Sorry if this page becomes insufferable, but I'll be doing a bit of bragging. Hey, it's my dime.
On July 26th, the Wilmington Drama League debuted "Condensed Theatre Classics Presents: Lives in the Wind." It was my first time directing, but I had an AWESOME young cast that made it easy! Brian Elam, Patrick Anthony Cathcart, Meghan Duke, Jenn Hermansky, Tara Schoen, and Wayne Meadows made a fantastic ensemble, and the crowd loved it. When all was said and done, we ended up with several awards, including Outstanding Cameo (Meghan Duke), Best Actress (Jenn Hermansky), Best Original Script, Best Director, and Best Play. The Drama League will be sponsoring the play in the Delaware State One-Act Festival next March.
My friend Kristyn Robinson will be directing the same play in October for the Chapel Street Players. She also has a great cast assembled - oddly, it will be competing for a spot in the same festival. No idea what I'll do if they both get in.
On to City Theater's production of "Something Went Wrong" - it rocked the house party at the drop of a hat, yo. Melissa Dammeyer and Todd Holtsberry were fantastic as Melissa and Dan, and I really appreciated the full arsenal of tricks up director Stephanie Shade's sleeve (let's just say the dead clown was fully functional). This was my favorite production of the show to date, and the audience really dug it. It's been a great festival for me - I got to act in three wildly different shows, and even opened up one of the nights by warbling a few Clash and Pretenders tunes.
Anyway, I have a few productions coming up - the Lebanon Community Theater does "Something Went Wrong" August 14 through 17, and the Silver Spring Stage will perform the final "royalty-free" performance of "Yes, Mamet" August 15 through 17. Also, two plays that have yet to see the light of day (or dark of night, even) will debut in Hollywood at some point with Original Works - "The Book of Job, Part II: Job Strikes Back" and the brand new "The Plunge." When they let me know the dates, I'll let y'all know as well!
That's about it for now. I was hoping to take a break from performing, but it looks like that won't happen for a while. I have some exciting auditions coming up, but I can't just go talking about them, now can I?
Be good to each other, y'all…
- Matt
It also means the next six weeks will be fairly brutal. The debut of "Condensed Theatre Classics Presents: Lives in the Wind" with the Chrysalis Players of the Wilmington Drama League is set for July 26, and I actually have several music gigs coming up as well. First, I'll be hosting an open-mike night this Thursday at the Continental in Wilmington, Delaware. On June 28th, I'm playing a set at Jill Knapp's wonderful Knappuccinos . Finally, I'm opening the 10-Minute Play Festival with a set on Tuesday, July 29th. I guess I better start practicing.
Finally, Playscripts, Inc. will be publishing four of my short plays, including "Yes, Mamet," "Lives in the Wind," "A Curtain Call to Arms," and "The Trophy Wife." I'm nervous about losing control, but honored that they selected my plays and have been so accommodating thus far.
Thanks for keeping up! Don't forget to tip your waitperson!
Peace out,
Matt
---What's up from June 18
---What's up from May 31
---What's up from May 12