The Life of Pie: Pie 2 - A Bigger Slice of Pie!

Yes, those two desperate, attention-seeking playwrights, Christopher Plumridge and Morey Norkin, are at it again. Follow PI John Pie as he tries to unravel the mystery of who killed Maxwell with his silver...

You didn’t ask for a sequel. You didn’t need it. Surely, you didn’t want it. (Sorry for calling you Shirley.) But here it is anyway, the sequel to (A Day in) The Life of Pie: Pie 2 - A Bigger Slice of Pie!

Yes, those two desperate, attention-seeking playwrights, Christopher Plumridge and Morey Norkin, are at it again. Follow PI John Pie as he tries to unravel the mystery of who killed Maxwell with his silver hammer. (You can already see where this is headed.)

But wait! You say you haven’t read the first Pie adventure? Well, now you can listen to it! Enjoy an all-star cast of some of your favorite playwrights (and me): John Busser, Jacquie Floyd-Priskorn, Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend, Dana Hall, and Debra Cole! Conceived, directed, recorded, nursed, and bankrolled by Christopher Plumridge.

https://youtu.be/5X6PXk1Z0r8?si=g48paoJ3I8Hnsoyd