2nd Act Players commission new play, “The Roaring 2020s” for post-pandemic return to the stage

The 2nd Act Players has commissioned award-winning playwright John Mabey to write a new two-act comedy about post-pandemic life. Tentatively titled The Roaring 2020s, the play will follow the lives of a family — a father, mother, grandmother,  adult daughter, adult son and his boyfriend, trying to figure out what is “normal” in the days after the pandemic comes to a close.

“John has twice been one of the winners of a 2nd Act Players’ new script competition, so we thought him a great choice to work with on a new comedy. People need to laugh now more than ever,” says 2nd Act Players’ Cofounder John N. Frank.

This marks the first time the 2nd Act Players have commissioned a new play. “It’s another step forward in our development as a theater. Our mission is to showcase new works for the stage, which is exactly what this will be,” says Frank.

“Our hope is to workshop the new script this summer and then decide if it’s ready for a full production when we, hopefully, return to live theater this fall,” says Frank.

Mabey’s plays have been published and produced across the United States and Europe, and this year his work is included in Smith & Kraus Best 10-Minute Plays and Smith & Kraus Best Women’s Monologues.

In addition to writing, he’s a certified mental health counselor, improviser, and true storyteller around the world