I just returned from New York, where the Emerging Artists Theatre just performed the 15-minute version of "Job Strikes Back" at the New York 15 Minute Play Festival. We did not get enough audience votes to win, despite some outstanding performances and a wonderful directing effort by JoEllen Notte (who also spearheaded the drive to get the play down to 15 minutes). We could theoretically be nominated for a Producer's Choice award and make it to the finals, but it sounds pretty final.
Normally I take these in stride, since plays are so subjective that judging them seems impossible. And the play that won, a strange and wonderful piece called "Mrs. B," was certainly worthy - I'll be really pulling for it to make a strong showing in the finals. But I'm disappointed, because I think every actor in the play is outstanding, and deserves the recognition that they would only get by performing in the finals. We're still waiting to discover if we were accepted into the Samuel French One-Act Festival - if so, we get one more crack at this thing, so stay tuned!!
In other sad news, my production of "A Curtain Call to Arms, or, The Final Bow" did not place at the ESTA Regional Festival. It did receive awards for Outstanding Actor (the hilarious Matt Ragan), Outstanding Ensemble, Outstanding Costumes, and the Stage Manager's Award, which went to the most fun cast (yep! That's us!). I hate to see this round of "Curtain Call" come to an end, since it's been such a blast - everyone made great contributions and the show was consistently fun for me and the audience. Special props to Kathy B., who not only gave a wonderful performance but secured those fabulous costumes! And give it up, ladies and gentlemen, for Nancy Neufang-Stopyra, who stepped in on two different occasions to fill in for cast members who could not make performances. Congratulations on a great run!
Soon it's back to NYC to the 15 Minute Fest - I lent a hand to Kristyn Leigh Robinson's play "Poisoned," and it goes up on Friday. It's a killer play, wicked and dark - if you can make it to NYC on Friday, by all means check it out! The American Globe Theatre is a wonderful space, and the people who run the 15 Minute Play Festival are the kindest, most accommodating, most supportive group you could imagine. These are professionals who are giving their time to something out of love and respect for the art, and I would work with them on any project for any amount of money any time!
In non-playwrighting news, the City Theater's production of "Little Shop of Horrors" opens on April 30, and runs through May 15th. I'm the puppeteer to Jill Knapp's voice - together, I think we've made Audrey II one mighty puppet! This cast is pure dynamite - quite possibly the best I've ever seen. It's an honor to be onstage with them.
Finally, the Drama League's production of "Honk!" is coming along swimmingly! We open on June 11, and again, we have an amazing cast. The music (I'm the music director) is really starting to gel, and the dancing looks great - get your you-know-what's in a row and come see the thing!
Be sure to check out PlayThings - my ever-increasing series of theatre-based essays! Just added a new one, and there are more to come!
That's all for now. Be good to each other!
Yours,
Matt