“Paul Rudnick is a champion of truth (and love and great wicked humor) whom we ignore at our peril.” —David Sedaris, author of Naked, Me Talk Pretty One Day, and Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk
This definitive collection of Paul Rudnick’s plays presents the pinnacle of theatrical hilarity from one of America’s great humorists. Popular for his wickedly funny novels, including I’ll Take It and Social Disease, comic screenplays like In & Out and Addams Family Values, and the Augusten Burroughs-like memoir I Shudder, Rudnick remains best known for his cerebral but side-splitting theatrical writing. With echoes of Neil Simon, Thornton Wilder, and Noel Coward, Rudnick plays like I Hate Hamlet, Jeffrey, and The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told are outstanding fixtures of America’s comedic canon.
Explore the full range of Rudnick’s comedic genius in one volume:
Seven Complete Plays: Includes the full scripts for I Hate Hamlet, Jeffrey, The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, Valhalla, The Naked Eye, Regrets Only, and The New Century.Groundbreaking Gay Comedy: From Jeffrey, the first play to hilariously and heartfully tackle the AIDS crisis, to the Genesis-retelling of The Most Fabulous Story Ever Told, these plays redefined gay stories for the American stage.Hilarious Social Satire: Rudnick skewers religion, marriage, politics, and the art world with a wit that echoes Noel Coward and a modern bite praised by David Sedaris.Wickedly Funny Monologues: A treasure trove for actors, featuring dozens of side-splitting and poignant monologues perfect for auditions and scene study, including the unforgettable Mr. Charles.Author’s Introductions: Go behind the scenes with Rudnick’s personal, witty introductions to each play, revealing the real-life inspirations behind his most beloved works.
