Baker's Dozen by Donald E. Baker
Thirteen stories. One evening. Baker’s Dozen is a rapid-fire, raw, authentic exploration of the gay experience, weaving together gentle humor, stinging tragedy, and the quiet beauty of aging. Playwright Donald E. Baker curates a vivid tapestry of 13 short works that span generations. Minimalist in staging but maximalist in emotional impact, the production moves seamlessly from the humor of everyday life to the profound echoes of the past—addressing everything from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic to a life-altering encounter in a public restroom, the deep tensions of religion, and the painful path to healing from childhood sexual abuse.
August 7-9, 2026
St Lou Fringe Festival 2026
Directors Mike De Pope & Gabriel Scott Lawrence
Life Support: The same-sex partner and the homophobic sister of a dying man meet for the first time in a hospital waiting room.
After It Stopped: A man recalls the sexual abuse he suffered when he was thirteen.
Feeling Devilish: A man summons a demon on a dating app.
The Boys Across the Street: An older White woman discovers a mixed-race same-sex couple is moving into her neighborhood.
For a Man Your Age: An older gay couple discuss aging, flirtatious baristas, and the National Geographic.
The First Time: A man who always thought he was straight fearfully questions his sexuality after an encounter in a public restroom.
What Happened This Time?: A klutz’s failed attempt to take a box to the trash means a trip to the ER and the pet cemetery.
Dad & Uncle Mark: An older man remembers what he saw spying through a knothole when he was thirteen.
Marvin and the Muses: A playwright fires his muse, but will her replacement be more distraction than inspiration?
Intestate: A 50-year-old gay man loses his partner and everything else to the COVID pandemic.
I Invited Your Mother for Thanksgiving: One half of a gay couple is not pleased to find out his estranged mother is coming for Thanksgiving.
My Summer of Cypress Gardens: A White man in his seventies recalls the childhood trip to Florida when, for the first time, he truly “saw” Black people and also experienced the beginnings of sexual awareness.
Guilt by Association: A pleasant father-son evening turns serious when the son mentions his best friend is considering suicide because he is being bullied at school because he is gay.
Produced by special arrangement with Next Stage Press, Inc
Baker's Dozen has been made possible by the generous support of our Founding Circle donors.
Carolyn Calafiore, Patrica and Joseph Calafiore, Robyn Carrone, Nancy De Pope, Kayla DiSanti, Daniel Guerrieri, Heather Brown Hudson, Roberta Johannes, Holly Mangiameli, Kylie Murphy, Gail Muller, Alan Sadkin, Michele Sadkin, Nancy Sadkin, Jason Vinduska, Margaret Wolfe
Join The First Spark and be forever honored as a Founding Donor, ensuring your legacy remains a permanent part of our history from the very first curtain rise.