Unintended Consequences: Three One-Act Plays

By Bob Morrison

The three one-act plays in this performance by Senior Moments Theatre Company at Warehouse Next Door begins with "Mother Helpers" by Al Lefcowitz. It opens on a visit by an aggressive INS agent visiting a household reported to have employed an illegal alien as a household worker. It turns out to be true . . .

. . . and the worker is a djinn. Madam of the house finds him indispensible -- who wouldn't?

When her entreaties fail to sway the heartless agent, she resorts to a singular solution unavailable to many of us.

In the second play, "Consultant from Hell" by Timothy Crawford, the Devil has sent out an RFP for a consultant who can change the image of his domain, making it a more desirable destination. His disciple brings him a candidate who possesses additional allure beyond most arivees -- she is not quite dead, but in a coma.

With supreme self confidence she proposes a solution that includes Frequent Sinner Points . . .

. . . and a revamping of the Seven Deadlies.


In the third, last, and best play, "Unintended Consequences" by Al Lefcowitz, a man (Stuart Scotten) finds himself the only member of a discussion group. The leader (Karen Lange) is sincere, but nobody else is attracted to the topic she has chosen for discussion. Determined to make the most of the convention, the pair follows absurdist directions -- possibly taken from a real-life earnestly educational convention program.

Of course, the inevitable happens. Played beautifully and with great restraint and comic timing,

the relationship develops and romance rears its lovely head.

Stay tuned for the surprise ending.

Senior Moments Theatre Company says it was formed last year "to encourage and support emerging dramatists over 55." This senior citizen commends them and wishes them well. For more photos from the three plays of Unintended Consequences, click here.