Stud Ducks and Horny Toads
by H. Russ. Brown
Stud Ducks and Horny Toads follows the misadventures of Milton Day and his grandson, Russell, as they blaze a trail of bull$#!+ across West Texas in this All-American comedy of warmth, wit, family, and taxidermied lizards!
Winner of the 2003 KCACTF Region III One-Act Playwriting Competition.
Winner of a 2005 KCACTF NST Fellowship for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Playwriting
- Cast Size: 4M 2W 1B
- Running Time: 90 minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 performance
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About the Playwright
H. Russ Brown is a Theatre Artist/Educator currently serving as Head of Theatre/Artistic Director for the College of the Mainland Theatre program in Texas City, TX.
H. Russ began his career over 25 years ago in his native Texas. He has worked professionally in the theatre as an actor, director, dialect specialist, movement coach, fight director, and nationally award-winning playwright – writing dozens of shows that have been produced in theatres across the country.
He has been honored numerous times for his plays including the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts New Visions/New Voices award for his musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde’s classic short story, THE SELFISH GIANT, and the 2005 Kenndy Center American College Theatre Festival’s NST Fellowship for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Playwriting for his comedy, STUD DUCKS AND HORNY TOADS.
H. Russ has taught/guest lectured at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the University of Houston, Texas Tech University, Illinois State University, North Carolina School of the Arts, Ball State University, Lon Morris College, Nicolet College, Spoon River College and Western Illinois University – just to name a few. He holds a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University and an M.F.A. in Acting from Western Illinois University.
His greatest source of pride, however, is his beautiful wife, Elizabeth, and his amazing kids, Grant and Auben.
“Love is my Sword, Faith is my Armor,& Humor is my Shield.” – H. Russ Bown
ALSO BY H. RUSS BROWN
Stud Ducks and Horny Toads was produced in 2016 as the final show of the season, and it didn’t disappoint! Hilarious but touching, this play fit beautifully into our small, 70-seat theatre. The characters, based on Russ’ own extended family, seemed like folks we’ve all known (or been related to)…
Ed Hanson, founder
Talking Horse Productions
Columbia, Missouri
The title says this play is probably “cute”- and it is- Brown follows all the rules for a heartwarming, nostalgic, memory of a play that’s rich with people you know and themes you’ve likely considered before- and this would be a lovely work if he stopped there… but Stud Ducks wouldn’t be as special as it is if he did. His dramatic structure is solid, his dialogue is so clever that it’s delightful and often surprising, and he somehow marries the sweetness of childhood family memories with the grit of dreams deferred in a remarkably seamless way. He fleshes out his archetypal characters with a finesse that is so honest it’s refreshing, and his deft storytelling sets this apart from other works in this vein. His words give the most seasoned of actors and directors something to work with, but his simple, straightforward storytelling is forgiving enough that even the most novice of crews can knock this out of the park. Small cast, single location, simple lights and costumes- any troupe can pull this off; but with a group of talented, dedicated artists, this gem will be the highlight of any season. As hilarious as it is poignant, as charming as it is insightful, Stud Ducks is a piece that is utterly American in its tone, but ultimately pulls off the rare feat of showcasing both the grandeur and humility of being part of any family, anywhere.
I absolutely loved the play and all the characters! Of course I knew them all personally! I am his Mom!
This title was absolutely perfect for our high school cast. The playwright was absolutely amazing to work with on this script and his willingness to share knowledge was an absolute pleasure for us.
Stud Ducks at its heart is a family play. Many of our patrons connected to each and every character in a unique and fascinating way. The characters reminded them of family members past or even family members present. The characters resonated with the audience and it gave them each special memorable moments. One patron said it was like attending his family reunion.
The playwright mentions how this play was a memory play for him. However, this play is a memory play for all of us. It gives us all that last chance to reconnect with some of our family members once more. This hilarious play will connect with your audiences on so many levels and I would highly recommend this title be added to your upcoming season.
Review Stud Ducks and Horny Toads.