Update: The contest is closed. The winner of the random drawing is Meg McSweeney.1. Please put your answer in the comments at the bottom of this blog post, because the winner will be chosen through Random.org based on the order of your reply, not its content.
But you must answer the question fully (including the why), or your entry will not be approved for submission.
2. Please include in your answer your Twitter name and follow my Twitter feed at @NewYorkTheater so that I can send you a direct message. (If you don’t have a Twitter name, create one. It’s free.)
3. This contest ends Tuesday, September 24, 2013 at midnight Eastern Time, and I will make the drawing no later than noon the next day. You must respond to my direct message on Twitter within 24 hours or I will choose another winner.
You must also be in New York able to attend one of the eligible performances, which will be any weekday during October, 2013.
(Since I’m choosing by the order in which you submit, please do not write me more than once. Make sure you have all the requirements — such as your Twitter name — before submitting. All submissions have to be approved, so you won’t necessarily see your entry right away. Please be patient.)
JUDGMENT AT NUREMBERG would be an outstanding production, in the hands of the right cast. It would be outstanding on stage, gripping the audience with such a sensitive topic for many.
@bbwithpickles
Inherit The Wind. I’d like to see a new generation’s reaction to the storyline behind this. How far have we come and is it far enough?
@Siwckc
The Leo Frank murder case (in which an innocent Jewish man was “found” guilty of murdering a young co-factory worker under heresay and no forensic proof). While history has exonerated him, at the time it was an incredibly heated case which included the KKK, anti-semitism, and an eventual mob hanging. To incorporate the courtroom drama with the feelings of injustice and commentary on the social norms of the day would be interesting.
@sierrarein
http://people.howstuffworks.com/ten-controversial-court-cases.htm#page=7
Inherit the Wind – because the themes are equally relevant now as they were in the ’50’s.
@TheGigi
Loving v. Virginia, the case that overturned anti-interracial marriage laws. I saw the documentary and thought it was such a powerful story (and that their name was so ironic) and it would be beautiful to see on stage since couples are still discriminated against for loving or marrying someone outside of their race. @Ashley_Says
Roe Vs. Wade. Controversial and still relevant as ever. @ReynaldoRey
“A Few Good Men” happened on Broadway between 1989 and 1991, and I would really like to see it return with a polished script and a really dynamic cast. There have been rumors of it returning for years, but nothing concrete has been announced yet. The reason I would love to see it return is because it’s different from other courtroom dramas in that it puts the Marines’ code of ethics on the line. @LVShannyLeigh
I’d like to see a musical adaptation of My Cousin Vinny if for no other reason than to have a song called “The Two Yutes”! -@reviewingdrama
Prop 8 and the DOMA overturn, I would love to see a long run production of Dustin Lance Black’s 8 the Play! @rainboweventsny
Arguably Grisham’s greatest novel, The Firm would make an excellent play. It is a drama that spans many different locations, including exotic beached, that also involves some incredibly high stakes. Plus the movie didn’t do it justice, so maybe this medium would work better for it.
@wackeal
I know it isn’t a real courtroom drama, but I think My Sister’s Keeper would be a beautiful haunting play. it has emotion, arc, and a great couple of parts for really talented actors of all ages.
John Berendt’s MIDNIGHT IN THE GARDEN OF GOOD AND EVIL would be an amazing musical. I’m amazed no one has adapted it yet! It has amazing, colorful, larger than life characters, and Lady Chablis would be an incredible role! @jsfauquet
A Few Good Men because it’s an interesting story and YOU CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTH!
@bridg4491
I would like to see a good all-star revival of Agatha Christie’s “Witness for the Prosecution” which not only remains a crackling good mystery, but offers a number of roles into which actors can sink their teeth. It’s also a character study about a defense counsel and his cat and mouse relationship with his very guilty-appearing client. The film starred Charles Laughton, Tyrone Power, Elsa Lanchester and Marlene Dietrich and it would be interesting to see a contemporary director and 21st century actors offer their interpretation of this fascinating work. A good courtroom drama can indeed prove riveting as evidenced by such diverse works as “the Caine Mutiny Court Martial,” “Nuts,” “Twelve Angry Men,” and “The Man in the Glass Booth.” And this season we also get “the Winslow Boy”–so why aren’t there more?
@Queerbec
Sidney Lumet’s The Verdict!
Great Dialogue, great character development, simple structure, timely. All lend themselves to a winning possibility for a Stage Adaptation.
A musical adaptation of this was featured at the Williamstown Theatre Festival this summer (2013). It’s a jazz flavored piece, and quite good!
@NicholousBailey
“Adams Rib” – classic Hollywood dramady starring Kathryn Hepburn and Spencer Tracey. Wonderful dialogue, with two great actors you can gin up some fantastic chemistry. Great concept too. Not everything has to be serious and slit-your-wrists heavy. This is supposed to be the ‘entertainment’ industry.
I’d like to see the courtroom drama from “Any Day Now” starring Alan Cumming just like in the movie because it’s moving and dramatic & Alan Cumming does a fabulous job. @mymusicboxes
The divorce trial between Lynn Redgrave and John Clark. Two very theatrical characters, one absurd (him), one dignified (her), both witty. Lynn thought she had a loving marriage to a loyal spouse, but learned too late about John’s lies, betrayal and narcissism. When she pulled the plug, he contested the divorce, defended himself in court like a total buffoon. He even argued about “custody” of a Hirschfeld drawing of Lynn: he said it was community property, she said it was a gift. Potential for high comedy. Think “Hay Fever” in a courtroom, wit a dark twist…
William Kunstler defending members the American Indian Movement in the 1970s in various cases culminating in the trial for the 1975 slaying of two FBI agents not far from Wounded Knee. I think this would make a great play (and maybe I should write it) that focuses on the struggle of native Americans with the American justice system–as well as the personality of Kunstler. @lyndacc
@stoll700 Men of Honor – a great story and mainly because Cuba Gooding Jr. Was recently on broadway and likely to return. Maybe Robert DeNIro would be willing to join in as well if it were a limited engagement.
@Clairvoyant94 As a teacher, I’m very interested in the Brown vs. Board of Ed. case, so I’d like to see it portrayed onstage.
I would like to see the Fury (1936 film) on Broadway. It was a great movie. I would like the ending to be the one that I had read was not allowed by MGM. MGM had it done with the main character reconciling in the end. I read that That the director was forced to make that the reconciliation happen. Lourdes (@PiscesMist)
I’d have to say that Roe v. Wade would make a great broadway drama. Not only is it very interesting, but it’s still so powerful today. @dabodnuh
I would love to see a broadway adaptation of “Erin Brockovich”. The movie was absolutely brilliant and I think it would be a hit, given it has a good cast. @rmb6893
A little-known, but important case: Cruzan v. Missouri Department of Health. Parents of an accident victim fight through the courts to have the feeding tube removed from their comatose daughter. Potentially downer topic but it’s a great emotional story of parents trying to do what’s right for their child. @lane1008
Wal-Mart vs. Dukes–recent Supreme Court case against gender discrimination at Wal-Mart. I can imagine Trey Parker and Matt Stone making it quite the spectacle. (@ArtWineWhimsy)