FUNNY BONED
– OR-
HOW I LEARNED TO SCHTICK THE LANDING
by H. Russ Brown
Out of work actor, Zee, is hopelessly overwhelmed after having bluffed their way into getting hired on as the emergency replacement asst. stage manager of a major Broadway extravaganza. Luckily, when veteran vaudevillian, Duppy O’Gale, takes our hapless hero under their wing, it looks like Zee might actually have a ghost of a chance at pulling it all off… However, after the chaotic arrival of the show’s egocentric star – who turns out to be a “second banana” from Duppy’s past – the SCHTICK hits the fan in this hilariously high-spirited backstage farce.
- Cast Size: 13 ANY
- Running Time: 90+ minutes
- Royalty Rate: $75 per performance
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About the Playwright
H. Russ Brown is a Theatre Artist / Educator currently serving 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.
A published playwright with Next Stage Press, 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, the 2005 KCACTF NST Fellowship for Outstanding Individual Achievement in Playwriting for his down home comedy, STUD DUCKS AND HORNY TOADS and two national awards from the 2022 Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival in Special Achievement in Performance Ensemble and Special Achievement in Production of a New Work for his wildly funny farce, A DIVINE KERFUFFLE.
Holding a B.S. degree from Texas A&M University and an M.F.A. degree in Acting from Western Illinois University, H. Russ has taught/guest lectured in collegiate programs across the country. He is also a nationally recognized Certified Teacher / Fight Director with the Society of American Fight Directors.
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 Brown
This show made me laugh and warmed my heart as a fan of theatre. Just an absolutely wonderful story with crazy characters for actors to really sink their teeth into. The amount of thought and detail put into this show make my theatre heart smile. Wonderful farce!
I had the pleasure of seeing the world premiere of this play and it was a riot! An ode to vaudeville with fascinating characters, quick wit, and a whole lot of heart. The playwright clearly knows his stuff and I even learned a thing or two. There’s something in this play for every theatre maker to dig into, and I can see this playing exceptionally well across all stages. A play for all audiences that everyone should see and sure to be a comedy classic!
H. Russ Brown’s “Funny Boned” is a hilarious fast-paced “backstage” farce that doubles as a master class in physical comedy. Brown has conceived a fun screwball comedy that will delight audiences who need to laugh. But he’s gone further to offer detailed wall-to-wall descriptions of “bits and business” for the actors to embrace. For that reason, while very suitable for professionals, this show would also make a great teaching tool for young artists to hone their skills in time honored silliness. Nearly a lost art! Actors, directors, and designers who check their shame at the door and strap into this whirligig will have a riot. Audiences will too.
Review Funny Boned.