For this Throwback Thursday, I will highlight my award-winning historical farce “Philosophus”, which has been produced three times – in New York, Texas, and Maryland – and which is currently published by Eldridge Publishing Company.
Like many works of mine, I actually had the original idea for “Philosophus” many years ago – when I was about 15 – after consuming a biography of Frederick the Great and finding his persecution of the great philosopher Voltaire so amusing and worthy of farce – and not only that, but I even wrote a script for “Philosophus” at age 16 (under a pseudonym, no less), which is not safe for human eyes (though not entirely unamusing).
Years (and years and years) later, I decided to revisit the story of “Philosophus” and, during my 2-hour commute from Westport, CT to New York City while I was VP of Customer Experience at the foodtech company Freshly, I completed a (rather good) first draft of a new version of the play in two weeks (January, 2016) – the fastest play I’ve ever composed – and from there, quickly found the play taking off and winning various contests.
While the play was first read by Best Medicine Rep of Maryland (courtesy of the great playwright and actor John Morogiello – who later produced the show, as well), “Philosophus” subsequently won the prestigious Maxim Mazumdar New Play Award presented by Alleyway Theatre of Buffalo, New York, one of the most interesting and innovative theaters in the US (their theater is actually an old Greyhound bus terminal on Buffalo’s theater row) – and thanks to the late, great artistic director, Neal Radice (“late” because he has since retired, not because he has met his maker), “Philosophus” was given its world premiere production at Alleyway in late 2018 – photos below!
In its various productions, the script has gotten some of the best reviews of any of my work:
“A delightful romp!”
Peter Hall of BuffaloRising“A thinking-person’s farce, Philosophus is a perfect fit for the area and a fun way to start the year… a farce to remedy our times… an up and coming work.”
Debbie Minter Jackson of DC Theatre Scene“Mr. Crowley’s script is chock-a-block with witty dialogue, broad comedy, and is very, very funny. He expertly melds what appears to be complex thought with farce… Philosophus is great fun. I enjoyed it thoroughly.”
Ann Marie Cusella of BuffaloVibe“A rib-tickling farce… For those familiar with British comedy, it resembles Benny Hill meets the Enlightenment, or Carry On Philosopher… a very entertaining evening of theater.”
Jennifer Georgia of DC Metro Theater Arts“The script is a cross between Mel Brooks (“Young Frankenstein”) and the Marx Brothers (“Duck’s Soup”). If you love the ridiculous and lots of double entendres, you will have a good time at this production.”
Susan Brall, MD Theatre Guide
