Doug and I worked together at Wayside Theatre in Virginia, and now he is working in the DC area. I just did a show with Matt Eisenberg, who Doug refers to in the interview. That’s how I found out about it.
My old theater company back in Chicago, Stage Left Theatre, is hosting DrekFest 3, their 3rd annual search for the worst short play in America.
The first contest of its kind (as far as we know!), DrekFest is on a mission to expose bad writing for what it really is: damn funny. DrekFest is also on a mission to expose the new-play development process for what it sometimes can be: pretty damn ridiculous.
We are not out to make fun of writers or those who love them! What we are doing is asking good writers to intentionally write awful plays that make us laugh on the inside (especially if that’s noted in the stage directions) — and out loud.
Looks like they are well on their way. The finalists this year…
Above the Sheets by Daniel Bonventre
Looking Back to the Dawn of Time, Philbert Meets a Nut, Yes, Sir, Really by Pam Dickler
“Scarecrow” or Some S***, Call It Whatever You F******* Want I Don’t Care by Randall Colburn
Someone Has to Die Tonight, Indeed He Does by Pam Dickler
The carnage is on Tuesday, July 21st starting at 7:30pm. If you’re in Chicago, you may want to check this out.
Until the last minute, I thought it would be a Michael Jackson Moonwalk. Instead I wanted to remember the lives that have been, and celebrate the time that we get.
We have lost so many people from show-business this week. Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett, Karl Malden.
I just got word that another actress passed yesterday, July 1st, 2009 – one who may be a bit more famous in England.
Mollie Sugden (1922-2009)
Mollie Sugden became famous for her portrayal of Mrs. Slocombe in the 70’s Brit-com Are You Being Served.
I have to say I didn’t care for the show at first, but eventually it grew on me. The characters were so well played, especially in the earlier seasons, that you really cared about them.
More importantly, the show will always have a special place in my heart since it was one of my Mom’s favorites.
Oy. It’s been hard to get the blog going again after taking some time off. But here goes.
We are opening I Hate Hamlet tonight at Totem Pole Playhouse. This is a delightful comedy. A young TV actor’s series has been cancelled. He’s given a chance to play Hamlet. He rents the apartment that used to be occupied by the legendary actor John Barrymore. After being “summoned”, the ghost of John Barrymore returns to coach the young actor to do this difficult role.
This show has been great fun as well as a huge challenge. My character is a hyped up LA type who is trying to lure the young actor back to Hollywood. I haven’t played a character like this for awhile and am having a difficult time finding his voice. Maybe I should find that before we open. Ya think?