"The measure of Foster's genius, his ability to suck us in with laughter then calmly turn the knife, gives the best of his comic plays a wildly beating heart." -- Hamilton Spectator

Derek Ritschel in the Lighthouse Festival Theatre production of Outlaw.

 

The Affections Of May
After being deserted by her husband, a woman suddenly finds herself the centre of attention in a small resort town. This was the most produced play in all of Canada in 1991. 2 acts 3m 1f....1990. "A charmer for all seasons." -- The Globe and Mail
Once upon a time, Prince Charming was riding through the forest when he found Snow White fast asleep. He leaned over and kissed her. She opened her eyes and sat up with a smile and everyone was happy. The Prince took Snow White to his palace where they were married and lived happily ever after ... or did they? A Christmas musical fairy tale for the entire family. 2013.
Six different scenes which all feature a bed as their primary focus. A shock radio jock pays a couple five thousand dollars to make love on the air. A woman visits a dying man she feels she hurt years ago. Two men rob a house and discover a shocking secret. An aging rock star is confronted by a groupie. An accident-prone stripper meets with her no-nonsense boss. A woman leaving her husband lectures the movers on the proper way to treat a lady. Fifteen characters and all can be played by only five actors. 2 acts 9m 6f .2006.."Brilliant writing. Comedic genius." -- London Free Press
What would you do if you could hit the re-set button on a stale marriage? Paula and Sam have finally decided to pack it in as a couple. As they divvy up their household goods they wonder what would have happened if they’d never met. The discovery of a long-forgotten wedding gift sets off a chain of events that transports them back to their college days and the opportunity to rewrite their history together. With book and lyrics by Norm Foster and music and lyrics by Steve Thomas. Beside Myself is a sweet musical examination of love lost and found. 2 acts 2m 2f 2019 "See this bright gem of a show. If there were a cast album available, you would buy it." Stage Door

An elf named Bob gets banished from the North Pole to learn a lesson about co-operation. Because of his bad attitude, Santa sends him to a small town to help out with their Christmas Pageant. Here Bob is faced with a group of bumbling amateur actors who are doing their best to put on the best darn Christmas show their town has ever seen. 2 acts. 4m 2f 2008....
The Christmas Tree
A tree lot. Christmas Eve. One man. One woman. One tree. Who should get it? Each gives reasons through tales of woe as to why they are more deserving of the tree and each seems unmoved by the other’s predicament. A story filled with laughs, heartache, and good old-fashioned Christmas spirit. 1 act 1m 1f 2008 "The kind of light-hearted comedy that puts the merry in Merry Christmas." -- The Calgary Sun
Shaver Bennett has lived a rather solitary life as a logger in the woods of northern New Brunswick. One day he arrives at the doorstep of his estranged sister’s daughter, whom he hasn’t seen in 20 years. The niece, Bonnie Doyle and her wife Liv Arsenault welcome him into their lives in this sweetly moving tale. 2 acts. 1m 2f 2018 "Come Down From Up River manages to make its audience cry, laugh, and then do both all over again." -- Niagara This Week

Dear Santa

Santa Claus tries to fulfill a child's special Christmas wish while his staff attempts to overcome a supply shortage at the North Pole. This is a laugh-filled holiday play innocent enough for the youngest boy or girl, and entertaining enough for adults. 2 acts 4m 2f, plus assorted elves and a choir...2002. "Delights with gentle charm. Perfect for the holiday season." --Houston Press
The Death Of Me
When John bargains with the Angel of Death for a second chance at life, he quickly discovers that fixing the mistakes of your past is difficult, and that perhaps his destiny is not yet etched in stone. 1 act 2m 2f...2007.
Doris and Ivy in the Home

Retired prison guard Doris Mooney has just moved in to Paradise Village, a retirement home in Canmore, Alberta. She quickly befriends Ivy Hoffbauer, a former world champion skier who's taken aback by Doris's cheerful brashness. Rounding out the trio is dapper Arthur Beech who has designs on Ivy. Love, gossip and sex behind the compost heap, this is Foster at his hilarious best. Two acts. 1m 2f...2022 "There are huge laughs in this show. Ivy and Doris are witty, sharp people in Norm Foster’s hands. Through these two unlikely friends, the challenges of retirement living take a comic hit, from al fresco dining, to yoga, to the ardent goings on between two “ambidextrous” fellow seniors in a flowery field just off the patio." -- Morrisburg Leader

In this romantic comedy set in the midst of a dysfunctional family reunion, Joe Todd hires Renee Duchene to pose as his fiancee for an evening so that he can impress his father, Ivan. Ivan is coming for a rare visit, and Joe and his sister Carrie are suspicious of his motives. 2 acts 2m 3f..1998. "Funny, pointed and exquisitely crafted." - Halifax Daily News
The play takes place the week before Christmas, as struggling egg farmer/artist, Ethan Claymore meets a woman who could turn his life around, and receives a visit from his estranged, and recently-deceased, older brother. 2 acts 5m 1f...1998. "Deserves a place alongside A Christmas Carol." - Long Island Newsday
The Foursome
Four old college chums, home for their fifteen year reunion, hook up for a round of golf and share their successes and failures. A warm, funny play which takes place entirely on the eighteen tees of a golf course. 2 acts 4m...1998. "A profound comedy. In The Foursome, the major winner may well be the audience." - The Baltimore Sun

Norman Davenport feels he was born in the wrong century. As he opens a brand new clothing store, disappointed because he feels forced to cater to more current tastes, he makes a wish that changes his life – and the lives of his two loyal employees – forever. The Gentleman Clothier is a magical tale filled with lessons for us all. 2 acts 2m 2f... 2014. "The Gentleman Clothier is a bespoke suit to a threadbare entertainment industry bereft of ideas and originality." The Orangeville Banner

Investment banker James Bell gets stuck in the sleepy town of Kooshog Lake during their annual fishing derby. It's a fish out of water story that becomes a quirky and hilarious fish IN the water story complete with romance, broken hearts and a shark attack. 2 acts. 3F 2M. 2013. "I guarantee that once you have seen it, you will never forget Lake Kooshog, or Hollis McCauley or the Great Fishing Derby again." -- Beat Magazine
Halfway There
Dr. Sean Merrit wanders into the small town of Stewiacke, Nova Scotia, exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Recently dumped by his fiancée, he’s looking for a new start and soon meets four local women, each with their own interesting life stories. Laughter, tears and the power of true friendship teach them a lot about themselves and each other. A feelgood theatre experience filled with incomparable Maritime wit and wisdom! 2 acts. 1m 4f....2016 "A warm-hearted play that is sure to delight longtime Foster fans, and for those new to Foster, this would be a great place to start." -- Stage Door
Here On The Flight Path
Set on adjoining balconies in a big city apartment building, the play follows John Cummings as he interacts with three women, Fay, Angel, and Gwen, who become his neighbours over a three and a half year period. Hilarious and, at times, touching. 3 acts 1m 3f (The women's roles can be played by one actress.)...1997."Fall down funny, heart-tuggingly sad and wildly romantic." - Mississauga News
One ordinary family. One extraordinary day. Set in 1956, Sam and Hilda Fluck are finally on their own after their children Gary and Janey leave the nest. Then, on a September morning, their world changes when Gary loses his job and Janey leaves her husband. A heart-warming and hilarious look back in time. 3m 3f.....2012. "Should not be missed! Five stars out of five!!" -- London Free Press
Jasper Station
Written with Steve Thomas, this musical follows six lone travellers as they await their train from Jasper, Alberta to Vancouver, British Columbia. They each have hopes and dreams, anticipation and fear of what lies ahead. A musical in 2 acts 3m 3f...2001. "A heartwarming and intelligent piece of theatre." - The Scene
Jenny's House Of Joy
The story of four women--Jenny, Frances, Anita and Natalie--who work in a brothel in Baxter Springs, Kansas in the year 1871. A serious play with a comic bent. This authentic western is the companion piece to Outlaw. 2 acts 5f...2006."An amazing, insightful, gut bustingly funny play." -- Northumberland Today

Two retirees search for friendship, love, sex and elusive happiness in an assisted living home. Join Jonas and Barry in a laugh-a-minute journey as they search for new ways to spice up their lives and the lives of those around them. This hilarious and poignant story will bring tears of joy and compassion, as Jonas and Barry win your hearts. 2M 1F...2015 "The play is a roller coaster of emotions, evoking uncontrollable laughter one moment and profound sadness the next." -- The Wellington Advertiser

Jupiter in July

Donald Springer is facing a moral dilemma. He has fallen in love with a woman half his age. Oh, yes..he's married too. Another of Foster's plays where his trademark "ordinary people" find themselves in extraordinary situations. 2 acts 4m 2f...1997. "Jupiter In July is a meteoric effort by Foster whose wit and style will delight audiences." - Stage Door

On the surface Kiss the Moon, Kiss the Sun appears to be a story about a disabled man. However, it is also a story about people finding the nerve to take responsibility, and about persevering against the odds. And finally, it is a story about relationships born out of hardship. 2 acts 3m 2f...2001. "This is one of the best plays – if not the best – I have ever seen in 30 years as a reporter." -- Kamloops This Week

The Ladies Foursome is a female version of The Foursome, but with a completely different story. It’s the day after the funeral of a friend, and three women gather for a round of golf in honour of their recently deceased playing partner. They are joined by a fourth woman, another old friend of the deceased that the other three didn’t know about. During the round the women discuss life, love, men, sex, children, careers…everything but golf. Many surprises, secrets and confessions come to the surface during this hilarious and heart-warming round of golf. 2 acts 4f...2014. "When Foster is on form, as he is here, there's not much better theatre around." -- Hamilton Spectator

The Last Resort
A musical/murder-mystery/comedy written with Leslie Arden. An off-the-wall spoof about a New York restaurateur on the run from the mob. He finds himself at a run-down hotel in Saskatchewan, where everyone who checks in could be the hitman who's out to get him. 2 acts 5m 3f..1997. "The funniest, best-written, best-performed Canadian musical comedy I have ever seen." - Kitchener Waterloo Record
The Long Weekend

The truth and lies of a friendship come to the surface during a weekend visit between two couples. There are plenty of surprises along the way in this biting comedy of manners. 2 acts 2m 2f...1994. "Norm Foster scores a bull's-eye with this tickling romp about mismatched spouses." - LA Times

Val’s an OR nurse, Andy’s in the storage business, Nina’s a police officer and Matt’s a radio morning show host. They’re middle-aged, single and looking. Val agrees to meet Andy after answering his personal ad in the newspaper. Nina and Matt are coaxed into joining their friends for support. High romance and contagious laughter are the result. 2 acts 2m 2f..2005."A smart, sexy and very funny play." - Cleveland Plain Dealer

Leon and Bill write up a list of qualities defining the perfect woman, and much to their surprise, she appears. This hilarious and thought-provoking play examines the quest for perfection. 2 acts 2m 1f....2003 "Laugh for laugh, this is the funniest show I've seen on any stage this season." - Detroit Free Press

When Iris Oulette inherits a house that she didn't even know existed, she and her close friend, Natalie Whitaker travel to the town of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, to have a look at her new property. What follows is a series of world-changing surprises, heart-warming personal transformations, and a fall down funny romantic adventure, 2 acts. 2f 1m.....2017 "A comedy that envelopes you in its warmth." -- Stage Door
In this touching romantic comedy, you'll join the Duncan family as they prepare for the wedding of their daughter. It is the night before the big day, and Maggie's older sister discovers that she knows the groom a little better than Maggie would like her to. 2 acts 3m 3f...2000. "A beautiful snapshot of family dynamics." - Inside Toronto
The Melville Boys
Owen and Lee Melville arrive at a lakeside cabin for a weekend of fishing, but their plans are thrown out of whack by the arrival of two sisters who become catalysts for a tenderly funny and unsentimental look at four lives in transition. 2 acts 2m 2f.....1984. "The Melville Boys effortlessly weaves the comic and tragic." - Variety
Harry Sullivan hasn't seen his son Drew in thirteen years. And now Drew is coming to Harry's Saskatchewan ranch for a visit. This poignant comedy tells the story of two men who are too stubborn to give in to feelings of the heart. 2 acts 2m 1f .....2006 "Sophisticated and layered, this play is as touching as it is funny." -- The View Magazine
The Motor Trade
Phil Moss' wife has just left him, he is being audited by Revenue Canada, and his partner, Dan, wants out of the car business. And it's not even noon yet. 2 acts 2m 2f...1991. "A very funny play about real people. Super." - Saint John Telegraph Journal
Mrs. Parliament's Night Out
After her husband forgets their 32'nd wedding anniversary, Teresa Parliament sets out to find a life for herself outside of the home in this hilarious, life-affirming fable-like tale. 2 acts. A cast of 21 that can be handled by seven actors. 4m 3f.....2012.
My Hero
My Hero tells the story of Jim Devine, 40, who has moved back in with his mom to “get his life back together” after a divorce. Five years later, Jim’s still living with mom and time is running out with mom dating the gardener. This is a story “about change, and love, and new beginnings.” 2 acts 2M 1F .2022 "The play will likely sweep through theatres in Canada and beyond because it tackles two particularly relevant topics – older children moving back with their parents and seniors discovering that romance doesn’t have to stop at age 60." -- Stage Door
My Narrator
Imagine what would happen if that little voice inside your head – the one that tells you how to behave and what choices to make – suddenly took on a life of its own? For Lacy and Miles, love is what happens, and with hilarious results. 1 Act 2m 2f...2006. "A bright and engaging romantic comedy. Smart, fast-paced fun." -- The Calgary Herald.
Ned Durango Comes To Big Oak
An aging television cowboy star comes to the aid of an economically troubled small town in this funny, sometimes moving play. 2 acts 3m 2f ...1994.
Office Hours
On a Friday afternoon in six different offices in a big city, we follow six different stories which are somehow related. It's a wild ride with an ending that sends the audience into a collective howl. 2 acts Sixteen characters can be played by as few as 3m 2f...1997.

He's recently divorced. She's newly-widowed. At her husband's funeral, an old aquaintance emerges to pay his respects, leading to a re-awakening of forgotten emotions. Old Love is a story of romance, courtship and relationships between older adults. 2 acts. The play can be performed by two actors (1m 1f), by four actors (2m 2f) or by seven actors (3m 4f)....2008 "The show is both life and love-affirming and is blessed with a witty script by Norm Foster" -- Detroit Free Press

This delightful play tells the story of a very successful, but cantankerous, novelist who suddenly discovers that he knows nothing about his maid of 28 years. She, on the other hand, knows absolutely everything about him! He makes it his mission to learn all he can about her in a most engaging conversation. With revelations that are surprising, funny, and extremely moving, this is a love story, a social commentary and a mystery wrapped in witty dialogue and vivid imagery. 2 acts. 1m 1f....2012 "A delightful two hours of sparkling conversation that is revealing and heartwarming." -- EU Jacksonville

One Moment
One Moment is a funny and touching musical about six employees at a call center who take calls for a series of self-help DVD's entitled, One Moment. One moment is all it takes to change a life and these six, very different lives, will all be altered in one life-changing moment during a normal day of work. 2 acts 3m 3f....2007.

Opening Night

The antics begin as Jack and Ruth Tisdale celebrate their 25'th wedding anniversary with an evening at the theatre. It's a dream come true for Ruth and an imposition for Jack who would rather be at home watching the World Series. However, after the events both on and off the stage that fateful night, their lives and those of all involved are irreparably altered. 2 acts 5m 3f...1989.
A young Canadian homesteader travelling far from home, finds himself accused of murder in the state of Kansas in 1871. With only his wits to defend himself, he turns the law of the land – and the men hellbent on enforcing it – upside down. This authentic western is a unique take on the days when guns were the law. 2 acts 4m..2004."A darn good story that will have audiences on the edge of their seats." - Niagara Pulse Magazine
Race Day
An out of work actor, his estranged daughter, a channeler, a down-on-his-luck gambler, a woman enforcer, two small time thieves and a nun descend on the track for an afternoon of thoroughbred racing. This musical written with Steve Thomas is brimming with laughs, heart, and showstopping songs. 2 acts 4m 4f ..2002.
Shayna and Grant Perkins are new in town. Eager to make friends the young couple decide to host a dinner party. The guest list includes Billie and Wing Falterman who abandoned their song-and-dance act and show biz to raise their daughter. Rounding out the party are haughty psychiatrist Veronica Dunn-Dudet and her husband Maurice Dudet, an engineer who has left his high-paying job to write a novel. All three couples are undergoing house renovations and could use a little fix-up in their relationships too! All hell breaks loose at the dinner party in this fast-paced comedy as secrets are revealed and cultures clash. 2 acts 3m 3f .....2018. "One the funniest and most ingenious plays by Canada’s most produced playwright I have yet seen." -- Stage Door
Sadie Flynn Comes To Big Oak
Convicted husband killer Sadie Flynn is released from prison and decides to get off the bus and make her new home in the small town of Big Oak. Soon after her arrival, strange things begin to happen. 2 acts 2m 3f...2000.

The year is 1938, and newly-layed off perfumier, Mary Hayes is trying to break into the male dominated world of newspaper journalism. Editor-In-Chief Bosco Godfrey sets a competition between his egotistical star reporter Jeff Kincaid and plucky Mary assigning them to cover a society wedding. If Jeff writes the better story, he gets to keep his job. If Mary wins, she will replace the ace newshound. An homage to those zany screwball comedies of that time period, this play is full of snappy period dialogue, outrageous characters and humour that packs a punch. 2 acts 2m 2f....2017 "This pitch-perfect recreation of a bygone genre provides one of the best translations of screwball comedies to the stage." -- Stage Door

A married couple of second-rate theatre actors cast themselves as nationally renowned self-help gurus. Their lives unravel in a farce as they try to conceal a body and hold on to their falsely won fame. 2 acts 3m 3f....2002. "A sensational black-hearted farce!" - Hamilton Spectator
Sinners
A furniture store owner is found in the arms of a local minister's wife. The situation becomes complicated when he is mistaken for the minister and attempts to flee the scene. A black comedy. 2 acts 3m 3f. 1983
Sitting Pretty

A musical comedy with heart. Sam Thorn is the host of a hit children's television show and he has a beautiful fiancée. Then his world begins to fall apart. His television show is canceled and his fiancée breaks off their engagement. As a result, Sam sets off in search of new meaning in his life. Along his journey he meets many unusual characters. 2 acts 2M 1F..2005 (*The show can be done by as few as three actors or as many as fifteen.)

A tender, loveable comedy about four innocent people caught in the headlights of making an adult film. The character's shock and discomfort, as well as in the way Foster uniquely tells the story by way of Rollie, a charming narrator who uses asides to the audience about the play and even the playwright himself, all add up to pure fun! Naughty and affectionate all at once. 2 acts 3m 2f.......2009 "Charming and innocent. The laughs are big!" -- The Coast Magazine

Small Time

Lounge singer Scott Sherman has a gambling problem and it is about to cost him his nightclub unless he and his keyboard player, Marty Birch, break somebody's legs. Holds audiences spellbound as the story involving sex, violence and romance unfolds. A black comedy. 2 acts 3m 2f...2000.
Set in 1953, this is the story of a damaged World War II veteran and the free-spirited woman who attempts to change his outlook on life. Jack and Emma are thrown together by fate one weekend and their lives will never be the same. 2 acts 1m 1f..2003. "Quite simply a masterpiece." -- The Independant
The Writer
The Writer tells the story of Donald Wellner a renowned playwright and his son Blake - a travel writer with commitment issues. The story explores this delightfully complex bond between Father and Son with touching clarity and a surprise ending that will leave you breathless! 2m..2019. "The Writer has an undeniable air of greatness about it." -- Christopher Hoile, Stage Door
A chance meeting in a restaurant after four years apart sends a divorced couple flashing back through the highs and lows of their relationship in this charming two-hander. 2 acts 1m 1f...1993. "An exceptional romantic comedy is a rare delight, and that is exactly what 'Wrong For Each Other' turns out to be." - Palo Alto Weekly
To request free electronic versions of most of the above titles, E-mail; fosterplays@gmail.com

To obtain hard copies of Norm Foster's plays, contact;

Playwrights Guild of Canada
54 Wolseley St., 2nd Floor
Toronto, Ontario
M5T 1A5
tel: (416) 703 0201
fax: (416) 703 0059
info@playwrightsguild.ca

Or, Mr. Foster's agent, Pam Winter
Gary Goddard Agency Ltd.
250 The Esplanade #304
Toronto, Ontario
M5A 1J2
tel: (416) 928-0299

fax: (416) 924-9593
pam@ggagency.ca

http://www.garygoddardagency.com/

Email Norm Foster at normstage@gmail.com