Bob Cooner
Playwright

Plays for the Stage and Radio

All About Bob Cooner

Bob Cooner is a playwright, director, and actor in Sacramento, California. After growing up in Houston, Texas and graduating from the University of Houston in 1979, Bob moved to New York City to pursue his dream of a life in the theatre. From 1979-1989, he worked as a professional actor and director in New York, regionally, and on tour. In 1989, Bob moved to Chicago where he was a founding member of the Cactus Theatre Company and continued to perform in and direct other theatre projects as well. There, he also returned to school to get his master’s degree in education from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1995. Bob met his husband-to-be, Matthew Abergel, in Chicago, and, in 1999, Bob and Matthew moved to California, first to the Bay Area and then in 2001 to Sacramento. In 2020, he retired from a long career as a high school teacher of English and theatre. Both Bob and Matthew have been active in Sacramento area theatre since then, most significantly at the historic Woodland Opera House in Woodland, California. Bob's plays have been produced in regional and educational theaters throughout the country.

Plays for the Stage

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Prime Time for the Holidays

A New Retro Comedy with Music

It’s December 1966, and all of America is primed to watch their favorite happy TV couple, Cookie and Ray, in their annual holiday musical special. Little do fans know that Cookie and Ray’s marriage is on the rocks—and what’s worse, the prerecorded special has gone missing. The only fix is a live telecast from their home, but can the show go on with Cookie and Ray at each other’s throats?

Features original music and arrangements by Sam Schieber.

Winner, 2020 BroadwayWorld Sacramento Region "Best Original Script of the Decade" (2020).

Cast: 4 women, 5 men.

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

The Emperor's New Clothes

Adapted from the tale by Hans Christian Andersen

It’s not easy being 13, especially not for Calvin. His father, the kingdom’s beloved emperor, has died, and now Calvin is expected to assume the throne—the last thing this shy, awkward boy wants to do. And just when Calvin needs his family most, his jealous Uncle Giles conspires with a couple of slippery con artists to steal the crown away from his vulnerable nephew. Can Calvin overcome his insecurities and thwart Giles’s dastardly plot? All will be revealed in this surprising new twist on the Hans Christian Andersen classic.
Cast: 3 women, 3 men, 1 child (boy).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Summer Days

A Modern Family Dramedy

Last summer, Andy Cavanaugh had a wife and a career. Now widowed and retired, he faces the meddling of his well-intentioned family who are convinced they know what's best for him. Little do they know that someone from Andy's past will challenge all of them to navigate a future they never expected. As you join the Cavanaughs for three summer celebrations, you'll see your own family's quirks in the ups and downs of this modern blended family.
Cast: 6 women (1 teen), 4 men (1 teen).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Twelfth Grade

Adapted from Twelfth Night (or What You Will)

by William Shakespeare

After their parents' divorce, high school senior twin siblings V (Veannne) and Baz (Basil) have been separated: V has moved to Elmira, NY to live with her dad, while Baz is staying at home in Queens with their mom. V's androgynous look results in her being mistaken for a boy, but that's cool, especially since it means quick acceptance into the school's drama club. Alas, problems and hilarity ensue in this high school comedy perfect for 21st-century teens.
Cast: 5 women (teens), 6 men (teens), plus extras (teens).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

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Little Miss Murder

A 30s Hollywood Whodunnit

1937. A Hollywood party celebrating the completion of the filming of Little Miss Miracle, the latest from Audrey O'Rourke, child star and box office darling. When a budding starlet turns up dead and a powerful studio chief is found unconscious, all the glittering guests become potential next victims as well as suspects. A twisty and funny mystery that captures the glamour and history of the period.

Cast: 6 women, 3 men, 1 child (girl).

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Published by Next Stage Press.

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Agatha Christie's Diamonds and Death

A Hercule Poirot Mystery

Adapted from the Agatha Christie short stories

"The Adventure of the Western Star"

and "The Tragedy of Marsdon Manor"

World-famous detective Hercule Poirot, accompanied by Captain Hastings, his intrepid friend and colleague, solves two baffling mysteries, one involving a rare diamond and the other centering on a curious death at a manor house.

Flexible cast size: 5 men, 3 women (w/doubling) up to 10 men, 4 women.

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Published by Next Stage Press

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Best Sellers

A New Women-Centered Comedy

Middle-aged and divorced, Shelley Kramer looks forward to drinks and dishing at book club with her three closest friends. But when she invites a young new coworker into the club as a romantic set-up for her grown son, long-buried secrets and rivalries erupt and loyalties are tested. A women-centric play that celebrates the joys and challenges of friendship.
Cast: 5 women, 1 man.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

The Gift of the Magi

Adapted from the O. Henry Short Story

Flexible cast size: 3 women, 3 men (w/doubling) up to 5 women, 6 men.

Radio Version available, too (4 actors, 80 minutes).

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Yes, Virginia, There Is a Santa Claus

A New Holiday Play for Families

New York City, 1897. Christmas is almost here, but eight-year-old Virginia O'Hanlon suddenly is facing a crisis of belief: Is Santa Claus real or not? Famously, she writes a letter to a local paper to give her a definitive answer to that most crucial of questions. Funny and heartwarming, this new holiday play will delight audiences of all ages.
Cast: 3 adult women, 2 adult men, 4 young girls.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.
Published by Next Stage Press

The Taming of the Shrew

A 75-minute Adaptation

of William Shakespeare's Classic Comedy

A bright and breezy 75-minute adaptation of William Shakespeare's classic war-between-the-sexes comedy. Baptista won't allow his youngest daughter Bianca to marry until his oldest daughter, the obstinate and opinionated Katherine, is married. Enter the boastful and wily Petruchio with plans to "tame" Katherine and marry her. One of Shakespeare's most-produced and best-loved comedies, this adaptation retains Shakespeare's language and verse 99.9% of the time.
Flexible cast size: 15 (w/doubling) up to 20, any gender.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Rabbit Hood

A New Comedy for Families

Peter Rabbit and his family in Sherwood Glade have already been victimized by big business food company MacGregor Corp. Now, they might lose even more unless Peter and his friends can stop MacGregor Corp CEO Jonathan Prince's plans to destroy their home and food supply. RABBIT HOOD is a very funny and contemporary mash-up of Beatrix Potter's Peter Rabbit and the tales of Robin Hood.
Cast: 6 women (2 adults, 1 older teen, 3 younger teens), 3 men (1 adult, 2 older teens).
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.

A Room with a View

A New Adaptation of E. M. Forster's Novel

A holiday in 1907 Italy with her spinster cousin changes everything for young Lucy Honeychurch. After experiencing adventure, romance, and passion in Florence, will Lucy ever reconcile herself to a more conventional life in England with her family and fiancé? Brimming with eccentric characters, humor, and charm, A ROOM WITH A VIEW is the perfect romantic comedy.
Flexible cast size: 8 women (1 young teen), 7 men (with doubling) up to 17 women, 18 men.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.

Published by Next Stage Press

The Ghost of Woodland Opera House

by Matthew Abergel and Bob Cooner

An Original Supernatural Comedy

Winner: Best Play, 2023 BroadwayWorld Sacramento Awards

A troupe of traveling actors in 1909 arrive at the Woodland Opera House to perform their latest melodrama, Daughter of the West, complete with a hiss-worthy villain and virtuous young heroine. But mysterious accidents make a maddening mess of their dress rehearsal. Could it be the malevolent meddling of the ghost that reportedly haunts the theatre? Inspired by the real-life heroism of Woodland firefighter William Porter, this charming family-friendly comedy is a celebration the vital role live theatre plays in creating community. Cast: 4 women, 5 men. Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

As You Like It

A 75-Minute Adaptation

of William Shakespeare's Romantic Comedy

When Rosalind is banished from the court by her usurping uncle, she and her cousin Celia flee in disguise to the Forest of Arden. There, they encounter a host of romantic and comical characters all seeking that special something or someone who will make them feel complete. This 75-minute version of one of Shakespeare’s most- revered comedies, proves that “all the world’s a stage” for laughs and love. Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Murder 'Round Midnight

A Jazz-Infused 1950s Murder Mystery

1957, San Francisco. Dee Dee Desmond, a singer at the Night Hawk jazz club, finds herself implicated in the murder of the club's owner when he's found dead with a bullet in his back. Can Dee Dee discover the real killer before she winds up arrested--or dead? Imbued with the jazz sounds and noir sensibilities of the 1950s, Murder 'Round Midnight will appeal to both jazz junkies and mystery mavens. Cast: 5 women, 5 men. Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

The Man Who Found OZ

The Life of L. Frank Baum and

the Creation of The Wonderful Wizard of OZ

How did L. Frank Baum's own life's journey lead him to the creation of what is arguably the most beloved children's novel of all time, The Wonderful Wizard of OZ? From his youth in 19th century upstate New York, to his travels on the road as an actor and playwright, to his stint as a newspaper publisher on the midwestern plains, to his time in turn-of-the- 20th century Chicago as a salesman and ultimately a published author, L. Frank Baum's peripatetic biography is nothing less than remarkable. Characters from both his real life and his imagination come together to tell the story of Baum's own wondrous odyssey. Cast: 3 women, 6 men. Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

Radio Plays

A Christmas Carol: A Play for Live Radio

A Radio Adaptation of the Holiday Classic

Charles Dickens' A CHRISTMAS CAROL as a 70-minute, 1940s-style radio play. Meant to be accompanied by live music and sound effects, actors portray Ebenezer, Scrooge, Jacob Marley, Bob Cratchit, Tiny Tim and the rest of the beloved characters in this timeless holiday classic.

"Last night my family and I watched A Christmas Carol together. What a joy and delight it was ... to experience a different way of imagining theatre! Thank YOU for entertaining us so skillfully. It was outstanding!"

Flexible cast size: 5-20+.

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

The Gift of the Magi: A Play for Live Radio

A Radio Adaptation of O. Henry's Short Story

O. Henry's beloved Christmas classic takes on new dimensions in this adaptation that moves the action forward to World War I-era New York City. Very much in love, newlyweds Della and James want to make their first Christmas together extra special, but they'll need a miracle to overcome the obstacles posed by family and finances. The young couple encounter colorful New York characters from all walks of life in their quest to give each other the perfect gift. 80 minutes.
"We thought Gift of the Magi was wonderful. For me, it brought back memories of listening to LUX Radio Theater which was one of my favorite radio programs when I was growing up."
"I listened to the broadcast last night. It was SO good! What a great gift to us all. I turned on the Christmas lights, made a wee cocktail and a snack, pulled out my drawing pencils, and listened to the cast tell me the story. What a delight to have a radio play!"
"This is a great gift to all of us -- thanks to one and all for making it possible for listeners to enjoy some meaningful, "old-fashioned"entertainment. The playwright's expansion of the original story line included some themes that really hit home now, so the performance also offered an opportunity for reflection."
Flexible cast size: 4-11 actors.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org

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The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb:

A Play for Live Radio

A Hercule Poirot Radio Mystery adapted from the Agatha Christie short story

"The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb"

Christie's famous Belgian detective Hercule Poirot travels to the site of an archeological dig in 1920s Egypt to uncover the truth behind a mysterious series of deaths. Could they be the result of an ancient curse -- or is there another explanation for the tragedies? May be paired with "Agatha Christie's The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman." 30 minutes.
Flexible cast size from 5-11.
Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.

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The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman:

A Play for Live Radio

A Hercule Poirot Radio Mystery adapted from the Agatha Christie short story

"The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman"

Hercule Poirot, that singularly brilliant detective, investigates the case of a murdered Italian count residing in 1920s London. Appearances are not what they seem in this quick-paced and humorous mystery adapted from Agatha Christie's short story. May be paired with "Agatha Christie's The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb." 30 minutes.

Flexible cast size from 5-11.

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org.

Agatha Christie's The Count and the Curse:

A Play for Live Radio

Two Hercule Poirot Radio Mysteries in One

adapted from the Agatha Christie short stories

"The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman" and

"The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb"

Hercule Poirot, Christie's famed detective, is back on the case! In the fast-paced "The Adventure of the Italian Nobleman," Poirot investigates the mysterious death of Count Foscatini. Next, Monsieur Poirot travels to Egypt to solve a series of mysterious murders linked to an ancient curse in "The Adventure of the Egyptian Tomb." 60 minutes.

Flexible cast size: 5-22.

Readable at www.newplayexchange.org