A Script Report

From Samuel French:
In Skin Deep, a large, lovable, lonely-heart, named Maureen Mulligan, gives romance one last shot on a blind-date with sweet awkward Joseph Spinelli; she's learned to pepper her speech with jokes to hide insecurities about her weight and appearance, while he's almost dangerously forthright, saying everything that comes to his mind. They both know they're perfect for each other, and in time they come to admit it.

They were set up on the date by Maureen's sister Sheila and her husband Squire, who are having problems of their own: Sheila undergoes a non-stop series of cosmetic surgeries to hang onto the attractive and much-desired Squire, who may or may not have long ago held designs on Maureen, who introduced him to Sheila. With Maureen particularly vulnerable to both hurting and being hurt, the time is ripe for all these unspoken issues to bubble to the surface.

I purchased this script at the Drama Book Shop in New York. It was shiny and slick, and the cover art attracted my attention. Yes it's another fat-girl-finds-love story, but I thought it was refreshingly charming. I especially enjoyed the scene between Maureen and Squire.

A Script Report

While talking to a representative from Baker's Plays during SETC's Spring Convention, a woman recommended this play to me. She said it was very funny and perfect for community theatre groups. Leaving Baker's empty handed, I promptly purchased several scripts, including this one, at the Samuel French booth. I just finished it, and I agree with the stranger's recommendation. Messiah on the Frigidaire is a wonderful script.

The role of Lou Ann Hightower really resonated with me. Maybe it was just my mood when reading it, but I could actually feel her struggles with her marriage and attempts to deal with the popularity. The character of Betsy Gridley began somewhat stereotypical, but warmed me by the play's end. The script does have some very funny moments, but it's the honesty of all the characters that makes it work. This is not a show for over-the-top actors. The comedy, and ultimate message, is in the truth.

A Script Report

I've now read all plays written by Del Shores. This was his first script, and I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Having played Lurlene in Daddy's Dyin' Who's Got The Will, I was familiar with the Cheatin' story and cast of characters. I was pleased to finally "meet" them.

I love that Sid Cranford narrates the story directly to the audience. But then again, I'm partial to plays that break the 4th wall. I also like that the scenes blend into one another, ensuring the pace of the play.

It's a very cute show, and I'm crossing my fingers that Jamie decides to do it for Theatre Alliance. I'd love to be in the show!

Oh, and a very interesting thing...Rex Knowles originally produced and designed lights for the play. I've spoken to Rex on numerous occasions for SETC business! Small world...

A Script Report

I share Christmas Eve's philosophy that "Everyone's a Little Bit Racist". As such, I found Rebecca Gillman's Spinning Into Butter an uninteresting read.

I understood why Sarah, the Dean of Students, suggested a Nuyorican student change his ethnicity to Puerto Rican. (Because I understand her motivation, does that make me a racist?) I agreed with her suggestion to talk to Simon, an African-American freshman who is receiving hate mail, before the college embarks on campus-wide racism discussions. These type discussions never work. And I even understand the notes Sarah makes on her writing pad. Notes that eventually lead to her resignation. I mean, given a unique set of circumstances, haven't we all had thoughts similar to those notated by Sarah?

For me, the play was overblown and stuffy. Although that might have been Gillman's point. Certainly some colleges take themselves too seriously.

If we all could just admit that we are racist a little bit,
And everyone stopped being so PC
Maybe we could live in ... harmony!

SETC Convention, Buying Scripts - Part I

I was very excited to learn that Dramatists Play Service had a booth in the Commercial Exhibits. 90% of the scripts I've ordered are from DPS via amazon.com. You can get them - buy 3, get one free. So, once I got pro-auditions going after lunch, I decided to take a break and do some script shopping.

Talk about a kid in a candy store! As soon as I walked through the Exhibit Hall, I saw their booth and all but ran over to the table. Oh, the bright script colors, the pristine look of scripts yet to be read. The guy behind the table made my heart skip a beat with his "All scripts are $5, and if you buy 3 you get one free" advisory. OMG! This was a much better deal than amazon.com! I think I actually drooled a bit. I was captivated and could not wipe the smile off my face!

As I practically danced around the tables, I couldn't help but shout in delight. There on the table before me were two of the Arlene Hutton scripts I had on my amazon.com wish list. Not wanting to hedge my bets on upcoming birthday gifts, I picked up both scripts. As I did, I asked the man behind the table about the 3rd, as of yet unpublished, script in her Nibroc trilogy.

As he answered my question, I looked at his nametag - Craig Pospisil. The name looked familiar, but I couldn't place it. As I rounded another table, I saw it. The cover for Life is Short. He is a playwright. I was pretty sure I had one of his scripts so I asked him what else he'd written. His list didn't ring any bells, but he did tell me that he's writing a play with Arlene Hutton. I was thrilled to hear that news.

I ended up spending $30 and got 8 scripts - The Great American Trailer Park Musical, Thrill Me, Five Course Love, Last Train to Nibroc, See Rock City, Southern Hospitality, Dying City, and Enchanted April. As if that wasn't enough, I also got, for free, an Almost, Maine button and a DPS keychain.

Can't you just hear my triumphant giggling?

Reading Fool, Part 2

Not only am I inspired to read scripts after playreading meetings, I also try to read a few before meetings so I can pass along the scripts. I just finished these today. In Where's My Money? a ghost requests payment of his $2700, Tuesdays With Morrie deals with death from Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Taking Leave is about 3 sisters dealing with their Dad's Alzheimer's.

Very heavy subjects, especially to be reading all in one day. My next script had better be a laugh-a-minute comedy!

Reading Fool

I am always inspired to read more shows after our KLT playreading committee meetings. I was home today administering Tylenol, attempting to reduce Cade's fever. While he slept, I read. I believe this is my personal best - 4 plays in one day! Click here to read my "reviews".