Paperclip Messiah

By Matt Burlingame

In Paperclip Messiah, a handsome priest battles with the hidden demons of his past. These battles become harder to fight as he hires a beautiful young man named Joel to work and live on the grounds. Unable to resist their mutual attraction, Father Patrick and Joel soon find themselves at the heart of scandal as they try to keep their passionate affair hidden from others in the parish. As their relationship deepens, the doors to Father Patrick’s past begin to unlock, leading them both into a world of sex, secrets and sin. A play like Paperclip Messiah cannot be easily categorized as it delivers romance, edgy comedy, social commentary and psychological thrills with no apologies for its unrelenting honesty, raw sexuality and haunting religious imagery. A powerful production, artistic and beautifully done, audiences won’t help but be captivated. Matt Burlingame is well known for his controversial, no-holds-barred plays. He proves once again unafraid to ruffle feathers as Paperclip Messiah delves into the hallowed halls of sex and sin inside a modern-day Catholic parish.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Matt Burlingame
• Release date: Sep 24, 2017
• ISBN: 9781370669677

Matt Burlingame

Matt Burlingame is an award-winning journalist and playwright, living in Northern California. After 20 years of working for various LGBT newspapers, websites, and even co-hosting a late-night radio show, he has retired from his aspirations of being the gay Murphy Brown to pursue his love of fiction writing. He has written and co-written over ten critically acclaimed plays, including Recovery Mode, Poughkeepsie Porn Co., Countess Dracula, and the controversial Paperclip Messiah. His plays have been produced nationally, most notably in New York and St. Louis. He has been a well-known LGBT podcaster for over ten years and produced and co-hosted shows focused on writing, comedy, theater, gay sex education and positive body image. With the support and encouragement of his gay cat, and lifelong friend Nephi, he has now immersed himself into the wonderful world of M/M romance.

Book preview

Paperclip Messiah

The Play

(Smashwords Edition)

By Matt Burlingame

Performance Inquiries Contact:

[e-mail]

Copyright © 2002, 2017 Matthew Couk

All rights reserved.

Smashwords Edition

Cover photos © Can Stock Photo / kevron2001 / konradbak

All names, characters, places and situations are completely fictional.

Character List

Father Patrick Priest

Head of St. Vincent’s. [Age range: 34-40]

Young Patrick

A representation of Father Patrick’s Un­priestly side. [Actor should look same age as Joel]

Joel

St. Vincent’s newly hired Janitor. [Age range: 21­-24]

Sister Mary June

Nun at St. Vincent’s. [Age range: 40s]

Sister Mary Alice

Nun at St. Vincent’s. [Age range: 25-70]

Bishop Reeves

Bishop that oversees several parishes including St. Vincent’s [Age range: 45­-60]

Father David

Priest at St. Vincent’s. [Age range: 30-35]

Nathan

Patrick’s older brother. [Age range: actor should look approximately same age as Joel]

Father

Patrick and Nathan’s abusive father. [Age range: 35­-45]

Mr. Kleinner

Member of St. Vincent’s parish. [Age range: 35­-50]

Mrs. Kleinner

Member of St. Vincent’s parish. [Age range: 35­-50]

Perry Kleinner

Member of St. Vincent’s parish. [Age range: 16-17ish]

Voice of Priest

Authoritative voice in confessional. [Age range: Open]

Waiter

Waiter (or waitress if necessary) in restaurant. [Age range: Open]

Role Doubling Options:

Sister Mary­-June and Mrs. Kleinner

Father David and Voice of Priest

Nathan, Perry Kleinner and Waiter

Father and Mr. Kleinner

Setting

Place: St. Vincent’s Church, current day.

Sets: Father Patrick’s Office, Father Patrick’s Bedroom, Joel’s Room, Confessional.

This can be easily done on a small single stage with lighting and set piece placement.

Original Production:

September 2002, Lambda Players, Sacramento

Elly Award Nominee: Best Original Work

Director: Matthew Burlingame

CAST

Father Patrick: Matthew Abergel

Joel: Juan Jose Flores

Young Patrick: Robert Bitsko

Sister Mary June: Jeanie Moore

Sister Mary Alice: Shelly Crouse-Monare

Father David: Clint Vigen

Bishop Reeves: JG Gonsalves

Mr. Kleinner/Voice of Priest: Paul Fearn

Mrs. Kleinner: Jean Swearingen

Nathan: Marc B. Koenigsberg

Father: Jeffrey M. Evans

Perry Kleinner: Brian Judd

Waiter: Cole Zobel/Terry Loeser

CREW

Stage Manager: Tom Swanner

Alterperson/Stagehand: Carissa Gragg

Light Tech: George Hansen III

Costume Design: Theresa M. Vann

Set Design: Charlie Peer

Light Design: Jeff Gregoire

ACT ONE

A storm is heard. The lights rise. FATHER PATRICK is sitting at his desk, shuffling through papers.

FATHER PATRICK: Stops and pushes a button on an intercom. Mary Alice, I can't find the application for Mr. Sanders.

SISTER MARY ALICE: Enters stage left quickly: That’s because that was Mr. Landers. She shuffles through the papers and hands FATHER PATRICK the proper page.

FATHER PATRICK: Oh, of course. Forgive me, I'm awfully tired today. I can't seem to get all four cylinders working at once.

SISTER MARY ALICE: Perhaps if you didn't stay up so late into the night.

FATHER PATRICK: Sister, when in prayer, one does not say to God, I'll get back to you.

SISTER MARY ALICE: Gasps and leaves stage left quickly. FATHER PATRICK looks over papers as SISTER MARY ALICE enters with another paper. There is one more applicant. He just wandered in. She whispers: He's one of them!

FATHER PATRICK: One of whom?

SISTER MARY ALICE: Hoodlums! Street gangbangers! I don't think you should even see him.

FATHER PATRICK: Trying to be patient. Sister, Jesus spent most of his adult life among murderers, whores and thieves. Are you suggesting we are above the Good Lord?

SISTER MARY ALICE: Almost speechless. Why—of course—not. She is flustered. Walks quickly off stage left. From offstage: Go right in.

Joel enters slowly making careful note of his surroundings. He has a baseball cap in his hands.

FATHER PATRICK: Have a seat. JOEL sits. Joel Kee- FATHER PATRICK looks up, studying JOEL’s face. Joel? His voice is full of recognition.

JOEL: Yes, Father. He smiles.

FATHER PATRICK: Well, Joel! He comes around desk, grabbing JOEL’s hand and pumps it warmly. It's wonderful to see you! How long—it's been four years at least! How's your grandmother?

JOEL: Smiling and blunt. Dead.

FATHER PATRICK: His tone turns serious. Oh, I'm so sorry.

JOEL: It was her time.

FATHER PATRICK: Nods understandingly. So what brings you here?

JOEL: I read your job announcement in the paper this morning.

FATHER PATRICK: Thoughtfully. Ah. Well, Joel, I think someone a little more...experienced…may be more suitable.

JOEL: Experienced?

FATHER PATRICK: Um…more, uh—settled. Do you understand?

JOEL: I understand, Father, but I—I'm willing to do anything. I, um...He is embarrassed. I don't have anywhere left to turn.

FATHER PATRICK: Sits on corner of desk studying JOEL’s face. What is it, Joel?

JOEL: The hospital took the last of the money my grandmother had. He attempts a smile. I could hardly afford to buy a pack of gum at the moment.

FATHER PATRICK: Hesitates. Still, it really is better suited for an older person. Someone who has had some experience.

JOEL: Father, please. I—I don't do drugs or steal. I'm—He turns to indicate SISTER MARY ALICE. I'm not a gangbanger. And it doesn't take a genius to be a janitor. He meets FATHER PATRICK’s eyes. Please.

FATHER PATRICK: Silent, considering, then: All right. We’ll give it a try.

JOEL: Really? Father, thank you!

FATHER PATRICK: Well, just don’t prove Mary Alice right, okay? Stands and takes keys from his desk.The janitor’s quarters are in a separate building overlooking the courtyard. I’ll give you a quick tour. Tomorrow’s Saturday