THE STORIES: All About Al by Cherie Vogelstein. In a New York coffee shop, a cad named Gil awaits the arrival of his girlfriend, Allison, so that he can break up with her. In walks their old pal Lenny, a tragically hopeless romantic in mourning over his own most recent rejection. As these two opposites debate the merits of love and sex, it becomes clear they agree on only one thing: They both want Allison…or do they? (2 men, 1 woman.)
Deaf Day by Leslie Ayvazian. A young mother encourages her deaf son to interact with other children by creating a practice day at the park. She has to help her son overcome his fear of others teasing him. At the end of the day, the son is charged with determination but still fears the hearing world and requests the next day be spent at home as a quiet day. (1 woman.)
Dreamtime for Alice by Susan Kim. Forty-three-year-old book editor Alice flees a failed marriage and suburban despair in America and finds herself unintentionally stranded in the Australian outback. Armed with only sunscreen, a Swiss army knife, and a caustic attitude, she is initially breezy. However she grows increasingly desperate and watches both self-assurance and her very worldview slip away as she begins to question not only the possibility of rescue, but the deeper meaning of her life. By finally owning up to her weaknesses and asking for grace, she is able to attain a certain transcendence…but at a cost. (2 women.)
GOODBYE OSCAR by Romulus Linney. It is Oscar Wilde's last moment on earth. He thinks of his trip to the United States, when a young bellhop was sent to his hotel room as a "gift." It is obvious to Oscar that the youth does not want to be there. Oscar asks him what his troubles are, finds out, and sends him away with $100. Then he thinks of himself at a dingy café in France, meeting the same young man, now dressed as a British gentleman, who knows all about him. Why? When he discovers that, Oscar Wilde understands that he is dead and accepts the love of heaven. (2 men.)
