It’s funny – I made a dedicated vow to myself to stay off the stage after the glorious Bat Boy closed last year. I need to focus on writing and marketing my own plays, I said (to anyone who would listen). But evidently I’m just a gal who can’t say no, because I’ve found myself indulging in more and more theatre projects. But here’s the thing – I’m loving them! While I still genuinely want to stay behind the scenes, I’m more and more grateful that there ARE scenes to stay behind. So to briefly sum up my non-writing projects lately, and forthcoming:

-          Just finished a run of My Fair Lady at the Wilmington Drama League. I was the music director, and it was a pleasure from start to finish. I was kind of terrified of the job, since the musical is so beloved – and I desperately wanted to avoid any trace of divadom or negativity. But this cast was utterly diva-free. They were fun, funny, supportive, and mature in the best way; they all understood that we had a job to do, but there was certainly no harm in having a good time doing it. I’m so proud to have been a part of the show.

-          Began rehearsals for your amazing life, Kristyn Robinson’s new play, which goes up at the WDL July 7, 8, and 9. I have a very small role, mostly because I’ll be out of town during key rehearsal weeks (more on that later), but I’m thrilled to be a part of the play. It’s really strong, rich, funny and interesting; it’s the kind of play that gets deeper the more  you think about it. This is Kristyn’s DDOA Fellowship production, so come on out and see it. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

-          I agreed (well, okay, no one twisted my arm) to play saxophone for Kristyn and Nicci Hartland’s production of The Rocky Horror Show, again at the Drama League. I won’t be around the first weekend, so someone else will take over then. But I was lucky enough to attend a music rehearsal (the music director is the mighty Joe Trainor), and let me tell you what – this is gonna be a great show. Everyone is bursting with enthusiasm and creativity…they are going to tear it up, chew it up, spit it out, and, um, do other things with it. (I’m a little tired today…my metaphors are taking a nap.) Don’t miss it. See it.

On the writing front, there’s not as much to report as I’d like. Some productions here and there, including a workshop reading of “Larry Gets the Call” at Theatre Limina in Minneapolis, and a few bites of interest on some of the short plays. I was thrilled to learn that “The Key to the Mystic Halls of Time” is getting produced at the 10X10 in the Triangle in Carrboro, North Carolina. They’re a wonderful group, friendly, warm and welcoming, and they do beautiful work – I can’t wait for the production!

Mostly, though, I’ve been trying to learn to deal with rejections. Cause there have been a lot lately. And each one stings. I understand that plays are a huge commitment for any theatre group, so they have to be as sure as possible that the show is right for them. And I understand that taste is extremely subjective, and that a script is just words on a page, and the artistic directors have the damn near impossible job of trying to determine whether the play, as written, will “work.” Finally, I understand that groups receive hundreds, if not thousands, of original works each year, and might choose one or two to produce. So the odds are stacked high against me. I understand and accept all this.

But still…meh. I’ve had a couple nibbles lately, so maybe a production or two will materialize. In the meantime, however, I’ve decided not to wait. I’m producing a free workshop production of The PornoZombies at the Drama League in October, and I’m giddy with excitement about it. My great friend Nick D’Argenio is directing, the lovely Ann Bartley is costuming, and the buzz is starting to…well, buzz. My plan, in fact, is to hype this whole thing as an EVENT, much like William Castle used to do. So far, so good, but it’ll be tough to sustain the initial buzz that comes from people first hearing the title. Ideas are much appreciated!

I had some good news from my friends at Emerging Artists Theatre – they asked me to join their company as a resident playwright. What an honor! These guys are good, extremely smart and talented, and they also had the good sense to invite the wonderful Babs Lindsay to join as well. I think this is the start of a long and rewarding relationship. By the way…in a twist worthy of Rent, the Emerging Artists had to find a new theater, since their entire block (the north part of 42^nd street, between 9^th and 10^th Avenue) is being razed by TRM Associates to make a parking garage for their luxury condominiums. No lie. Visit the EAT site, read about it, and make a donation, okay?

I’ve saved the best for last…this month I’ll be headed to Alaska for the Last Frontier Theatre Conference. It’s going to be tough, to say the least, to be away for so long. But I’m honored to be invited. Among the featured artists are Gary Garrison, Ronald Rand, my new friend Dawson Moore – and my buds John Yearley and Aoise Stratford (you’ve read my raves). I’m so damn excited about the trip…it’s scary, but I’ll be among friends (my buddy, the massively talented Jay Hanagan will be there – woohoo!), and the sun will be shining almost the whole day in Alaska. I think I’ll like that.

Until next time, have a warm, safe, and wonderful summer…and as always, treat each other, and yourself, right, okay?

Love, Matt