I’m happy to say Florida Repertory Theatre will produce my play The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge this upcoming holiday season. The theatre produced my show Around the World in 80 Days years ago and did the first reading of my play The Gentleman Thief. If you’re in the Fort Myers area this December, go check out the show. My kid needs a new pair of shoes.

It will be directed by Florida Rep Artistic Director Greg Longenhagen

Dec. 2, 2025 – Dec. 21, 2025

Buy your tickets here.

The post The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge at Florida Repertory Theatre appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

There are very few things I like more than getting free stuff. And your birthday is the best time to get a lot of free stuff. It’s super easy. All you have to do is take a few minutes to sign up for rewards clubs and when your birthday comes around, your inbox will be overflowing with birthday freebies. I suggest you set up a dedicated email address (I use my old AOL account) just for all of the programs. They’ll send you stuff all year long and it can junk up your regular email inbox pretty quickly.

Now let me say this. Almost all of my friends give me a hard time about all of the freebies I get. And most are convinced I lie to restaurants just to get some free food. I never ever lie about my birthday. It’s all totally legit. What’s really great about the birthday offers companies send out is that a lot of times you don’t have to use them on your birthday. Or your birthday month. Some are good for several months. And some, thank you Jersey Mike’s, are good all year.

Here’s my giant list of places that will give you birthday freebies. And yes, I’m signed up with all of them.

(Ones in bold are my favorites)

The Ultimate List Of Free Stuff For Your Birthday

1. 99 Restaurant and Pub. Free dessert. Join their eclub.
2. A&W All American Food: Free root beer float. Join the Mug Club.
3. Abuelo’s. Free appetizer for joining. Not sure what the birthday freebie is. Join Abuelo’s Rewards Program.
4. AMC Theatres: Get a large popcorn for your birthday. I may have gotten a free movie ticket as well. Sign up to be a Stubs Insider.
5. American Eagle. 15% off coupon. Join aeo/connected.
6. Anthropologie. Free discount. Sign up for AnthroPerks.
7. Applebee’s: Sign up for the email club and get a free something. Not sure what. I’ll let you know next year.
8. Arby’s. Join Arby’s Email List. Get a small shake and small fries with the purchase of a sandwich. I usually pass on this one. I don’t trust that the meat is actually meat.
9. Au Bon Pain: Free coffee and pastry for joining the Email Club.
10. Auntie Anne’s: Sign up for Pretzel Perks and get a free pretzel on your birthday
11. Baja Fresh: Join Club Baja and get a free birthday burrito.
12. bareMinerals. Free Gift. I think it’s a free mini eye treatment and mascara.  Join the Fab Club.
13. Barnes and Noble. Free cupcake for kids. Join their Kids’ Club.
14. Baskin Robbins: Free ice cream. Join the Birthday Club.
15. Bd’s Mongolian Grill. Free meal. I think it’s a BOGO. Join their eClub.
16. Benihana: This one isn’t completely free but it’s pretty good. After you buy $30 worth of food,  you get $30 off additional items. Sign up for the Chef’s Table.
17. Bertucci’s. Free small pizza. Join the Dough Nation.
18. Big Boy: I love this one. Sign up for the Email Club and get a free dessert on your birthday. I always get Bob’s Famous Hot Fudge Cake. It’s glorious.
19. Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria: Free pizza. They’re not the best at sending out the coupon. Sign up is here.
20. Biggby Coffee. Free drink. Join the B-Happy Lounge.
21. BJ’s Brewhouse: Join Premier Rewards Plus, get a free Pizookie for your birthday. You also get a free Pizookie just for signing up.
22. Black Angus Steakhouse: Join the Our Prime Club and get a free dessert for joining and then a free steak dinner on your first birthday after joining. After that, you get a free cookie when you buy an entree.
23. Bojangles’: Free biscuit! And a free 1/2 gallon of sweet tea just for joining their E-Club.
24. Bruegger’s Bagels:  Get a free birthday bagel with cream cheese. Join Bruegger’s Bagels Inner Circle. (And get a free welcome bagel)
25. Bubba Gump Shrimp: Get a free cupcake. That’s it!? Ugh. Sign up for their email club.
26. Buca di Beppo: One of my favorites!! Free Colossal Brownie Sundae. Twelve brownies with six scoops of vanilla & chocolate ice cream. No other purchase necessary. Join their eClub.
27. Buffalo Wild Wings: Six wings. Join Blazin Rewards.
28. Cantina Laredo. Free dessert. Join their e-club.
29. Captain D’s: I think you get a free 2 piece fish dinner, fish & shrimp dinner or season tilapia dinner. And you get a free appetizer or dessert just for registering. Sign up for Captain D’s Rewards. The annoying thing is you can’t signup if you don’t live in a state where there’s a Captain D’s.
30. Caribou Coffee.  Free drink. Sign up for Carbiou Perks Points.
31. Carvel: Free small soft serve cone. Join Fudgie Fanatics. 
32. Cheesecake Factory: Get a free Mini Hot Fudge Sundae on your birthday. It’s extremely mini.  Sign up for their newsletter.
33. Chick-fil-A: Your birthday freebie from Chick-fil-A depends on your their level. (Buy more food, more up to a better tier). Here are the different items you can get. Chick-fil-A One Members will receive their choice of Chocolate Chunk Cookie or Chocolate Fudge Brownie. Chick-fil-A One Silver Members will receive a dessert variety reward, which allows members to redeem a reward from their choice of a Chocolate Chunk Cookie, Chocolate Fudge Brownie, Small Milkshake, Small Frosted Lemonade, Small Frosted Coffee, Small Icedream Cone or Small Icedream Cup. Chick-fil-A One Red Members will receive their choice of either a grilled or regular sandwich or 8- and 12-count nuggets. Chick-fil-A One Signature Members will receive their choice of entrée. Sign up for Chick-fil-A One. 
34. Chili’s: Sign up for My Chili’s Reward Club and get a free dessert on your birthday. I don’t know if you have to buy an entree or not. And according to their site, “Join My Chili’s Rewards and get FREE Chips & Salsa or a Non-Alcoholic Beverage on every visit at participating locations.”
35. Cinnabon: I think you get a free drink on your birthday when you sign up for the Cinnabon Club. Screw that noise. I want a free cinnabon.
36. City Wok: This is a Los Angeles based place, but you get free entree on your birthday when you sign up for the City Wok Eclub.
37. Coco’s Bakery: Word on the street is you get a free slice of pie on your birthday. Sign up for their Eclub.
38. Cold Stone Creamery: Get some sweet sweet free ice cream (Although it’s a BOGO) on your birthday when you sign up for My Cold Stone Club Rewards.
39. Corner Bakery: Get a free dessert on your birthday. I got the chocolate baby bundt cake. It was delicious! Join the Corner Bakery eClub.
40. Cost Plus World Market: You get 15% off a purchase. Meh. Sign up here.
41. Cotton Patch Café.  Only located in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.  Join The Club. Get a free appetizer for joining. Free dessert on your birthday. Free entree on your anniversary. What a sweet deal.
42. Cracker Barrel: Ok, this one doesn’t have a newsletter. But tell them it’s your birthday. Free dessert. Bam!
43. Dairy Queen: Receive a free blizzard on your birthday when you become a member of the Blizzard Fan Club.
44. Del Taco: Become a Raving Fan eClub member and get a free premium shake for your birthday. And you’ll get two free tacos just for signing up.
45. Denny’s: Join the Denny’s Club and for your birthday you’ll get a free Grand Slam. Also get 20% off your next visit after you sign up.
46. Dickey’s BBQ: They used to give you a free sandwich for your birthday. Now they give you a free cookie when you buy a sandwich. Ugh. Sign up for their Big Yellow Cup Club.
47. Dippin’ Dots: Get free Dippin’ Dots for your birthday when you join the Dot Crazy Email Club.
48. DSW. $5 off.  Join DSW VIP.
49. Dunkin’: Dunkin’, as they’re now known, pisses me off with their birthday freebie. You get a free drink on your birthday when you sign up for the DD Perks Rewards Program. Not a free donut!? But I’ll take the drink.
50. Earl of Sandwich: Get a free brownie. Join the Royalty Club.
51. Edible Arrangements: Join Edible Rewards and I think you get a free 12 count chocolate dipped fruit box during your birthday month. I have never gotten anything from them.
52. Einstein Bros. Bagels: This one isn’t completely free. You get a free egg sandwich with a purchase. Join the Shmear Society.
53. Famous Dave’s: This one is too far away from me but get a free something when you join the Famous Nation.
54. Firehouse Subs: Sign up for Firehouse Rewards and get a free sub on your birthday or up to six days after. I had never eaten there before this year. Pretty darn good, although the Coke tasted weird.
55. Fox and Hound: Free entree. Sign up for the MVP program.
56. Friendly’s: Sign up for the BFF club and get a free sundae on your birthday. I think it’s a happy ending. And I don’t mean the one you have to pay extra for when you get a massage.
57. Fuddruckers: Sign up for the Fudd Club and get a free 1/3 pound burger for your big day.
58. Godiva: I got a $10 coupon this year. Join the Godiva Rewards Club. I got the Dark Chocolate Assortment G Cube Box.
59. Golden Corral: Join the Good as Gold Club and get a free buffet on your birthday. But…it’s a BOGO. And my reward was only good at a restaurant in Anaheim. And it’s now the era of COVID-19. It’s a pass for me with buffets.
60. Gordon Biersch: I believe you get a free entree on your birthday. Join the GB Brewers Club. (2022 update: I had to resign up for the program).
61. Grimaldi’s: Get a free pizza on your birthday when you sign up for their eFamily club. (2022 update: I didn’t get anything this year and when I checked my account, there wasn’t anything there about rewards. Seems crappy).
62. Habit Burger Grill: Join Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub. My birthday freebie this year was a free cheeseburger.
63. Hard Rock Cafe:  Sign up for Hard Rock Rewards. It’s an entree BOGO.
64. Hometown Buffet: Join Crave Connection and get a free buffet on your birthday.  (2020 all locations are closed until further notice. Thanks a lot, Covid).
65. Hooters: Get 10 free boneless wings with purchase of a drink. Sign up at  Hooters eClub.
66. IHOP: Free pancakes for joining MyHop. And you get free pancakes on your sign-up anniversary. This is a great deal. When did pancakes at IHOP become so expensive?
67. IKEA: Get a free frozen yogurt on your birthday. Sign up for IKEA Family. I went this year and they were all out of frozen yogurt. What!? I went to the largest IKEA in America. I’m going to blame Covid.
68. Jack in the Box: If you can stomach it, sign up with Jack in the Box and get 2 free tacos on your birthday. I don’t think I can. I passed on it.
69. Jamba Juice: Sign up for Jamba Insider Rewards and you should get a free drink on your big day. I got zilch this year.
70. Jersey Mike’s Subs: Free sub and drink when you sign up for the email club. And the coupon is good for a year!
71. Joe’s Crab Shack: Register with Joe’s Catch and receive a free appetizer on your birthday. But you have to buy TWO entrees!! Blow me, Joe. (2022 update: You have to buy a membership card for $25!!!! What the hell!? No thank you, Joe).
72. Johnny Carino’s: Get a free entree. Join their email list. I passed because the place gets terrible reviews.
73. Johnny Rockets: Get a sort of free burger on your birthday. You have to buy an entree and a drink. No thanks. I’ll go to The Habit for a free burger with no strings attached. But you can join the Rocket eClub.
74. Kohl’s: I got 50 points on my Yes2You account. Sign up for an account here.
75. Krispy Kreme: Sign up for their rewards program and get a dozen free donuts on your birthday! A dozen!  Plus you get a free donut just for signing up.
76. Kung Fu Tea: Anyone who knows me knows my love/obsession/addiction of boba tea. I have an account with Kung Fu Tea and got a $7 coupon for my birthday. .
77. Lazy Dog Cafe: This is a mostly west coast place. Get a free dessert or appetizer. Sign up for their email club.
78. Macaroni Grill: Get a free dessert when you buy an entree. No thanks. But if it’s your jam, sign up for their e-club.
79. Marie Callendar’s: Free slice of pie with purchase of entree. I’d like it free without the purchase. Join the e-club. (2022 update: I didn’t get anything this year and you can’t see your rewards on the website. Come on, Marie! Get into the 21st century).
80. Marmalade Cafe: Free entree, baby. Sign up here.
81. Mimi’s Cafe: Get a free Mixed Berry Muffin Sundae when you sign up for Mimi’s Club.
82. Moe’s Southwest Grill: For my friends on the east coast. Free burrito. Sign up with Rockin’ Rewards.
83. Noah’s New York Bagels: Like Einstein Bagels. Get a free egg sandwich with a purchase. Sign up for Noah’s Rewards.
84. Olive Garden: Free dessert. And get a free appetizer or dessert when you join their eClub family.
85. On the Border: Get free queso or a brownie sundae on your birthday and an order of sopapillas when you join Club Cantina. I skipped it because the nearest one is 50 miles away. Even I have my limits for free food.
86. Orange Julius: I think you get a free smoothie. Sign up for Julius League.
87. P.F. Chang’s: They let me down this year. But sign up for their email. You may get a free something.
88. Panda Express: You get a free something for your birthday. Sign up for their email.
89. Panera: Get a free drink or pastry. Join My Panera.
90. Pei Wei: Sign up for My Wei Rewards and choose from these birthday freebies: crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls, pork egg roll, or Vietnamese chicken salad roll.
91. Petco: Get a little something for your pet on your birthday. Join Pals Rewards.
92. Pick Up Stix: I’ve never eaten here but I think you get Cream Cheese Wontons on your big day. Um…sounds gross. Join the Dragon Email Club.
93. Pinkberry: Sign up for a Pinkcard or download the app, and receive a free yogurt on your birthday.
94. Pita Pit: Sign up for their E-Club and get a free something on your birthday.
95. Pretzel Maker: Get a free order of Pretzel Bites. Download the app.
96. Pizza Hut: Free Cinnamon sticks on your birthday when you sign up for Hut Rewards.
97. Pizza Rev: Get a free pizza! Get the app and sign up for Rev Rewards. Mmm, pizza.
98. Qdoba: Your birthday freebie is a free cookie. Sign up for their email list.
99. Quiznos: Get a free 4 inch Sub. Download the Quiznos Toasty Points Loyalty App.
100. Red Robin: Hello free Birthday Burger! Join Red Robin Loyalty. I love this one. Get the Mad Love Burger!
101. Red Lobster: I think you get a free soup, dessert or shrimp Cocktail. Download My Red Lobster Rewards
102. Rita’s Water Ice: Ah the taste of Philly. Join their birthday club and get a free water ice. Noooo! The one near me went out of business. Maybe they heard I was on my way over.
103. Roys: Get a free dessert on your birthday. But you have to buy an entree. Meh. Join Roy’s Ohana Club.
104. Rubio’s: This is a BOGO. I’m not crazy about BOGOs. I want free as free can be. But if you join the Beach Club you get a free taco just for signing up.
105. Ruby’s Diner: Sign up for the Ruby’s Eclub and get a free sundae on your big day.
106. Saks Off 5th: Get a coupon for $20 a purchase of $150 or more, or $50 a purchase of $250 or more. Talk about going broke to save money. Create a Saks Off 5th account here.
107. Sbarro: Join the Slice Society and get a free XL NY slice with the purchase of a beverage within 24 hours of joining. And a free slice on your birthday.
108. Sephora: I’m not sure what you get. I signed up. We’ll see next year.
109. Shakey’s Pizza Parlor: I think you get a free meal when you join the Shakey’s E-Club.
110. Sizzler: Join the Real Deal Club. Get $5 off an entree. I haven’t eaten at a Sizzler in decades. It’s far from the best deal but it’s tempting.
111. Sonic: Sonic only uses an app. Sign up and for your birthday you get a free small shake (as long as you order ahead)
112. Sprinkles: Join Sprinkles Perks and get a free cupcake on your birthday. Visit Sprinkles more than 40 times in a year, get a dozen free cupcakes on your birthday.
113. Starbucks: Free drink, baby! Get the largest one. It’s free. Join Starbucks Rewards.
114. Subway: I think you get a free cookie on your birthday. Join Subway My Way.
115. TGIFridays: Sign up for Fridays Rewards. Get a free dessert on your birthday.
116. Total Wine: I got a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $50 or more. Oh you shouldn’t have. No, seriously. You shouldn’t have. Sign up for a Total Wine account.
117. Wendy’s: I think you get a free chicken sandwich and a small frosty. Download the Wendy’s app.
118. Wienerschnitzel: Join the Wiener Lovers’ Club (yeah, that’s the actual name). Get a free chili dog for signing up. Get a free corn dog on your birthday. This is one I may have to skip.

If you know of any others, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

The post Birthday Freebies 2022 Edition appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

There are very few things I like more than getting free stuff. And your birthday is the best time to get a lot of free stuff. It only takes a few minutes to sign up for rewards clubs that will send you birthday freebies.

Most are good for your birthday month. Some for a month after your birthday. And some, thank you Jersey Mike’s, are good all year.

Here’s my giant list of places that will give you birthday freebies. And yes, I’m signed up with all of them.

(Ones in bold are my favorites)

The Ultimate List Of Free Stuff For Your Birthday

1. 99 Restaurant and Pub. Free Gift. Join their eclub.
2. A&W All American Food: Free root beer float. Join the Mug Club.
3. Abuelo’s. Free gift. Join Abuelo’s Rewards Program.
4. AMC Theatres: Get a large popcorn for your birthday. I may have gotten a free ticket to a movie as well. Sign up to be a Stubs Insider.
5. American Eagle. 15% off coupon. Join aeo/connected.
6. Anthropologie. Free gift. Sign up for AnthroPerks.
7. Applebee’s: Sign up for the email club and get a free something. Not sure what. I’ll let you know next year.
8. Arby’s. Join Arby’s Email List. This year I could have gotten a small shake and small fries with the purchase of a sandwich. I passed on this one. I don’t trust that the meat is actually meat.
9. Argo Tea. Free drink up to $5. Join the LoyalTea Club (app only)
10. Au Bon Pain: Free coffee and pastry for joining the Email Club.
11. Auntie Anne’s: I can’t believe I missed this one! Sign up for Pretzel Perks and get a free pretzel on your birthday
12. B. Good. Free side when you sign up. Free meal on your birthday. App only.
13. Baja Fresh: Again, how did I miss this one? Join Club Baja and get a free something.
14. bareMinerals. Free Gift. Join the Fab Club.
15. Barnes and Noble. Free cupcake for kids. Join their Kids’ Club.
16. Baskin Robbins: Free ice cream by joining the Birthday Club.
17. Bd’s Mongolian Grill. Free meal. Join their eClub.
18. Benihana: This one isn’t completely free but it’s pretty good. Buy an entree and then get $30 off additional items. Sign up for the Chef’s Table.
19. Bertucci’s. Free Gift. Join the Dough Nation.
20. Big Boy: I love this one. Sign up for the Email Club and get a free dessert on your birthday.
21. Big Mama’s & Papa’s Pizzeria: I didn’t use it this year. Mama is pretty bad about getting the coupon to you in time. And it can only be used on your birthday. I got my coupon in the afternoon. But sign up is here.
22. Biggby Coffee. Free drink. Join the B-Happy Lounge.
23. BJ’s Brewhouse: Join Premier Rewards Plus, get a free Pizookie for your birthday. You also get a free Pizookie just for signing up.
24. Black Angus Steakhouse: This is sort of a one time deal. Join the Our Prime Club and get a free dessert for joining and then  a free steak dinner on your first birthday after joining.
25. Bojangles’: Oh please please please open one near me. Free biscuit! And a free 1/2 gallon of sweet tea just for joining their E-Club.
26. Bruegger’s Bagels:  Get a free birthday bagel with cream cheese. Join Bruegger’s Bagels Inner Circle. (And get a free welcome bagel)
27. Bubba Gump Shrimp: Get a free cupcake. That’s it!? Ugh. Sign up for their email club.
28. Buca di Beppo: Free Colossal Brownie Sundae. I went by myself. I had no idea how big it was going to be. Twelve brownies with six scoops of vanilla & chocolate ice cream. Man it was good! No other purchase necessary. Join their eClub.
29. Buffalo Wild Wings: I’m not a huge fan of wings but I’ll eat them if they’re free. (Expect for Arby’s). Join Blazin Rewards.
30. California Pizza Kitchen: Free dessert (or entree if you’re at a higher benefit level). Join CPK Rewards.
31. Cantina Laredo. Free dessert. Join their e-club.
32. Captain D’s: I think you get a free 2 piece fish dinner, fish & shrimp dinner or season tilapia dinner. And you get a free appetizer or dessert just for registering. Sign up for Captain D’s Rewards.
33. Caribou Coffee.  Free drink. Sign up for Carbiou Perks Points.
34. Carrows: Free dessert. Join their E-Club.
35. Carvel: Free small soft serve cone. Join Fudgie Fanatics (Come on. Really? Fudgie Fanatics!?)
36. Cheesecake Factory: I think you get a free dessert. Sign up their email.
37. Chick-fil-A: I don’t eat at Chick-fil-A but I hear tell if you sign up for Chick-fil-A One you get a free cookie on your birthday.
38. Chili’s: Sign up for My Chili’s Reward Club and get a free dessert on your birthday. I don’t know if you have to buy an entree or not.
39. Chuck E Cheese’s. Free reward for you child’s birthday and “half-birthday.” Join More Cheese Rewards.
40. Cinnabon: I think you get a free drink on your birthday when you sign up for the Cinnabon Club. Screw that noise. I want a free cinnabon.
41. City Wok: I believe this is just a Los Angeles place, but you get free entree on your birthday when you sign up for the City Wok Eclub.
42. Coco’s Bakery: Word on the street is you get a free slice of pie on your birthday. Sign up for their Eclub.
43. Cold Stone Creamery: Get some sweet sweet free ice cream (Although it’s a BOGO) on your birthday when you sign up for My Cold Stone Club Rewards.
44. Corner Bakery: Get a free dessert on your birthday. I got the chocolate baby bundt cake. It was delicious! Join the Corner Bakery eClub.
45. Cost Plus World Market: You get 15% off a purchase. Meh. Sign up here.
46. Cotton Patch Café.  Free dessert. Join The Club.
47. Cracker Barrel: Tell them it’s your birthday. Free dessert. Bam!
48. Dairy Queen: Receive a free blizzard (I think)  on your birthday when you become a member of the Blizzard Fan Club.
49. Del Taco: Become a Raving Fan eClub member and get a free premium shake for your birthday. And you’ll get two free tacos just for signing up.
50. Denny’s: Join the Denny’s Club and for your birthday you’ll get a free Grand Slam. Also get 20% off your next visit after you sign up.
51. Dickey’s BBQ: Get a free BBQ sandwich when you sign up for their Big Yellow Cup Club. It’s a huge sandwich. And they have free ice cream. This is one of my favorites!
52. Dippin’ Dots: Get free Dippin’ Dots for your birthday when you join the Dot Crazy Email Club.
53. DSW. $5 off.  Join DSW VIP.
54. Dunkin’: Dunkin’, as they’re now known, pisses me off with their birthday freebie. You get a free drink on your birthday when you sign up for the DD Perks Rewards Program. Not a free donut!?
55. Earl of Sandwich: Get a free brownie. Join the Royalty Club.
56. Edible Arrangements: Join Edible Rewards and I think you get a free 12 count chocolate dipped fruit box during your birthday month.
57. Einstein Bros. Bagels: This one isn’t completely free. You get a free egg sandwich with a purchase. Join the Shmear Society.
58. Famous Dave’s: This one is too far away from me but get a free something when you join the Famous Nation.
59. Firehouse Subs: Sign up for Firehouse Rewards and get a free sub on your birthday or up to six days after. I had never eaten there before this year. Pretty darn good, although the Coke tasted weird.
60. Fox and Hound: Free entree. Sign up for the MVP program.
61. Friendly’s: Sign up for the BFF club and get a free sundae on your birthday. I think it’s a happy ending. And I don’t mean the one you have to pay extra for when you get a massage.
62. Fuddruckers: Sign up for the Fudd Club and get a free 1/3 pound burger for your big day.
63. Godiva: I got a $10 coupon this year. Join the Godiva Rewards Club. I got the Dark Chocolate Assortment G Cube Box.
64. Golden Corral: Join the Good as Gold Club and get a free buffet on your birthday. But…it’s a BOGO. And my reward was only good at a restaurant in Anaheim. And it’s now the era of COVID-19. It’s a pass for me with buffets.
65. Gordon Biersch: I believe you get a free entree on your birthday. Join the GB Brewers Club.
66. Grimaldi’s: Get a free pizza on your birthday when you sign up for their eFamily club.
67. Habit Burger Grill: Join Habit Burger Grill’s CharClub. My birthday freebie this year was a free cheeseburger.
68. Hard Rock Cafe:  Sign up for Hard Rock Rewards. It’s an entree BOGO.
69. Hometown Buffet: Join Crave Connection and get a free buffet on your birthday. (June, 2020 all locations are closed until further notice).
70. Hooters: Oddly enough, there are two different Hooter sign ups. First is Hooters West Coast and their Hooters eClub. Second is Hooters everywhere else and their Hooters eClub.
71. IHOP: Free pancakes for joining MyHop. And you get free pancakes on your sign-up anniversary. This is a great deal. When did pancakes at IHOP become so expensive?
72. IKEA: You get something free on your birthday when you sign up for IKEA Family. Maybe an entree. Maybe Swedish meatballs.
73. Islands Fine Burgers: I think you get a free slice of pie. And you get free chips and salsa just for signing up.
74. Jack in the Box: If you can stomach it, sign up with Jack in the Box and get 2 free tacos on your birthday. I don’t think I can. I passed on it.
75. Jamba Juice: Sign up for Jamba Insider Rewards and you should get a free drink on your big day. I got zilch this year.
76. Jersey Mike’s Subs: Free sub and drink when you sign up for the email club. And the coupon is good for a year!
77. Joe’s Crab Shack: Register with Joe’s Catch and receive a free appetizer on your birthday. But you have to buy TWO entrees!! Blow me, Joe.
78. Johnny Carino’s: Get a free entree. Join their email list. I passed because the place gets terrible reviews.
79. Johnny Rockets: Get a sort of free burger on your birthday. You have to buy an entree and a drink. No thanks. I’ll go to The Habit for a free burger with no strings attached. But you can join the Rocket eClub.
80. Kohl’s: I got 50 points on my Yes2You account. Sign up for an account here.
81. Krispy Kreme: Sign up for their rewards program and get a free treat on your birthday. A friend of mine got a dozen free donuts! Plus you get a free donut just for signing up.
82. Kung Fu Tea: Anyone who knows me knows my love/obsession/addiction of boba tea. I have an account with Kung Fu Tea and got a $7 coupon for my birthday. .
83. Lazy Dog Cafe: This is a mostly west coast place. Get a free dessert or appetizer. Sign up for their email club.
84. Macaroni Grill: Get a free dessert when you buy an entree. No thanks. But if it’s your jam, sign up for their e-club.
85. Marie Callendar’s: Free slice of pie with purchase of entree. I’d like it free without the purchase. Join the e-club.
86. Marmalade Cafe: Free entree, baby. Sign up here.
87. Mimi’s Cafe: Get a free Mixed Berry Muffin Sundae when you sign up for Mimi’s Club.
88. Moe’s Southwest Grill: For my friends on the east coast. Free burrito. Sign up with Rockin’ Rewards.
89. Noah’s New York Bagels: Like Einstein Bagels. Get a free egg sandwich with a purchase. Sign up for Noah’s Rewards.
90. Olive Garden: Free dessert. And get a free appetizer or dessert when you join their eClub family.
91. On the Border: Get free queso or a brownie sundae on your birthday and an order of sopapillas when you join Club Cantina. I skipped it because the nearest one is 50 miles away. Even I have my limits for free food.
92. Orange Julius: I think you get a free smoothie. Sign up for Julius League.
93. P.F. Chang’s: They let me down this year. But sign up for their email. You may get a free something.
94. Panda Express: You get a free something for your birthday. Sign up for their email.
95. Panera: This year Panera gave me a free drink or a pastry. Join My Panera.
96. Pei Wei: Sign up for My Wei Rewards and choose from these birthday freebies: crab wontons, traditional edamame, vegetable spring rolls, pork egg roll, or Vietnamese chicken salad roll.
97. Petco: Get a little something for your pet on your birthday. Join Pals Rewards.
98. Pick Up Stix: I’ve never eaten here but I think you get Cream Cheese Wontons on your big day. Um…sounds gross. Join the Dragon Email Club.
99. Pinkberry: Sign up for a Pinkcard or download the app, and receive a free yogurt on your birthday.
100. Pita Pit: Sign up for their E-Club and get a free something on your birthday.
101. Pretzel Maker: Get a free order of Pretzel Bites. Download the app.
102. Pizza Hut: Free Cinnamon sticks on your birthday when you sign up for Hut Rewards.
103. Pizza Rev: Get a free pizza! Get the app and sign up for Rev Rewards. Mmm, pizza.
104. Qdoba: Your birthday freebie is a free cookie. Sign up for their email list.
105. Quiznos: Get a free 4 inch Sub. Download the Quiznos Toasty Points Loyalty App.
106. Red Robin: Hello free Birthday Burger! Join Red Robin Loyalty. I love this one. Get the Mad Love Burger!
107. Red Lobster: I think you get a free soup, dessert or shrimp Cocktail. Download My Red Lobster Rewards
108. Rita’s Water Ice: Ah the taste of Philly. Join their birthday club and get a free water ice. Noooo! The one near me went out of business. Maybe they heard I was on my way over.
109. Roys: Get a free dessert on your birthday. But you have to buy an entree. Meh. Join Roy’s Ohana Club.
110. Rubio’s: This is a BOGO. I’m not crazy about BOGOs. I want free as free can be. But if you join the Beach Club you get a free taco just for signing up.
111. Ruby’s Diner: Sign up for the Ruby’s Eclub and get a free sundae on your big day.
112. Saks Off 5th: Get a coupon for $20 a purchase of $150 or more, or $50 a purchase of $250 or more. Talk about going broke to save money. Create a Saks Off 5th account here.
113. Sbarro: Join the Slice Society and get a free XL NY slice with the purchase of a beverage within 24 hours of joining. And a free slice on your birthday. (Putting in your birthday is annoying as hell)
114. Sephora: I’m not sure what you get. I signed up. We’ll see next year.
115. Shakey’s Pizza Parlor: I think you get a free meal when you join the Shakey’s E-Club.
116. Sizzler: Join the Real Deal Club. Get $5 off an entree. I haven’t eaten at a Sizzler in decades. It’s far from the best deal but it’s tempting.
117. Sonic: Sonic only uses an app. Sign up and for your birthday you get a free small shake (as long as you order ahead)
118. Sprinkles: Join Sprinkles Perks and get a free cupcake on your birthday. Visit Sprinkles more than 40 times in a year, get a dozen free cupcakes on your birthday.
119. Starbucks: Free drink, baby! Get the largest one. It’s free. Join Starbucks Rewards.
120. Subway: I think you get a free cookie on your birthday. Join Subway My Way.
121. TGIFridays: Sign up for Fridays Rewards. Get a free dessert on your birthday.
122. Total Wine: I got a coupon for $5 off a purchase of $50 or more. Oh you shouldn’t have. No, seriously. You shouldn’t have. Sign up for a Total Wine account.
123. Wendy’s: I think you get a free chicken sandwich and a small frosty. Download the Wendy’s app.
124. Wienerschnitzel: Join the Wiener Lovers’ Club (yeah, that’s the actual name). Get a free chili dog for signing up. Get a free corn dog on your birthday. This is one I may have to skip.
125. Wing Stop: Free fries. And let me tell you, it’s a huge order of fries. Sign up for The Club.

If you know of any others, please let me know and I’ll add them to the list.

The post The Ultimate Birthday Freebies List appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

March 16. Lockdown. Everything is closed. Restaurants, stores, schools. “Keep six feet away from people” has been replaced with “don’t leave your homes!” Don’t go outside! The zombies will get you!

Jesus, Mary, and Josephine Baker I’m stressed.

I work from home. Now my wife works from home. My daughter is home, “distance learning” with her school. My dogs are unemployed and all they do is lie around all day. Lazy bastards.

I’m a mess.

There are stupid long lines at supermarkets. People are getting in line for Costco at 3:00 am. And everyone is hoarding toilet paper as if we’re all going to start pooping like we’re prepping for a colonoscopy.

I’m completely overwhelmed.

All of my productions have been canceled. I only make money when theaters produce my shows. But right now all theaters are closed. And no one knows for how long. When will I make money again?

I’m a 4-Star General Anxiety.

And to top it off, I’m in first place in my Premier League Fantasy league and no one knows if the season will continue. Curse you!!

These are strange times. And stressful times. And for someone who battles anxiety, these are extra special times. Thank god for vodka and Xanax (no, I don’t recommend this treatment).

So what to do? I’m working on a new script but I’m having trouble concentrating. So far I’ve been great at stress eating. My wife came home the other day with chocolate ice cream, chocolate bars, and a Kringle. I devoured all of them.

I’m trying to read but that whole “trouble concentrating” thing has come into play. I’m watching TV. My latest binge show is Babylon Berlin. Thank god I discovered how to switch it to the original German with English subtitles. The dubbing was atrocious. I play Emoji Blitz because it’s mindless.

And I vacillate between reading as much news as I can and avoiding all news because it makes me too stressed.

I think I’ll go make a vodka-infused chocolate bar.

The post My Coronavirus Diary – Day 1 appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

Making my 25 Days of Christmas Songs list, in which I count down what I think are the best Christmas songs, is Albert King’s soulful R&B song “Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’.”

The post Best Christmas Songs – Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin’ appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

I’m heading back to the Commonweal Theatre in Lanesboro, MN. Well, maybe not me personally but one of my plays. I just found out that my play The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge will be produced by the Commonweal Theatre next year.

The post Commonweal Theatre Here I Come appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

I was having coffee with my friend Sharone O’ Tannenbaum (Okay, I added the “O”) and we got to talking about how we are connected to a bunch of people who have been in Around the World in 80 Days. Sharone said, “Wouldn’t it be great if we could get together everyone who has done the show?” While I was pondering it she said, “Let’s do it. Let’s have a party on an anniversary year.” I said that next year marks the 15th year since it was first produced and she said, “There you go. Next year.”

As you can see, Sharone is a “can-do, make-it-happen” kind of woman.

That’s Sharone shooting. Don’t mess with her.

It’s a pretty cool idea. In my mind I see people from all over the world getting together but I know that’s not the reality. I mean, how cool would it be to get the casts of the productions in Turkey and South Africa to be there?

So I’m throwing it out there. Would people be interested in getting together for an Around the World in 80 Days shindig? I think it would be a lot of fun. Probably in NYC.

Let me throw this out to anyone who has done Around the World in 80 Days. What are your thoughts about a party?

The post Around the World in 80 Days Party appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.

I was living in Orlando, FL after my big breakup in Chicago. (The breakup being what led me to write the aforementioned song “The Rain.”) I was in the process of pulling my life together and I remember standing in an aisle at the grocery store, unable to move and just staring at the food thinking, “What do I buy? What should I cook? What the hell do I do?”

There were days when I had no idea where my next meal was coming from. Seriously. It was a rough period of my life.

I thought back to when I was happiest and it was when I was at ACT in San Francisco four years earlier. I loved living in San Francisco, loved acting everyday, and the program there was based on centering yourself and living in the moment. It was glorious.

I had driven my car from NJ to CA to get to ACT. (If you’ve never driving cross country I highly recommend it.) I would drive for hours and have no idea what I had been thinking about. Occassionaly lyrics would pop into my head. One line that made its way into my head was “Motorcars and movie stars, pictures of Elvis running in and out of my head like a wounded circus.”

I had no idea what it meant but there it was.

As I ruminated about that time that lyric drifted back into my head. As I was laying out a plan for my new found life, the lyric kept coming back to me. It ended up leading me to the song “The Wounded Circus,” a song about wanting to move on, wanting to grab it all, and yet still being broken-down.

So again I grabbed my guitar, harmonica, and 4-track recorder and recorded the song in my living room. I slapped a little reverb on it and this is what I came up with.

The Wounded Circus

Motorcars and movie stars, pictures of Elvis

Running in and out of my head like a wounded circus

She cried, “Hey boy you think you got what it takes?

This big top is for winners.”

I said, “I’m ready for the leap out of the valley of these sinners.”

Let’s run away with the circus

What have we got to lose?

For a kiss and a smile I’ll make it all worthwhile

All eyes will be on you

Crazy Jane on the high wire

Works without a net

Every night she dances to rhythms of beating castanets.

And the bearded on the midway

Stole my heart

But I saw her late last night kissing the half-monkey man in the dark

Let’s run away with the circus

What have we got to lose?

For a kiss and a smile I’ll make it all worthwhile

All eyes will be on you

We could something death-defying that always steals the show

I could maybe change my name to The Great Magnifico

So let’s pack our bags, let’s pack our clothes

Aw let’s just leave behind everything

‘cause I want to be the star attraction in the center ring

Let’s run away with the circus

What have we got to lose?

For a kiss and a smile I’ll make it all worthwhile

All eyes will be on you

Let’s run away with the circus

What have we got to lose?

Every night we’ll come round to another town

All eyes will be on you

Motorcars and movie stars, pictures of Elvis

Running in and out of my head like a wounded circus

The post The Ghosts That Haunt Me – The Wounded Circus appeared first on Mark Brown - Writer.