THE COLLECTION
24 HOURS AM and 24 HOURS PM are companion pieces that together create an integrated program of 24 short plays with each reflecting on the events of a particular hour of the day or night. These plays can be presented individually or, as they were originally presented at Back Alley theater, as a doubleheader. Conceived by playwright Oliver Haily, the compilation boasts an impressive roster of authors including Pulitzer Prize winners, Paul Zindel with Bonnie Zindel, and Beth Henley, Rick Lenz, Sam Bobrick, Jerry Mayer, Christine Rimmer, and Marcia Rodd.
When Back Alley Theatre dissolved, 24 HOURS AM and 24 HOURS PM were gifted to the Dramatists Guild of America, Inc., an organization to which several of the writers were members and whom the authors collectively wished to benefit from the works. This portfolio is actively managed by DG©M.
ALL INQUIRIES relating to the titles below can be directed to info@thedgcm.org.
24 Hours AM
This first half of the 24 HOURS covers the hours of one AM to twelve noon. “Ranging widely in mood and style, from zany humor to touching sentiment to near tragedy, the plays cover the gamut of human emotions as well as the times of the day. Neatly dovetailed, the program moves along with exceptional swiftness and in covering so many facets of the human condition, provides a unique theatrical experience which, without question, offers something for everyone.” (DPS website)
Flexible casting and set.
24 Hours PM
This play covers events that take place from one PM to twelve midnight. “The range of subjects and people represented is as broad and diverse as the imaginations of the writers involved. Somehow, however, life seems brighter when the “wee hours” have been left behind, and the result is a predominance of humor, much of it offbeat and truly hilarious, although a balance of serious and poignant moments is also provided to leaven the mixture.” (DPS website)
Flexible casting and set.
“The variety displayed here is tremendous. From birth to death and everything in between, these writers have it covered.”
“Adventurous, flinty, tender, original and esoteric pieces, proving, time and again, that you don’t have to be long-winded to be good.”
“A program of great variety and wide-ranging imagination...it’s thrilling to see that high-quality entertainment can be produced in concentrated form.”