Well. Here I was thinking that I was keeping on top of things, that my updates were, actually, up to date, that Paul really was the walrus. But it’s been nearly four months, which, as you know, is how long a baby Tasmanian Devil stays in his/her pouch.

And it’s been an incredible four months. Here’s a rundown:

JUNE: Theatre Limina did a workshop reading of “Larry Gets the Call,” and the producer was kind enough to send me a sheet of audience feedback, with notes, number ratings, and comments. It’s great – and rare –  to get that level of feedback, especially for a staged reading, so I’m really grateful to the folks from the Twin Cities!

But the most amazing part of the month happened in late June, when I spent a week in Alaska for the Last Frontier Theatre conference. It was an incredible time – trying to summarize my experiences in this limited space would be like summarizing A Confederacy of Dunces in ten words or less. (The experience had NOTHING to do with Ignatius and the gang – but these days it seems right to give the book a shout-out.) But I’m so grateful for my new friends, who happen to be talented as hell – Lynda Ng, Ellen Lewis, Hank Kimmel, Dan Trujillo, Meron Langser, www.gregoryfletcher.com Gregory Fletcher, Atar, www.dawsonmoore.com Dawson Moore…there are too many to name, but you know who you are. Old friends were there too…my buddy www.jayhanagan.com Jay Hanagan, John Yearley, and my hero www.aoisestratford.com Aoise Stratford, who continues to inspire and amaze me. And of course, the wonderful featured Artists www.garygarrison.com Gary Garrison, Shane Mitchell, Greg Pulver, Kate Snodgrass, Laura Shamas, and did I mention Aoise? I’m not exaggerating a bit when I say it was one of the best weeks of my life, an outlook-changing experience that I will never forget. Plus, the reading of “Boy Who was Born With a Tail” went over really well. Thanks y’all!

JULY: I stepped onstage again for the world premiere of  www.kristynleighrobinson.com Kristyn Leigh Robinson’s your amazing life, a drama with a title taken from an www.assponys.org Ass Ponys song. The play featured some wonderful performances and (of course) great writing – hopefully you’ll be seeing it in a town near you soon…Also in July, “Something Went Wrong” was produced by FusionWorks in Massachusetts, and “The Book of Job, Part II: Job Strikes Back” got a wonderful treatment at the East Riverbank Rep in Washington, DC. Finally, Kristyn’s new work “A Play About a Mouse” made it to the semi-finals at the Strawberry Festival in New York. Um, that doesn’t really have anything to do with me, but I did run tech.

AUGUST: “The Boy Who was Born With a Tail” was published in The Best of the Strawberry Festival, Volume II, and the original cast headed to NY for two performances. I don’t think I’ve ever been prouder to be associated with a play. I’m telling you, it was an incredible performance. I’m so lucky to know these incredible and talented people, who can make some words on a few pages come alive with so much passion. Plus we had a damn good time. I cannot BELIEVE Karen took gold in the Irish Car Bomb drinking competition. She’s been practicing.

Next up…well…it’s the PORNOZOMBIES!!! The workshop production at the Drama League hits on October 14th and 15th. Come see us. Check the front page for flyers, artwork, info, all that good stuff. Nick D’Argenio is directing an incredibly talented and energetic cast, and I think we’re gonna have some fun in October.

In November, the www.eatheatre.org Emerging Artists Theatre will be producing the NY debut of “Larry Gets the Call” – woohoo! They’re also producing Kristyn’s “Park Bench” – how’s THAT for Delaware representing!

Finally, as you read this we’ve probably just completed auditions for “Evita” at the www.wdl.org Wilmington Drama League. This is my mainstage directing debut, but I’ve put together a can’t-miss production team. We can’t miss. I’m really psyched about the show – I’ll probably have even less hair when it’s all done (which is okay, I’ll look more like www.jayhanagan.com Jay), but I have a feeling we’re in for a great time.

That’s it for the summer – but stay tuned for more essays, photos, play snippets, updates, and my 5000 word defense of the movie Streets of Fire. Okay, I’m kidding about that last one, but I like it anyway.

Everyone be extra good to each other, and take a nice, long, deep breath…

Love, Matt