Join us for an evening of original one-act plays by Iowa writers. Featuring a variety of styles and themes. These never before produced works showcase some of the best of MCT’S own annual playwright competition.
“Love is a Mystery” by Edie Goodwin, a winner of the 2024 Marshalltown Community Theatre Playwriting Competition.
“Love is a Mystery” is the story of two married couples who inadvertently meet at a restaurant. Each of the members of both couples is engaged in an affair – – facts which surprise all four of the diners. “Love is a Mystery” was written by Edie Goodwin of Council Bluffs and is directed by Rick Gooding.
Judges who selected this play as a winning entry noted the “dialogue offers lots of physical and emotional expressions” and that “…we all need more attention and explicit expressions of love and respect, and without it we cannot thrive. Some can find their way back to it, if respect still exists…” The play also features a silent waitress whose appearances and expressions hearken back to become a type of “Greek chorus” as the story unfolds.
“Family Reunion” by Pete Grady was selected by a committee of the Marshalltown Community Theatre to be performed.
“Family Reunion” is the story of a very feisty older woman who has been placed in a nursing home by her children. She is not happy with this turn of events. “Family Reunion” was written by Pete Grady of Marshalltown. Directed by Pete Grady with the assistance of Jonathan Kirner and Janine Campbell.
Judges called this play “poignant – anyone who has lived through this experience will relate” and “a relatable theme to most, if not all, who would experience the performance”
“The Gravedigger” by Quinn Young, a winner of the 2024 Marshalltown Community Theatre Playwriting Competition. “The Gravedigger” is a monologue by a man who has lived a very hard life–a man who has suffered loss and pain. It was written by ISU student Quinn Young, is performed by Troy Gould with a brief appearance by Jonathan Kirner. Directed by Jonathan Kirner with the assistance of Pete Grady.
Judges who selected this play as a winning entry praised the work as “captivating, almost poetic at times” and called the play “interesting, arresting, very well written, full of movement and message (and) leaving us with no resolution but our own recognitions of that which is truth to us and the great suffering of loss that is life. I applaud the playwright for such a successful creation…”
Performance will be April 25 – May 3 at the Orpheum Theater 220 E Main St, Marshalltown, IA
Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:00
Sunday performance is at 2:00