Shows
When I was five, Miss Thailing awarded a construction paper circle for every book you read. You tacked it on the classroom wall to build a reading caterpillar. She stopped giving me circles after mine wrapped around the classroom three times. I was always happy in a book. Which was lucky, because I didn’t get along too well otherwise with Miss Thailing. I’ll never forget the day she clapped the lid on the candy jar shut, grabbed my desk by the legs, and shook it upside down, announcing that I’d be staying in for recess until my messy desk was cleaned up. Sheesh, was first grade supposed to be this rough?
It was a book that tricked me into writing shows. The letters of John and Abigail Adams struck me in a hundred different ways. But how could I share what amazed me in their story -- and how deeply it moved me? There's the challenge. And once you’re hooked, all sorts of stories come knocking, looking for a little love. They keep me writing every day. Hey, for some kids, storytime never ends.
- FAMOUS SON
Music by John Paul Boukis and Terry Waltz
Book and Lyrics by John Paul Boukis 
- The fourth of July is a lonely day when you've just lost the presidency, your father, and your son. FAMOUS SON John Quincy is torn between the spirits of the country. Should he defend his family's place in history or take another path? His famous family comes to life with an unexpected challenge for him. But if his father and Jefferson in their prime couldn't win this battle, how can he? And with slavery tearing the nation apart, will he be too late?
FAMOUS SON has had two staged readings and was performed in concert (and recorded) at Cain Park’s Alma Theater on June 22 under the direction of Paul F. Gurgol. - CAFE NEO
By John Paul Boukis 
-
CAFE NEO is a new play inspired by the great Greek tragedies—with a Cleveland twist. The ghosts of the three great Greek tragedians have arrived in Cleveland in 1920 with the new immigrants. They hitched a ride in a book of their plays, but now they’re stuck in Cleveland. Things take a decidedly funny turn when the owner of their book drops dead at a Greek coffee house. Will someone take their book home and save them from oblivion, or do the Fates have another plan in mind?
CAFE NEO enjoyed a fully staged reading at Playhouse Square’s 14th Street Theater with the generous assistance of HPSNEO. Thrilled with its success, the creative team is in the process of turning CAFE NEO into a full musical. - A RETAIL CAROL
Music by John Paul Boukis and Terry Waltz
Book and Lyrics by John Paul Boukis 
-
A RETAIL CAROL is a brand new musical comedy for a holiday filled with sassy songs and retail therapy. Grandma is cutting off her trust fund babies, and this quirky family is forced into therapy for the holidays. But they’re not going quietly. This is a family with an escape plan called "intensive charity". So what do they do when their escape plan turns against them? Will this family ever get its act together? With songs like "Spend Away Your Holiday", "A-spend-i-citis", and "I Want Everything Barbie’s Got", it's a very funny ride finding out.
A RETAIL CAROL is now available for full and developmental productions. - IF ONLY
Book and Music Selections by John Paul Boukis
Original Music by John Paul Boukis 
- Outrageous stories and unexpected songs combine in this one-woman show written for cabaret artist Liz Rubino. An active voice-over artist, actor and singer, Liz recently debuted her first album "Touch of the Moon" and is working on her second. IF ONLY premiered this fall in New York at the legendary Duplex Cabaret and was featured in Fort Lauderdale earlier this year. The show features title tune by John Paul as well as his funny cabaret song: "I Want Everything Barbie’s Got".