Logo with 'POWER PLAY' text and colorful graphics on a dark background

Power Play

by Barry Kornhauser
Music and Lyrics by Ron Barnett

When an unexpected power surge sends a school science movie to go bonkers in a big way, it is up to three bumbling electricians (and the audience) to save the entire universe! Smart, silly, and shockingly innovative, the show turns technical chaos into theatrical delight. Power Play invites young audiences to rethink what "power" really means by reminding us that true power does come from size, strength, or status but from curiosity, collaboration, and the ability to help one another make the universe a better place. 

Regular price $12.00
Apply for a Performance License

Quick Details

  • Type: Play with Music
  • Estimated Run Time: 45-60 minutes
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 3 roles plus one video character | Can be expanded for a larger cast

Full Details

Roles:

  • Spark
  • Surgio
  • DeeCee
  • Video Narrator (on screen)

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script/score for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.

The following resources may be added to you license for an additional fee:
  • Logo/Media package

Barry Kornhauser

Barry Kornhauser's theatre honors include the Children's Theatre Foundation of America's Orlin Corey Medallion, the American Alliance for Theatre & Education (AATE) Charlotte Chorpenning Cup, Helen Hayes Award for Outstanding Play (Cyrano), Ivey Playwriting Award (Reeling), Bonderman Playwriting Prize (Worlds Apart), South Africa National Theatre Festival’s Fringe Ovation Award (Balloonacy), and three AATE Distinguished Play Awards (- This Is Not A Pipe DreamBalloonacy, Corduroy). Closer to home, Barry was named Artist of the Year at the 2017 Pennsylvania Governor's Awards, and his youth theatre program for teens living with disabilities and other life challenges was honored at the White House as one of the nation's top arts-education initiatives. Barry's plays have been commissioned and produced by such Tony Award-winning stages as the Children's Theatre Company, La Jolla Playhouse, Alliance Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Denver Center Theatre Company, and the Shakespeare Theatre, as well as the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Other venues include Childsplay, Children's Theatre of Charlotte, Dallas Children's Theatre, Discovery Theatre at the Smithsonian, Emerald City, Honolulu Theatre for Youth, the Rose, and Seattle Children's Theatre; festivals from New York to California -including New Visions/New Voices (Power Play); and internationally as far afield as Australia and Myanmar, and including at the National Children’s Theatre of South Africa. Over the years, Barry has conducted theatre residencies everywhere from a one-room Amish schoolhouse to universities across the county. He has received grants and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts, TYA/USA, Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, MetLife Foundation, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, and Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour. Currently, Barry works for the Millersville University Office of Visual & Performing Arts. Prior to this, he served over 30 years as Playwright-In-Residence, TYA Director, and sundry other positions at the National Historic Landmark Fulton Theatre.

Power Play is a collaborative creation of Fulton Theater and Blue Shift Theatre Ensemble with the support of New Vision/New Voices at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

Reviews

Not only lustrously funny and fun, but…actually innovative and even unique. …Our eyes popped…the whole house roared.  …Though this play takes on some resounding issues…it doesn’t preach. …Truly fun for everyone regardless of age.  …A contemporary magic lantern show where... theater’s illusion creates truths more powerful than facts.  Part of the power lies in giving yourself permission to just have fun.  

- The Arizona Republic

May resonate in your child’s memory forever.  …Innovative and hilarious. …Creates magic at the most immediate and astonishing level.  …A wild and wooly multi-media ride that involves the audience…as much as its clownish cast.  It is interested in the one thing everyone – including kids – has at their fingertips.  Power.  Not oppressive power to take over the world.  The power to stand up for yourself and others and say it’s OK to be who you are.

- Regional Pennsylvania Press