Jon Spano
- Joey Variations
Young, world-weary dancer Joey is forced into a rehab clinic — after collapsing on-stage from a methamphetamine overdose — by Rita, his transgender substance abuse counselor. When the bipolar Peltan and the over-sexed Dylan befriend him, Joey discovers that rehab is not a safe haven. Rebuking the psychological clichés of therapy, Joey embarks on a tortourous inner journey. Rita’s questionable approach to counseling, as well as his own need for atonement, forces him to reveal his devastating secret.
Two-Act – 2 hours – simple set
4M: 3 mid-to-late 20s, mid-30s
1F: 75
1T: male-to-female transgender 40ish
- Rule for Everything
Terry and Caryn prepare to host a gathering to celebrate their recent engagement. They live with Terry’s sharp-tongued mother Miranda. Terry’s sexy college roommate, Bryant, arrives early and chills the festivities. Caryn already knew of the relationship between the men, and chalked it up to frat-boy experimentation. But more than their sexual history, Bryant keeps a more shocking secret, of which even Terry is unaware. Miranda, who adores Bryant and is aware and supportive of the men's history, knows the men will be happier with each other and wishes that her son would marry him. With her influence, Bryant reveals his long-kept secret which will alter the future for them all.
One-Act – 90 min. – one set
2M: mid-to-late 20s
2F: mid-to-late 20s, mid 50s
- The Poetry of Cars
Azwell Dove, an accomplished, middle-aged, Detroit car designer, makes a last-ditch effort to mend his ruptured family. His lesbian, poet daughter appears to succumb to the same madness that drove her mother to suicide. She “summons” Anne Sexton, to help regain custody of her daughter, who lives with her former partner. Azwell's rebellious, heroin-addicted son rants against the American economy. Azwell’s girlfriend tries to be the mother his children never had. And Azwell’s down-and-out-brother reignites tensions and secrets that not even the rediscovery of a prized family heirloom, a 1966 Buick Electra, can smother. For it is the iconic antique automobile itself that offers a glimmer of hope that the idealized happiness of the past can be restored.
One-Act – 1 hr. 30 min. – minimal set
3M: 2 middle-aged, mid 20s
4F: 2 mid-20s, 2 middle-aged
- Real Smiles
While vacationing in Provincetown, best friends Zed and Matt confront their shared history with the glamorous Elliot. The men are forced to confront their loneliness and angst, as well as address the difficulty of forming intimate relationships within an image-based community. When Elliot re-enters their lives, both men realize that “damaged goods” lie beneath his glossy exterior. Zed and Matt examine the nature of artifice versus authenticity, sex versus love, loyalty versus betrayal, and fear of aging. Will the awareness inspire inner transformation?
One-Act – 1 hr. 5 min. – simple set
3M: 2 mid-30s, mid 20s
- Labor Day Weekend
Jason, a transgender male, is cuffed to the bedposts by his wife Andrea, who intends on torturing Jason until he reveals the truth about his extramarital affairs. But in this comedy, Jason’s big surprise proves that love has no constraints.
One-Act – 11 min. – set with 1 four-post bed
1F: early 30s
1T: female-to-male transgender early 30s
- Odd Hamlet
When Hamlet’s dialogue is reassigned and reassembled among the classic play’s characters, Shakespeare’s tragedy is re-written as a male-on-male, happy-ending romance between Hamlet and Horatio. As Hamlet and Horatio fight off the macho gay menace, Claudius, and pursue their music with the tone-deaf Ophelia, not even the drug-addicted Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, or the face-lifted Gertrude, can prevent the two young heroes from their transcendent passion.
One-Act – minimal set
6M: 4 early 20s, late 40s; 70s
2F: early 20s, late 40s