THEATRE
BLUEPRINT for PARADISE
Laurel’s full-length play, BLUEPRINT for PARADISE had its world premiere in the summer of 2016 at the Hudson Theatre Mainstage in Hollywood, California. The ruins of an abandoned WWII Nazi compound in Pacific Palisades, known today as the ‘Murphy Ranch,’ are the inspiration for Laurel’s play.
Set in 1941 during the weeks leading up to the attack on Pearl Harbor, and inspired by true events, this play imagines the relationship between African American architect Paul Revere Williams (designer of landmark L.A. buildings including Saks Fifth Ave and the Los Angeles County Courthouse, as well as private residences for Bert Lahr, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, and Frank Sinatra) and a wealthy American couple who employed him to design a compound and training ground for Nazi sympathizers. The play was a semi-finalist in the Eugene O’Neill Theatre competition and the Center Stage/Humanitas playwriting prize.
ASHES to ASHES
Laurel was executive producer for the world premiere stage play ASHES to ASHES, a madcap comedy which ran at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, December 2017 to January 2018. What’s the story? Ex-couple liberal Sara and right-winger Jefferson are polar opposites about everything — except their love and devotion for their two, newly deceased, filthy-rich best friends.
Trapped by the time-constraints of their friends’ will, the two are forced to spend the next 16 days, 21 hours and 32 minutes together, scattering ashes across Europe.
ATHENA CATS
Laurel was a co-founder of the ATHENA CATS a collective of female playwrights and directors formed to bring SoCal femme playwrights work to the stage. The Athena Cats held 10-minute staged readings based on new works, helped facilitate connections between theatrical professionals, and had sold-out shows for two full-length theatrical plays. The various members continue to support plays and works by women.
Please feel free to contact Laurel Wetzork or email Debbie Bolsky at: debbie@dbolskywriter.com for any questions.
5 SIRENS
Beware of Rocks!
Laurel’s short play OUT of HERE! Is about a bi-sexed Alien and a guy from Missouri who have different ideas about inter-species communication, with dire results. The run was completely sold out and had great reviews. Laurel also created the pastel painting that was the basis for the poster and other artwork.
MORE
IRISH MISTS:
A dark comedy about a woman who tries to hide her descent into Alzheimer’s from her family and fight off reconciliation attempts by her estranged daughter. Set in Ireland.
THE CRITIC:
About five old hoofers who confront an especially caustic and bitter theater critic (WIP).
THE NEW RELIGIONISTS:
Set in the future after the Great War. Religion and politics have combined and women know their place until a rebel female preacher sets loose a mind virus (WIP).
ICEBREAKER:
A romantic screwball comedy set aboard a small cruise ship.
HOT CONSOMMÉ:
It’s 2045 and the Imperium threatens to cancel Chef Alan’s reality-based gourmet cooking show (and his home) unless ratings improve. Chef Alan just wants to cook real food. The Imperium has other ideas.
LEVELS:
Written for Theater of Hope for Abused Women about different levels of domestic violence and the road to healing. Produced in NoHo arts district, North Hollywood. Excellent for performances in women’s shelters and available to domestic violence or other women’s non-profit support groups. (available to non-profit groups, minimal charge for postage)
DEVIL INSIDE:
A one-act play about schizophrenia, a finalist in the national NETC play writing competition.