A Brief Synopsis of some of my plays
For A Good Time, Mary
For A Good Time, Mary
For A Good Time, Mary
For A Good Time, Mary, a hilarious comedy, is a story about a housewife trying to help her family by becoming a phone sex operator.
Discovering June
For A Good Time, Mary
For A Good Time, Mary
Discovering June is a fantasy drama about a young girl's journey to learn more about her mother on a remote Georgia island.
The Art of Deception
For A Good Time, Mary
The Art of Deception
The Art of Deception is a drama featuring a mother and daughter and deception that could destroy their fragile relationship.
Trillium
Ring My Bell, Ramona
The Art of Deception
Set in the NC Mountains, Trillium is a tale of a young woman, love, jealousy and revenge with a little magic tossed in.
Ring My Bell, Ramona
Ring My Bell, Ramona
Ring My Bell, Ramona
Ring My Bell, Ramona is a comedy/drama about a young preacher faced with a moral dilemma and life changing decisions.
A Good Move
Ring My Bell, Ramona
Ring My Bell, Ramona
A Good Move, a prequel to For A Good Time, Mary, is a comedy about aging, losing ones independence and a predatory landlord.
Some Reviews
Trillium, An Appalachian Drama
Karen Ruetz has crafted a ballad, a lyrical and rapturous tale of growing up too fast, of self-love mistaken for schoolgirl crushes, of schoolgirl crushes feeding adult obsessions. A character-rich tale, cleverly composing dialog that clearly sets time and place,Trillium reminds us that language is music, that time is fluid, that adulthood is elusive, and that love is as unexpected as a rainbow after a storm or as the wrong root contaminating a lovingly prepared casserole.
It weaves a spell that is effective, enduring, and inescapable.
Atlanta Theatre Buzz, Brad Rudy
For A Good Time, Mary
A little bit of naughty and a whole lot of funny! A snappy script with a lot of laughs!
"One of our most popular productions ever!" – Broadway Bound Productions
What a wild ride! We couldn't stop laughing. Definitely a wacky, campy, fun plot! We especially enjoyed the character of Grammy J!
Discovering June
A sophisticated play that allows flexible casting for all ages.
Ruetz blends history and legend with art and the natural world to give us a coming-of-age tale that will engage the youngest of audiences. It's unique, filled with surprise, and crafted with care. The design elements are rich with possibilities. It's a lovely addition to the TYA canon.
The Art of Deception
Ruetz paints an accurate portrait of the shifting nature of Alzheimer's, as well as the complicated nature of a strained mother/daughter relationship. The characters are smartly drawn, recognizable, and complicated humans that actors will enjoy inhabiting. Lila herself is a masterpiece for a strong mature actress, with beautiful monologues that invite the audience into her artistic process.
Bobnu Zerok
A touching Halloween play about friendship and acceptance. Filled with humorous dialogue, this is a play that audience members of all ages will enjoy.
Zoom Dump
There's never been a ZOOM DUMP quite like this comedy from Karen Ruetz. And just when you think you know where it's going, it takes an even bigger turn! The writing here is both sensitive and funny, giving depth to a situation that feels both heightened and real. And the characters are explored with such compelling detail that you'll be thinking about them and what comes next long after the curtain closes.
Heart Attack
Ms. Ruetz has masterfully used dramatic irony to great effect. The fun in this piece- and it is great fun- is watching the realization unfold for both women and seeing where they take it from there. A tale of inter generational female bonding. Read it, produce it!