KAL WAGENHEIM
116 Myrtle Ave., Millburn NJ 07041
Tel: 973 376 2314 973 885 6897
E-mail: kalwagenheim@cs.com
Kal Wagenheim (born in Newark, N.J.) is a journalist (formerly with The New York Times and currently editor of Caribbean UPDATE monthly newsletter), author and translator of eight books, and ten plays and screenplays. His biography of Babe Ruth was a Playboy Book Club selection and was adapted for an NBC-TV film. His biography of Roberto Clemente, first published years ago, will be reissued in 2010 by Markus Wiener Publishers of Princeton NJ. His novel, "The Secret Life Of Walter Mott" was published in July 2010 by All Things That Matter Press, based in Maine. His plays, "Bavarian Rage", "We Beat Whitey Ford", "Coffee With God", and "Wegotdates.com" have been produced Off-Off-Broadway. His poetry and fiction have been published in online literary magazines jersey.com and PulpLit.com. He has also taught creative writing at Columbia University (as an Adjunct Associate Professor) and the State Prison in Trenton NJ (as a volunteer). Member: PENAmericanCenter and The Dramatists Guild of America. Film producers may access his screenplays on the website www.inktip.com. More details about Kal Wagenheim may be obtained by writing his name on the search engine www.Google.com. To access a sample of his monthly newsletter, email him at kalwagenheim@cs.com.
Plays and Screenplays
BAVARIAN RAGE/I WANNA BE FAMOUS! Adolf Hitler alive? A wannabe "dream team" of lawyers eagerly interviews their hoped for ticket to fame, an elderly man who may--or may not--be the hated Nazi dictator. Film rights! Book deals! Its a bonanza! There are surprises galore in this edgy dark comedy of shifting identities. A sendup of the yearning for fame that lurks in all of us. "Funny and somehow touching. You write with a sure comedic hand"--Eli Wallach. "I loved it. It was so wacky I roared"--Lee Coppola. Full-length play (previous title: "Bavarian Rage") was finalist, 2001 New Century Writer Award for a Stage Play. Semifinalist 2001-2002 National Arts Club Playwrights First Competition. One-act version presented May 1997 at the Annual Off Off Broadway Original Short Play Festival (Harold Clurman Theatre, NYC). Staged readings: The Deptford Players, NYC (Nov. 2001) , the Abingdon Theatre Co., NYC (July 2002), the Stage 3 New Play Festival, SonoraCA (Nov. 2003), HRC Showcase Theatre, HudsonNY (Oct. 2004), William Paterson University (Oct. 2009). The Theater Project, Union County College, Cranford NJ (April 17, 2010). (WGAE 115643-00). Screenplay was Seminfinalist, 10th Annual Writer's Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition, and Quarterfinalist in the 2002 Fade In Magazine competition. Semifinalist, 2007-2008 Beverly Hills Theatre Guild-Julie Harris Playwright Award Competition. Staged reading Oct. 29, 2009 at William Paterson University in Wayne NJ.
COFFEE WITH GOD. A man is seated in a diner, enjoying a bagel with cream cheese and a cup of coffee, when God sits next to him and orders the same. Their conversation ranges from playful (finding parking in Manhattan) to heartbreaking (why loved ones die all too soon). A one-act play performed at the First Annual Chester Horn Short Play Festival, American Theatre of Actors, NYC (June 21-26, 2005); the Dog Days Summer Play Festival, Generic Theatre Company, Norfolk VA (July 2005); Gettysburg (PA) College 44th One-Act Festival (Nov. 18, 2005). New Play Fest, Illustrious Theatre Co., Warwick NY/Sussex NJ (Feb. 24-25-26, March 11-13, 2006); Jersey Voices Festival, Chatham NJ (July 28-29, Aug. 3-5, 2006). Minnesota State High School League Play Festival, Austin MN (Jan. 20,2007). Mount Vernon Presby School, Atlanta GA (Oct. 31, Nov. 2007), Summit Preparatory School, Kalispell MT (Nov. 12- 16, 2007). Druid Hills School, Atlanta GA (Nov. 15, 2007), Perry County Central HS, Hazard KY (Nov. 1-30, 2007),Fergus Falls Public Schools, Fergus Falls MN (Jan. 26, 2008). UUU Society of Mukwonago, Eagle WI (March 2, 2008). Ben Bolt Palito Blanco H.S., Ben Bolt TX (April 21-22, 2008); Morningside College, Sioux City IA (April 24-25, 2008). Ontario High School, Ontario CA (June 4, 2008). Windsor High Drama Club, Windsor CT (Nov. 14-15, 2008). Insight Theatre, Celbridge, Ireland (Nov. 18-22, 2008). Perth District Collegiate Institute, Perth, Ontario, Canada (Jan. 13, 2009); Ethan High School, South Dakota (Jan. 26, 2009), Chippewa High School, Wooster OH (Jan. 27, 2009); Tift Theatre for Performing Arts, Tifton GA (June 4-13, 2009), Cypress Bay High School, Weston FL (Jan. 5-6,2010). College Community SD, Cedar Rapids IA for Iowa Speech Competition, Iowa City IA (Jan. 23-Feb. 4, 2010). Regina High School, Warren, Mich (April 29-May 2, 2010). Perth & District Collegiate, Ontario, Canada (June 16, 2010), Rust College, Holly Springs, MS (June 26-27, 2010), NH Community Theatre Festival, Manchester NH (Sept. 17-25, 2010). Staged readings at God Play Contest (Poco Loco Players, New Mexico (Nov. 2005); Villagers Theatre, Somerset NJ (Feb. 2006), Stray Dawg Theatre,Belfast, Northern Ireland (April 2006). Published in 2007 by Dramatic Publishing, 311 Washington St., Woodstock, Illinois 60098. Tel:
THE HYDROGEN THING. In this quirky romantic thriller, three scientists in different parts of the world are murdered in apparently random events. All three are pioneers in a new hydrogen fuel cell technology that will end the world's dependence on oil. Becky McLean (a college professor) and her boyfriend Michael Stern (a journalist) stumble upon the plot (concocted by a deranged scientist and a corrupt stockbroker) and are pursued by the hitmen.. Semifinalist, 10th Annual Writer's Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition. (WGAE#R07663-00). Screenplay
FISH DIE BY THE MOUTH. Johnny Faustino, a building contractor frustrated by his inability to obtain business in a corrupt industry, enters into a pact with a mob figure and magically prospers at first. The scheme collapses, and Johnny is caught in a squeeze between his murderous partners and the FBI, which threatens him with prison unless he testifies. A modern take on a classic legend. (Semifinalist, Script Magazine Open Door Contest, October 2000; Quarterfinalist Fade In 2000 Awards.)(WGAE #130583-00). Screenplay
INTERVIEW AT WEEHAWKEN. This historical drama probes a two-centuries old mystery: what passions compelled the Vice President of the United States (Aaron Burr) and the former Secretary of Treasury (Alexander Hamilton) to engage in a fatal duel? Touching upon themes that resonate today, it is a tale of sex, jealousy, corruption, bare knuckle politics, and a scandal-hungry press, culminating in the deadly encounter, in 1804, on the west bank of the Hudson River. (Semi-finalist in the 1999-2000 Playwrights First competition sponsored by The National Arts Club. Screenplay was a quarter-finalist in the 2001 New Century Awards competition.) Staged reading, The Theatre Project at Union County College, NJ, Nov. 10, 2002. (WGAE#125702-00) A full-length play, also available as screenplay.
THE KING OF TANGO. The life and death of legendary tango singer-composer Carlos Gardel (1890-1935), whose music -- six decades after his death in a fiery plane crash -- is still popular throughout Latin America, Spain and France. This biopic showcases his genius and explores the complex, elusive man behind the legend . (WGAE#093063-00). Screenplay ( also available in Spanish, title: Es un soplo la vida).
LEVINE! LEVINE! This tragi-comic drama chronicles the meteoric rise and fall of brash millionaire and aviation pioneer Charles A. Levine. His brief fling with fame, as the first trans-Atlantic air passenger, two weeks after Lindbergh's historic solo flight, was celebrated with joyous Yiddish songs. Semifinalist, 2004 Dorothy Silver Playwriting Competition. Staged readings: The Theater Company, UnionCountyCollege, CranfordNJ (Nov. 2003) and Innovative Stages, WestchesterCountyNY (April 2004). A full-length play and also available as a screenplay. (WGAE#I1027-00)
LUCKY FOR ME. Charles "Lucky" Dumas is an African-American teenager, growing up on the violent, drug-infested streets of inner city NewarkNJ. His hardworking mother (a waitress in a diner), and his father (in prison for murder) struggle to keep him on the straight and narrow. Lucky survives a number of crises, including a failed romance, gang rumbles, and the death of his two closest friends. In a rousing finale, he delivers an emotional, inspiring valedictorian speech at his school. Despite the odds, he seems on his way to success. Adapted from the novel by Eugene Thomas. WGAE#I20668
MOTHERS DAY IN HELL. Two Jersey mobsters (Jewish & Italian), a brothel madame (African-American) and Britains Lord Cornbury, the corrupt, cross-dressing first governor of New Jersey (1706) -- all long dead -- have bribed the Devil and his underlings and live in comfort in the VIP Lounge of the New Jersey Wing of Hell. They are joined by a Latino mobster (just killed in a mob war) and plan to develop a Vegas-style casino. Life is good, but Mothers Day is coming, and they are anxious and weepy for another glimpse of their beloved moms. One-act play. Cast: 6 (4 males, 2 females). Staged reading: April 21, 2007 by The Theater Project at Union CountyCollege, Cranford NJ.
THE LIBERTINE LIBRETTIST. The adventures of Lorenzo Da Ponte, Mozart's "libertine librettist." Jew, defrocked Catholic priest, fugitive from justice, brilliant poet, friend to Casanova, grocer, bookseller, teacher, loving husband and father, querulous complainer, tireless seeker of glory. Da Ponte's 89-year life span takes us to Venice, Vienna, London, and ends in New York, where he founds the city's first opera house. (Winner, 4th Annual Empire Screenplay Contest, 2000 . Quarterfinalist 2002 Scriptalooza Screenwriting Competition, 2001 New Century Writer Award & 2000 Cinestory Screenwriting Award .)(WGAE #084754-00). Screenplay.
TRAGEDY IN LAFAYETTE SQUARE. Washington DC.,1859. Was it premeditated murder or temporary insanity when an enraged Congressman, Dan Sickles, shot and killed Philip Barton Key in Lafayette Square? Key (a prominent lawyer and the son of the composer of The Star Spangled Banner) was involved in a passionate affair with Teresa Sickles, the wife of the Congressman. The nation is gripped by the ensuing "trial of the century," which raises issues of a double standard, as Sickles is revealed to be an adulterer himself. (Finalist, 2001 New Century Writer Award. Quarterfinalist, 2001 Script Magazine/Shooting Gallery Open Door Contest.) (WGAE#R00278-00 ). Screenplay
WE BEAT WHITEY FORD. One-act play. Two former high school baseball teammates -- one black, one white -- meet twenty years later at Newark Airport, and seek to bridge the racial/class gulf that separates them. This is a moving, often funny, tale of friendship, of race relations in America, and of the chasm between youthful dreams and reality...between what we want and what we get. "A nice cleanhonest playbefore its through, you might feel a few emotions welling up." Jerry Tallmer, The Villager. Presented June 15-16, 2007 at The Snapple Theatre, NYC; Sept. 2000 at PSNBC@HERE, NYC; April 2000 at Pulse Ensemble Theatre, NYC; July 1998 at Synchronicity Space, NYC. Short story format was quarterfinalist in 7th Annual Writers Network Screenplay & Fiction Competition (2000). Screenplay version now available on website www.inktip.com
WEGOTDATES.COM. Selma, sweet and ditzy, applies for a job at an Internet "personals" service and is hired by Ernie, the cynical office manager. They gradually fall in love, while several dozen New Yorkers (performed by a cast of six) act out ads theyve placed, searching for love, friendship and adventure. Slapstick comedy with a generous dollop of heartfelt sentiment. (WGAE#140935-00) One-act play. Produced Sept. 22, 23, 26, 27, 2009 as part of Short Play Festival produced by Brief Acts Company at The Sonnett Theatre at The Producers Club, 358 W. 44th St., New York City.
NATIONAL BANANA WEEK. Pres. No. 43 and his VP meet in the Oval Office to discuss "vital" issues, such as how to unite the US public around bananas, and how to correct No. 43's pronunciation of atomic warfare (he keeps saying "Noo-KYOO-ler"). A very short comic one-act. Produced as part of a short play festival by The Theatre Project at Union County College, Cranford NJ, Nov. 8-9-10, 2007.
WISHFUL THINKING. The ghost of former President Richard Nixon visits President Dubya in the Oval Office of the White House on March 18,2003, the day before the U.S. invasion of Iraq, and tries to dissuade him. A short tragicomic one-act. Staged reading by the Theater Project, Union County Community College, Cranford NJ, Nov. 8, 2008. Cast: 2 males.
ALMOST LIKE HEARTBURN. In this short comedy, Martin Farber, a nebbishy CPA, regrets taking a new job, where he is tempted by "that girl." 10 pp. Cast: 2 (1 male, 1 female).
PURPLE HEART. A young man interviews his great-uncle Murrey, who was wounded in World War I and found himself sharing a bomb crater with a wounded German soldier for several terrifying hours, with haunting results. Cast: 2 or 3 males, 7 pages. Produced Nov. 19-21, 2009 as part of Kaleidoscope Kabaret by the Theater Project at Union County College in Cranford NJ.
JERSEY TALES. Three of the one-act plays listed above ("Coffee With God", "We Beat Whitey Ford" and "Mother's Day In Hell") can be produced separately, or together to provide a complete evening of theatre.
Books include:
THE SECRET LIFE OF WALTER MOTT. A serio-comic novel set in the 1950's, the end of the age of conformity, about the struggle between man's yearning for freedom and for security. The protagonist, Walter Mott, a lonely bachelor, works in a huge insurance company, and secretly lives in his office, to save money for early retirement. After a visit to his favorite striptease dancer, Walter is infected with the crabs and unwittingly passes it on to hundreds of his coworkers. The top corporate execs suspect it's all a Soviet plot to undermine the Free Enterprise system. Walter accumulates enough money to retire, but falls in love with a young coworker and.... (published in July 2010 by All Things That Matter Press, a publisher based in Maine. Website: AllThingsThatMatterPress.com. Available as paperback and Kindle edition).
INSIDE OUT: VOICES FROM NEW JERSEY STATE PRISON. Poems, stories, memoirs and commentaries by forty-three inmates. Compiled and edited by Kal Wagenheim, who as a volunteer for five years directed a creative writing workshop in the prison. Published Feb. 2009 by Wingspan Press, Livermore CA 94551. Website: www.wingspanpress.com. Available on www.amazon.com. 188 pages. $14.95. "Fascinating stuff"--Leigh Montville, author of several bestselling books including biographies of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams. "Moving stories and poems that come from the heart." -- Theo Bensen, California Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Sacramento CA. "The resilience of the human spirit is demonstrated again. I have learned much from this text."--Professor Lloyd H. Roglers, Fordham University.
BABE RUTH: HIS LIFE & LEGEND. (1974) A Playboy Book Club selection. Adapted for an NBC-TV film (1991). "Graceful and anecdotal and uncommonly readable ... Wagenheim's richly detailed narrative has the power to touch off both guffaws and tears" -- Roger Angell, The New York Times. Available as audiocassette, on-line from www.E-Reads.com and in paperback from Olmstead Books/LPC Group.
CLEMENTE! (1973) A biography of the first Latino Hall of Fame baseball star. American Library Association Selection as One of the Best Books of the Year for Young Readers. "The classic stuff of sports tragedy, the athlete dying young...the man beyond the ball field," Roger Kahn, TheChicago Tribune. Available on-line from www.E-Reads.com and in paperback from Olmstead Books/LPC Group. To be re-issued with a new Prologue by Markus Wiener Publishers of Princeton NJ in Summer/Fall 2010.
THE POND. (1999) A translation (from the Spanish) of La Charca, the 19th century novel by Manuel Zeno-Ganda. "A classic of Latin American fiction (in) a modern and colloquial translation" -- The Nation. Published by Markus Wiener, PrincetonNJ.
THE SEVENTH MIRACLE. (2000) A translation (from the Spanish) of El Septimo Milagro, a memoir by Jorge I. Klainman, a Polish Jew who survived the Holocaust. A moving story of triumph over adversity. Available online and as a paperback from www.xlibris.com.
THE PUERTO RICANS: A DOCUMENTARY HISTORY. Edited by Kal Wagenheim and Olga Jimenez de Wagenheim. Markus Wiener Publishers. 1974. "An essential sourcebook for a better understanding of the Puerto Ricans."--The New York Times.
CUENTOS: AN ANTHOLOGY OF SHORT STORIES FROM PUERTO RICO. Edited and with a preface by Kal Wagenheim. First published by Schocken Books. 1978. Reissued in July 2008 by Markus Wiener Publisher, Princeton NJ. "Six Puerto Rican writers display very distinct styles and rhythms in this refreshing collection of 12 stories. A variety of settings and time frames makes the selection delightfully unpredictable." -- Publishers Weekly. $24.95 paperback.
A SURVEY OF PUERTO RICANS ON THE U.S. MAINLAND IN THE 1970S. Praeger. 1975. 133 pp. "Essential for all academic collections as a basic reference for study of the Puerto Rican experience on the mainland"--Choice.
PUERTO RICO: A PROFILE. Praeger. 1970. "This book fills a tremendous need in the vast desert of ignorance about Puerto Rico and Puerto Ricans"--from the Foreword by Piri Thomas.
PAPER GOLD: How to Make Money and Hedge Against Inflation by Investing in Postage Stamps. P.H. Wyden. 1976
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Short fiction and poetry. Between 2006-2008, My short stories "We Beat Whitey Ford", '"Coffee With God" and "Almost Like Heartburn" and poems "Dec. 7, 1941", "We Miss You Walt Whitman" and "The Ballad of Pubic Pediculi" have been published in www.jerseyworks.com, an online literary magazine.
My short story "The Way It Really Is" was published in Nugget Magazine, June 1964.
For an international database of playwrights & their websites offering production and publishing opportunities, see www.stageplays.com/writers.htm
Also, check out The Writers Place at their website: www.thewritersplace.org
