D.L. Lepidus is a freelance critic and editor who has been writing about New York theater for over twenty-five years. Since 1993, his work has appeared in the theater columns for the Chelsea Clinton News and the Westsider.
The monologues in this book have been culled from the best plays published or produced during the 2004â€"2005 theatrical season. Almost all are from published, readily available plays (see the Rights and Permissions pages at the back of the book for publisher contact information). Many of the monologues herein are by playwrights of considerable reputation, such as Nilo Cruz, Stephen Adly Guirgis, Lynn Nottage, Lisa Loomer, and Michael Weller. Others are by future stars, such as Stephanie Fleischmann, Ruben Carbajal, Allison Moore, Jeanmarie Williams, Jonathan Rand, and Sheila Callaghan. Most are monologues by characters under forty, although there are a few, from plays such as Ears on a Beatle, which may be useful to older actors. I made a conscientious effort this year to find some great monologues that will be of particular interest to teen actors, such as the ones from Chicken Bones for the Teenage Soup, Eloise & Ray, The Gifted Program, and The Moonlight Room. In short, this is the best darn monologue book I could put together. I know you will find in it the perfect piece for your audition or class use; but if you want some more options, check out Smith and Kraus’ other fine monologue collections. Many thanks to the agents, authors, and publishers who have allowed me to include these wonderful pieces in this book.
â€" D. L. Lepidus