Testimonials for Jack Neary's Plays for Young Audiences
"There is much praise to be given to Jack Neary for his work as a playwright; his adaptations of popular folktales are not only entertaining to a modern audience, they are easily accessible, as well. Neary's uncanny ability empowers his characters to quickly develop a rapport with the audience, providing a friendly, enthusiastic medium through which his stories flow quite comfortably.
"Like all good children's theater, Neary educates as easily as he entertains.
With a comfortable audience, it becomes much easier to instruct; specifically,
the audience becomes so receptive to the story that they aren't even aware
they're learning anything. Although Neary routinely incorporates words and
concepts that are challenging for children (and, occasionally, adults) to
grasp, he always places such challenges within the context of his characters;
in this fashion, his meaning is easily explained or, better yet, inferred,
allowing the audience to formulate their own perception of the new material.
"Of all the traits that make his work unique, however, the greatest characteristic
of Neary's writing is that his material appeals to both children and adults
simultaneously, thereby making his work perfectly suited for any family theater.
"Furthermore, Neary has proven himself to be a practical playwright;
his Misdirected Series, a series of plays wherein the most elaborate set piece
is a trunk full of props, is ideal for any company with a limited budget.
At the present time, TRiBE for CHiLDREN performs Jack Neary plays exclusively,
and it is certainly responsible for our glowing reputation. TRiBE for CHiLDREN
would not be what it is today without the Misdirected Series.
Additionally, Neary's shows are tremendously fun to perform. Once TRiBE for
CHiLDREN had finished Robin Hood, we couldn't wait to produce another Jack
Neary show. He provides his performers with enough structure to allow for
very creative choices; most of his shows involve audience interaction and
some even involve audience participation. These elements not only keep the
audience engaged, it keeps the performers alert and ready.
"Jack Neary's plays are of the highest caliber. In many ways, they are
the Lay's potato chips of theater; 'Betcha can't produce just one!'"
-Larry Leggett
Secretary / Treasurer
TRiBE for CHiLDREN, Boston, Massachusetts
"I can't say enough about Jack Neary's wonderful children's theater productions. Jack's unique talent for providing comic, modern spins on all of our old favorite fairy tale stories lends itself to the creation of unsurpassed entertainment for both children and adults alike! In my experience as a performer and a teacher, nothing equals his humorous, creative, live children's theater presentations for stimulating interactive FUN in learning!"
-- Dawn Tucker, actor/teacher
“The houses were absolutely bursting for our production of The Ugly Duckling. Jack’s plays thoroughly engage the audience and even more, they ignite young actors! One of the best experiences Winchester Little Theatre’s ‘WLT for KIDS’ has ever had!”
--Sara Gomez, Director, Winchester (Virginia) Little Theatre's WLTfor KIDS
"Great FUN for all ages! Interactive and Participatory with loads of laughs! Easy shows to sell - Audiences always rave! School vacation week performances are always a sell-out! Actors totally enjoy their roles and beg for more of Jack's shows!"
--Cherie Ronayne, Parent, and former Marketing Director, Foothills Theatre, Worcester, Massachusetts
"Alice in Wonderland - a delightfully screwball version of the children's classic with a cast that can be expanded or kept small according to the whims of the director. This show was a real crowd pleaser among the elementary school set. Cinderella - a charming rethinking of every little girl's and big girl's favorite fairy tale with a delightfully comic reworking of the fairy godmother as a Jewish tailor bird. Kids loved the comedy and still were enchanted by the traditional happy ending."
--Bill Taylor, Actor, Teacher
All scripts available for purchase via PayPal by visiting Jack Neary's ScriptStore.