​ Cocoanut Grove
Screenplay by
Kenneth Lawrence & Deborah Whitaker
​and Saul Wisnia

​​Inspired by the true story of
​America's Deadliest Nightclub Fire

Welcome to Cocoanut Grove​

​

Cocoanut Grove Fire 80 Years Ago Tonight

Writers Kenneth Lawrence and Deborah Whitaker share their experiences in writing their screenplay "Cocoanut Grove,"
​about the 1942 fire in Boston's Cocoanut Grove nightclub.

Writing Team

Deborah Whitaker
A psychotherapist and a screenwriter, Deborah has spent more than 30 years conducting therapy sessions like plot lines and character arcs that needed extensive rewrite. She has written five transformational screenplays, and is the author of Looking Glass Sky, a thought-provoking parable on the art and science of self-love. Deb lives near the seacoast of New Hampshire.
Cocoanut Grove Connection: Besides the synchronicities, it was the 40s-era music that first drew Deb into writing this story. Deb’s grandfather, who sang to her as a young girl, briefly performed with the Tommy Dorsey orchestra until Deb’s grandmother made him choose between the road and his family. 

Kenneth Lawrence
Ken hails from Boston and lives in New Hampshire. He has written advertising copy for Boston area radio program and co-produced a variety of local New Hampshire television shows. He was first drawn to writing the story of Cocoanut Grove after hearing broadcaster Paul Harvey relay, in his signature voice, the "rest of the story" during his national radio show. 
Cocoanut Grove Connection: Growing up in Boston, Ken was surrounded by people who lost a friend or family member at the Grove. His uncle Archie worked with the Welansky brothers, the infamous mob-connected owners of the club. Ken recalls that his uncle called himself a plumber, although no one ever saw him working in that capacity.

Saul Wisnia
A Boston area native and resident, Saul has written widely on topics ranging from baseball to business to medicine during his 35-year career. He is the author of numerous books including "Miracle at Fenway," and (with Luis Tiant) "Son of Havana," and is a former staff writer at the Boston Herald and sports and news correspondent at the Washington Post. An expert on Boston sports and medical history, Saul has been senior publications editor at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute since 1999. 
Cocoanut Grove Connection: As a young boy, Saul met former Cocoanut Grove waiter John Rizzo, who shared with him his captivating experiences from the fire. Saul has worked closely with the Cocoanut Grove Memorial Committee, and is currently writing “The Cocoanut Grove Diaries,” a compilation of true stories surrounding the Cocoanut Grove fire.