For this Throwback Thursday, I will highlight the production of my play “Philosophus” by Plaza Theatre of Wharton, Texas – a (true story) historical farce about the persecution of the philosopher Voltaire by the minions of King Frederick the Great of Prussia.

One of more frequently produced works – and also a published one – “Philosophus” was given its world premiere production by Alleyway Theatre of Buffalo, New York, after which it was one of three finalists to win the prestigious TNT POPS! Playwriting Contest of 2018 (TNT = “Texas Nonprofit Theatres” – an organization of theaters in Texas dedicated to mutual support of the theatrical arts).

As a result of being one of three winners for 2018, “Philosophus” was scheduled to be produced by a member theater of Texas Nonprofit Theatres, which turned out to be the Plaza Theatre of Wharton, about 40 minutes outside of Houston – and while I had never been to Texas before, I ended up having a great time traveling to the theater and seeing “Philosophus” performed by the wonderful cast.

Above all, I was most struck by the fact that, despite crude stereotypes to the contrary, where one envisions theater as thriving primarily on the east and west coast, Wharton had a vibrant theater community and the Plaza Theatre had quite a storied history – and not only that, but they put on a marvelous production of “Philosophus”, filled with gorgeous costumes and make-up, great acting performances, and a very fine set – so needless to say, I was beyond impressed and beyond humbled to have my play performed by them (as well as chastened to ever think that anyplace outside of the greater NYC or LA area was theatrically limited).

Alas, my greatest regret was that, while I was able to meet the cast of the show (and was feted quite marvelously), I wasn’t able to meet the director, Trace Morris, because he couldn’t attend the one performance where I made an appearance

While “Philosophus” only played for one weekend, the pictures speak for themselves…