Wendy MacLeod
A New Dramatists alumna and a graduate of the Yale School of Drama, Wendy MacLeod is the James E. Michael playwright-in-residence emeritus at her alma mater, Kenyon College
NEWS
A comedy about the business of being funny.
The Laugh Track
at Portland Stage Company
DATES May 6 - May 31, 2026
RUN TIME Approximately 90 minutes, with no intermission.
PRICE $20-$75
PLAYWRIGHT Wendy MacLeod
DIRECTOR Christopher Grabowski
Jokes abound in this world premiere about the writers of I Love Lucy. Based on the real-life of co-writer Madelyn Pugh who fiercely and hilariously navigates the male-dominated entertainment industry and her feisty relationship with writing partner Bob Carroll Jr. Prepare to be surprised, amused, and laughing the whole way through!
Madelyn Pugh and Bob Carroll Jr. meet by chance in 1957 after their work together on I Love Lucy has come to an end. Over the course of their conversation we see flashes of their time together working with Lucille Ball, Desi Arnaz, and studio execs. This play shines light on the inner-workings of America’s beloved sitcom and the woman who punched up the jokes, fought for her career, and paved the way for women in the writers room. Fast-paced and full of wit, The Laugh Track brings familiar characters to life, while proving that comedy is not a man’s job.
THE LAUGH TRACK will premiere at Portland Stage in Maine, May 6-May 31 2026 and then be seen at International City Theater in Fall 2026, directed by Marya Mazor.
24-Hour Monologue
Julyana Soelistyo performs THOSE BOOTS by Wendy MacLeod as a part of the company’s Viral Monologue series.
SLOW FOOD
SLOW FOOD
By Wendy MacLeod
A COMEDY FOR ANYONE WHO'S EVER BEEN "HANGRY" (2m, 1w)
Peter and Irene are famished after a stressful day of travel and are ready to celebrate their wedding anniversary over dinner. Somehow, they both get more and less than they bargained for when they walk into a charming Greek restaurant craving freshly baked spanakopita and meet their highly neurotic waiter, Stephen. Stephen's territorial tendencies and penchant for oversharing make for a scrumptious comedy we guarantee will leave you rolling on your couch laughing
BASTA! at The National Theater of Genoa
Directed by Kiara Pipino
A police lieutenant questions Officer Roberto about what happened during the riots at the G8 Summit in Genoa. Was there police brutality or were the police merely defending the statuary? Who was singing Fascist songs and why were the women barking? The mayor, the prime minister, and the world are desperate to see Roberto’s police report but he’s determined to make it a work of art. (4m, 2 w)
WOMEN IN JEOPARDY!
Liz’s best friends want her to be happy, but the dentist she’s seeing is just plain creepy. When he’s linked to a mysterious disappearance, they can’t help but wonder if he may be a serial killer. This hilarious comedy reminds us about the value of friendship and the potential value of trading wine glasses for spy glasses. (4w, 2m)
“The laughs in Wendy MacLeod’s play … come fast and furious … It’s all good, silly fun, directed with precise comic timing by the seasoned Sean Daniels … a new work that’s modern, lively, and loads of fun.” – Boston Globe
The Laugh Track
Wendy MacLeod’s world premiere comedy, The Laugh Track, takes us behind the scenes of I Love Lucy. Based on the real-life experiences of Hollywood’s first female TV writer, Madelyn Pugh, this play shines light on the inner-workings of America’s beloved sitcom and the woman who punched up the jokes, fought for her career, and paved the way for women in the writers room. Fast-paced and full of wit, The Laugh Track brings familiar characters to life, while proving that comedy is not a man’s job.
A Clown Named Cheryl
Written for The 24-Hour Plays