Plays

Stage Plays Based on Warren Adler’s Writing

London’s West End premiere coming winter 2024. Produced by the Tony Award winning Producers Jay and Cindy Gutterman, Gary Cohen and Marlene Cohen, and Adler Entertainment Trust. Jay and Cindy Gutterman are thirteen-time Tony Award-nominated producers, winning three times; once for “All the Way” starring Bryan Cranston, directed by Bill Rauch, and for both “Spring Awakening,” directed by Michael Mayer, and “Glengarry Glen Ross”, starring Alan Alda and Liev Schreiber, directed by Joe Mantello.

The War of the Roses follows the explosive chandelier shattering story-line of Barbara and Oliver Rose’s confrontational filled divorce drama gone terribly wrong. The War of the Roses is a clever dark comedy about the breakup of a marriage which leads to the ugliest divorce imaginable, one that is both frightening and revealing. The stage version of the iconic novel-turned film, The War of the Roses, follows the legendary Oliver and Barbara Rose as their seemingly perfect marriage devolves into a “deadly search and destroy mission” for each other’s most prized possessions. The play has a distinct identity from the dark comedy blockbuster hit starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. The global impact of this cautionary tale about the perils of divorce has not only proliferated across media, but it has also entered the Zeitgeist and morphed into the nomenclature of divorce, where the phrase ” The War of the Roses” is now the recognized metaphor for a contentious divorce. Watch this “darkly hilarious, deeply theatrical” translation of this popular classic story coming soon to a West End stage.

The War of the Roses:
An International Stage Hit

“… an intelligent, stark comedy with an evil smile…. invites us to reflect on the nature of relationships in modern society.”
– Teleprenza on the Spanish premiere of the play

The stage version based on the original novel. The international hit, now available for production in English. Preview the script and watch clips from international productions.

Audiences Worldwide Love The War of the Roses

International Productions of The War of the Roses

House-full runs and spectacular reviews for The War of the Roses at national theatres worldwide – Teatro Belles Artes (Madrid), TIC Theater Wuppertal (Berlin) Comoedienhaus (Frankfurt), and Fondazione Teatro (Italy), Teatro Maipo (Argentina) and many others.

Warren Adler’s stage version, based on his iconic novel, continues to be produced internationally, reaching audiences in Spain, Italy, Germany, Denmark, Hungary, Prague, Norway, Iceland, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, and soon to be premiering in Mexico and many more countries.

War of the Roses

Spain National Tour

War of the Roses

“… an intelligent, stark comedy, with an evil smile… invites us to reflect on the nature of relationships in modern society.” – Teleprenza on the premiere at the Teatro Belles Artes, Madrid

Full House at The War of the Roses Dress Rehearsal!
“The dress rehearsal of the theatrical adaption of The War of the Roses was completely filled…. Barely 15 minutes after the opening of the box office, those seeking to enjoy this performance filled Sarobe to capacity.” — El Commercio

The End Of Marriage, With Humor.
“A poignant and humorous tale about the institution of marriage and a reflection on relationships. (…) A delight! (…) El Teatro Principal welcomes the national premiere of The War of the Roses with great success.” — El Pais

“Do not miss this hilarious drama starring beloved television host Carlos Sobera and Mar Regueras that comes to Madrid after a successful tour through the theaters in Spain. The War of the Roses pointedly illustrates the fine line that separates unconditional love from mortal hatred…. a great set design enabled the full display of disaster.” — La Opinion de Malaga

Additional Spanish reviews available upon request

Italy

“Adler’s interpretation of the show has a separate identity from the film. The pace is fast and intense depicting a true comedy and the two actors were exemplary (…) a full house at the world premiere of the show. A long applause revived an encore of the finale.” — L’Adige

“The War of the Roses by Warren Adler is a mechanism so perfectly balanced that one wonders if it could have been a wager placed by the author….” — La Nuova Sardegna

The resounding applause was well deserved for this interpretation of The War of the Roses by Ugo Chiti. The two actors were always in perfect harmony and perfectly expressed an intriguing story of psychological depth. The show has great creative force and a robust character.” – La Sicilia

“A wonderful cast for an amazing comedy (…) flawlessly unravels marriage clichés. This play is not an adaptation of the film version of The War of the Roses. Warren Adler freshly created the text for the play and developed the dramatic structure without reducing it, thereby creating a perfect mechanism specifically for the theater (…). The cast of actors just perfect, the scene design, created by Nicola Rubertelli, is elegant and imposing and the show directed by a meticulous and accurate Ugo Chiti have created a project that has been very successful for the last two years.” — Corriere della Sera

“The applause confirms the success of the The War of the Roses directed by Giancarlo Zanetti. The public appreciates this theatrical adaptation made by author of the novel of the famous film.” — La Repubblica

Additional Italian reviews available upon request

Germany

War of the Roses

“The spectacular slugfest works well on the stage, as do the legendary vulgarities of the Roses. The War of the Roses at TiC disappointed no book or movie fans- including those who still believe that words like “struggle” and “battles” have only figurative meaning when it comes to marital problems…” — Cronenberger Woche TIC Theater Wuppertal

“Susann Fabiero as Barbara Rose (…) revolts against marital ennui. A deserved applause in what was a ‘sold-out’ premiere anyway” — General Anzieger Online

“A long applause and loud cheer as the Palace Theatre Neuvwied celebrated the opening night of The War of the Roses with Susann Fabiero and Martin Semmelrogge as Barbara and Jonathan Rose (…) The two delivered a dirty divorce battle on stage as the audience looked on with growing enthusiasm” — Rhein – Zeitun

With a lot of dark humor director Julia Penner presents the staging of Warren Adler’s novel The War of the Roses. Fans on the film version can look forward to a successful bond. (…) a sold-out show on Borner street and an enthusiastic applause with bravos all around.” — Westdeutsche Zeitung TIC Theater Wuppertal

“Wit and Brilliance (…) The War of the Roses with Martin Semmelrogge at Comoedienhaus is a complete success (…) An exciting trip to the theatre! – Hanauer Anzeiger

“A resounding applause for the grand premiere of The War of the Roses!” — Bonner Rundschau

“A vicious, nasty and amusing battle of the sexes!” – Express

“A turbulent comedy full of sarcasm and meanness.” – Expre

Additional German reviews available upon request

Argentina

War of the Roses

The Czech Republic

War of the Roses

The Sunset Gang: Musical

“…a bittersweet musical about aging and desire… a deeper examination of love and loyalty among people over 60.”
– New York Times on the Off Broadway premiere of the musical

With time running short, these intrepid residents of Sunset Village in Florida continue to thirst for life and love. “The Sunset Gang” premiered off-Broadway at The Jewish Repertory Theatre in 1991. Listen to the music of The Sunset Gang, and request a preview of the script.

The Sunset Gang – the musical, adapted from a series of heartwarming short stories narrating the joys and pains of old age through humor, mystery and romance. The stories telling of a retirement village in Florida were adapted for PBS’ American Playhouse Series starring Uta Hagen, Harold Gould, Jerry Stiller, Ron Rifkin and Doris Roberts who earned an Emmy nomination in the Best Supporting Actress category. The Sunset Gang received an off-Broadway production with music composed by noted composer L. Russell Brown (“Tie a Yellow Ribbon Round the Old Oak Tree”, “C’Mon Marianne” Jersey Boys) and lyrics by Adler himself. The New York Times called it, “…a bittersweet musical about aging and desire… a deeper examination of love and loyalty among people over 60.” The Wall Street Journal said, “Those… stories… are in fact, pure drama – moving, comical, and most of all, sharply observed.” Listen to the music from the The Sunset Gang here:

Random Hearts

The classic romance novel that inspired the Hollywood film starring Harrison Ford and Kristin Scott Thomas has now been adapted as a theatrical play by Diane Shaffer.

In an ideal world, they never would have met. Vivien Simpson is a happy stay-at-home mom with a young son who adores her successful husband. Edward Davis is an ambitious aide to an important Congressman who loves his wife. When a plane crash brings about the discovery that their supposedly loving and now deceased spouses were entangled in a deeply passionate love affair, they are devastated and baffled by the revelation. Determined to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives, they embark on a hunt for the truth behind their spouses’ infidelity, guided only by the two mysterious identical keys they left behind. Along the way what they discover about themselves and the mysterious nature of love will render audiencess breathless.

Windmills

“Windmills”, a comedy by Warren Adler premiered at BTA Theatre
– Theatre Row, in New York in 1981. It was directed by Gail Kellstrom and produced by John Patrick Shanley.

Windmills, a comedy by Warren Adler premiered at BTA Theatre-Theatre Row, in New York in 1981. It was directed by Gail Kellstrom and produced by John Patrick Shanley.

Original Cast and Production Crew:

John Patrick Shanley – Producer
Gail Kellstrom – Director
Martin Haack – Set Design
Leslie Moore – Costumes
Duane Vanderwerf – Lighting Design
Jefferson Bogursky – Sound Design
Judith Mari-Jarosz – Stage Manager

Cast: Lee Billington (AEA), Herb Duncan (AEA), Michael Adler, Kathy Danzer, Keith Taylor

Read a Preview of the script here: Windmills.

Libido

When your lady hears you cheated on her, your face gets slapped. When the First Lady hears you cheated on her, your face gets slapped on the front page. A play about the fine line between political ambition and passion.

A Play in Two Acts

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

INTERN (Molly) – 21, White House intern to the President of the United States of America, spirited, youthful.

INTERN’S FRIEND (Betty) – Late 30’s, divorcee, single mother with two children.

PRESIDENT (John) – Early 50’s, President of the United States of America, charismatic, handsome.

PRESIDENT’S WIFE (Jill) – Late 40’s, blonde, fiercely ambitious in both her marriage and politics, she has retained her “college sweetheart” attractiveness.

INTERN’S MOTHER – 50’s, well groomed, former sex kitten that still simmers under the surface.

Read a Preview of the Script: Libido

Dead in the Water

Years ago, two dreamers took the plunge and got married. Now the marriage is sinking fast, and only taking the plunge again will make it better. But who will go first?

A Play in Two Acts

Stanley Langston: 42
Carol Langston: Late 30’s
Betty: Late 20’s, The Langston’s Housekeeper, Attractive
Rock: Late 20’s, Surfer, Handsome, Blond, Tanned
Chuck Farley: Mid 30’s, Police Officer, Irish-American
Bob Hawkins: Late 30’s, Police Officer, African-American

Plays

Stage Plays Based on Warren Adler’s Writing

The War of the Roses:
West End Premiere Coming Winter 2024

The War of the Roses:
An International Stage Hit