We closed our brief run of “Encore, Encore” today with a wonderful final performance from the actors (the best performance they gave) and an enjoyable talkback with the audience involving director Paula D’Alessandris and me.

There are so many people to thank for this wonderful production…

1. Paula D’Alessandris, our director, for her expert choice of the actors and for the dedication (and good cheer) she brings to her craft.
2. Dominic Cuskern, co-producer of the festival, for choosing my play and giving writers a vehicle for such special world premieres.
3. Sue Glausen, another co-producer of the festival, for helping us through both rehearsals and productions with infinite good cheer.
4. Sam Kearney, our lighting man, for being so involved and focused on making the play the best that it could be.
5. Gina, our costume designer, for stylishly dressing the actors in 1920’s attire.
6. Elizabeth and Sophie, our stage managers, for their neverending help and assistance.
7. THE ACTORS!! Janette for her stunning performance of Dorothy; Hugh for saving the day and turning into a great Benchley; Sergio for his deep, brooding, yet multidimensional Eddie; Gary for his classy Crowninshield and wonderfully drunk Ross; Helen for her memorable Woolly; Michael for his suave MacArthur; and Brad for his subtle Sherwood.

It has been a pleasure to work with The Gallery Players! I would encourage everyone to check out their wonderful shows.

Now it’s time to submit, submit, submit…

“Encore, Encore” opened tonight at The Gallery Players and the actors did a superb job – what a great opening! You could feel the energy in the air from the actors as it radiated from the stage. The first audience ever to see the show was very receptive and seemed to enjoy it.

Kudos to the actors and our director, Paula D’Alessandris, for a job well done!

Three more performances to go!

(poster by Paula D’Alessandris)

I was fortunate to attend a rehearsal of “Encore Encore” the other night at The Gallery Players in Brooklyn, NY. The rehearsal was especially enjoyable because the actors were rehearsing in the theater space where they’d be performing. The Gallery Players has a wonderful stage (surprisingly big!) and is really a very fine theater.

The actors did a wonderful job developing their roles and using the stage to its fullest. I’m excited to see what the play will look like by the time it’s finished. What a wonderful opportunity for my play to be performed by such talented people and in such a great space!

I also had the pleasure of meeting the producer of the Black Box New Play Festival, Dominic Cuskern.

Tickets for my play “Encore Encore” have gone on sale!!!

Interested parties may also call TheaterMania at (212) 352-3101.

Single ticket prices for performances at The Gallery Players are $18 for Adults and $14 for Children 12 and under and Senior Citizens.

“Encore Encore” is being performed on the following dates:

• Thursday, June 12 – 8pm
• Friday, June 13 – 8pm
• Saturday, June 14 – 8pm
• Sunday, June 15 – 3pm

According to The Gallery Players: “Purchasing tickets in advance is strongly recommended as performances at The Gallery Players frequently sell out. Walk-up sales of any remaining tickets take place at the door 10 minutes prior to curtain with cash only.”

I traveled to New York City today to have my first meeting with the director of my play “Encore Encore” and our excellent cast of actors and actresses. I had a great time meeting the talented people involved in the production and engaging in some early discussions concerning the play and my inspiration for it. I was especially impressed by the success of the read-through and the great job work exemplified by the actors. It’s always tricky when you engage a script for the first time!

I am also grateful for the read-through because it brought to my mind various issues that I need to address before bringing the play to an audience. I am working with the director now to tweak little bits of the play and make sure that it’s the best that it can be for the June performance dates.

One of the best parts of theater is the process of collaboration – and I look forward to working with our cast and crew to make the piece the best that it can be!

More to come!