Finished a new play – “Few Thy Voice”

I finished today a draft of my new play – “Few Thy Voice” – which is my first foray into the Hitchcockian realm of drama.

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“Few Thy Voice” concerns a former movie actress, of delicate mental state, whose guilt at the abandonment of her now-deceased father leads her to take care of elderly, senile men abandoned by their families in rundown nursing homes. A guilt-ridden, well-meaning husband, coupled with a sleazy nursing home proprietor and a rather brutal, well-face-lifted social-climber, enable the actress’s caretaking needs to be met. The story quickly turns more than eerie, however, when the newest fatherly focus of the actress’s affection begins to reveal a story of murder in his family – but is his ranting the liberating cry of a male Cassandra or an invention on the part of his mentally delicate caretaker?

The play requires only six actors (4 men, 2 women) and takes place in only two locations – neither of which requires a tremendous emphasis on the set. The play also presents a diverse range of character roles, as well as racial and, in some cases, age flexibility in the casting.

You can check for a script sample from the early part of the play!

The title comes from this line in “Hamlet,” courtesy of Polonius:

Give every man thy ear but few thy voice.
Take each man’s censure but reserve thy judgment.

 

Finished a new play – “Encore Encore”

Today I finished a final “first draft” of my new play – “Encore Encore.” The play details the problematic relationship between noted wit Dorothy Parker and her troubled husband Eddie. Eddie was a First World War veteran who suffered greatly from his wartime service and ended up being addicted to morphine and alcohol.

The story juxtaposes the meteoric rise of Dorothy’s career as a drama critic with the dismal decline of her marriage and the means she used to deal with that abrasive dichotomy.

At work, she is the insurmountable wit – always armed  and ready with a quip and a comeback.

At home, she is a vulnerable soul – dependent emotionally on a husband who cannot communicate affection.

The play concerns, ultimately, the public personas we create for ourselves to hide the pain we experience in our personal lives – and the danger of being trapped in those personas when it appears they are the only thing in which we can trust and believe.

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“Fifteen Men” among the top 20 scripts!

I was informed the other day that my play “Fifteen Men In A Smoke-Filled Room” was judged to be among the top 20 scripts (among 200+ submitted) for a new play contest sponsored by the American Association of Community Theatre.

“Fifteen Men” is a real “baby” for me, because I have been working on the play since I was about 16. I hope to see it developed and fully produced one day for all the world to see.

For now, I’m grateful for the nod given by AACT and wish their community theaters the best of luck!

Community theater is the heart of theater, after all…

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Thanks to Panndora Productions!

I received a lovely email from a group called Panndora Productions the other day. I had submitted an older version of “Harriman-Baines” to their new play contest a while back. Panndora let me know that the play advanced to the final round of judging – how wonderful!

I wish Panndora Productions the best of luck with their productions and I also wish the winners of their new play contest the best of luck with their shows!

If you’re in the area, be sure to check them out!

Panndora

Au revoir, “Harriman-Baines”

Tonight was the closing night of “Harriman-Baines” (sniffle) – but I have to say I was very pleased with the production and am excited to be able to take the show elsewhere! (“Up, up, and away” as they say)

I can’t thank Charles, Noah, and Stephen enough for their confidence in my play and for the immense (truly immense – believe me) time, effort, and hard work they put in to making the production a reality.

I know, from personal experience, as President of Speerhead Theatricals, that a LOT of work goes into a theatrical production – even if it’s a “small” one without a 10-piece orchestra involved. “Harriman-Baines” was the most professional, most artistic, and highest quality production of my work that I have ever had the pleasure of witnessing.

Bye for now, New York – and see you soon. 🙂

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Great opening night!!!!

Congratulations to the cast of “Harriman-Baines!” We had a very successful opening night performance of the show on August 18! I was very impressed by how everything came together – especially for the opening. I’m looking forward to the upcoming performances.

Great job to Charles Giardina especially for a very fine casting and directing job!

Noah, Molly, Gabby, Max – awesome acting!!

Congrats