Jonah, Joanna and the Whale (aka The Reluctant Prophets)

This play is a modern adaptation of the biblical story of Jonah (and the Whale). Set in MN on the cusp of winter and spring, the prophet Jonah is a young boy with a chip on his shoulder, because children are not allowed at the Great Ice Fishing Villiage of Nineveh. The first draft received a reading with professional actors, an audience discussion, and work with a dramaturg at the PWC. A second draft was  then produced with a small youth group at Prospect Park, United Metodist Church. A third draft was written while I was working as An Artist is Residence at Good Samaritan, UMC. Due to the larger number of students in their youth group, this draft was rewritten to recognize the prophetic voices of males and females through the characters of young MN Twins named Jonah and Joanna; to flesh out a comical and ever-present Super D for Divine; and include more sailors from various home ports and faiths.

Cast: 
COMMUNITY THEATER CAST INCLUDED: Three Creators: The Divine, Lilith (mother) and Adam (father) responsible for set changes, props, and various lighting and sound cues; Two Angry and Reluctant Prophets: MN Twins Jonah and Joanna; Various siblings, who also play sailors from various ports and faiths; Gopher: youngest sibling stuck doing others' biddings; Captain Joppa; Grandparents and other adults at the Ice Fishing Village of Nineveh, Withering Plant after yet another snowfall (can also be Gopher).
Authors: 
Marie G. Cooney