Back on the Boards Again

At long last, it looks like we're coming out of this mess we've all been in this over the last year and
change. I don't have to remind you of the effect all of this has had on the world. We're still in the midst of it, even though things are getting better. The abundance of vaccinations, the slow, but sure removal of masks and a return to, maybe not life as we knew it, but at least a reasonable facsimile until it all levels out.

There has been a lot of devastating loss of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness along the way and now is the time to start gaining some of it back. The Arts, thought of as non-essential and expendable, has been decimated to the point of near-extinction. Basically, whatever involved a gathering of people, namely an audience, has almost gone to the way of the Dodo. One has to merely look what it has done to the theater community, both professional and amateur. By sheer will and stubborn determination, it's ready to return. 

 So what happens going forward?

If theater groups have the freedom to a launch a full-scale production before a packed audience, more power to them. Unfortunately, that is not an option right now many out there and it still may be awhile before that can be a reality, a slower process than desired.

Several innovative theaters out there have been adapting to these weird times,  discovering new ways to get on with the show once again. Some have mounted productions with casts utilizing PPE face shields. Others have staged drive-in performances, utilizing the same technology used for drive-in movie theaters. Then of course, there have been productions on video conference platforms like Zoom, reader's theater and radio shows for podcasts. These can be monetized to bring in some necessary revenue. 

It's that "never say die" attitude, ignited by the passion for theater that will keep the spirit of live performances alive and kicking until the time is right to get back on the boards and get back to whatever the heck "normal" is supposed to be. 

After that long-winded prelude, I am proud to announce that the first show I ever shepherded as a playwright representative (or agent, if you will) is about to finally hit the boards. THE CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS CRAVAT, an interactive murder mystery written by the inimitable Michael K. Young, will be staged both outdoors as an afore-mentioned drive-in presentation and indoors on Sundays by the incredible Rogue Theater in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin on June 4-6 and 25-27. This same show was all set go last year at this time and had to be canceled at the very last moment because, well, you know. BUT, the Rogue still held hope they would produce CRAVAT one day...and now that day has come. The truly amazing thing is that it has the same exact cast as last year. What, were they kept in a cryogenic chamber or something?

I've written about theater angels I've had in the past, those that have given me chances and opportunities to continue down this path that has opened up for me. Lola DeVillers of the Rogue Theater is one of those people, being true to her word that she wanted to produce Mike's script makes her an angel in my eyes and I'll gladly share her with Mr. Young.

Speaking of which, a hearty congratulations to Mr. Michael K. Young on this, his sophomore production (after its debut with another terrific theater group StageCoach Theatre Company) of his original script. Cheers to you, Mike!

ROGUE THEATER WEBSITE

That's not all. I've just received word that my script, MURDER-THE FINAL FRONTIER is coming back as well with a possible three different productions and CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS CRAVAT may get a second go-around come Christmastime. Stay tuned.

The pause button, which had been deployed for the last year, is now off. Let's disconnect the bloody thing and keep moving forward. If there's one thing we've learned in all this is to recognize how both fragile and resilient we can be. As long as we recognize our strengths and work through our weaknesses, we're going to make it after all. (Thank you, Mary Tyler Moore)

For more information about CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS CRAVAT including performance rights, contact me: writtenbysc@gmail.com

MURDER-THE FINAL FRONTIER is now available from Off the Wall Plays

New Year's Hat Trick

Starting off 2020 with a bang, not a whimper (for a change) because three gosh-darn-it-to-heck swell things have made this the best start to a new year since, oh hell, I don't know. How about ever?

First up, my tropical adventure comedy melodrama (blimey, what a mouthful) entitled ROXANNE OF THE ISLANDS or THEY'RE PLAYING OUR SARONG  is about to be published by Off the Wall Plays. No, not self-published for a change like everything else o' mine, but a real honest to Buddha publishing house.

Ever since I started this leg of my Cherney Journey way back in the 20th century, I've sent out multiple submissions to various play publishers only to see my hopes dashed. Even in the past five years with shows with proven track records, I couldn't seem to break into the field, causing me to do the whole damn thing myself. Yes, it has reaped many benefits over time, but I still felt somehow illegitimate. With my inherent insecurity, I needed some additional validation. (What did I say about no whimpering?) Well, now that I have it, I can tell the stupid voices in my head to shut up already. (Some of them anyway, The others don't work weekends)

I'll post more info when it drops on the Off the Wall website.

Next, from the DIY division, the first play I wrote with Edward Thorpe, the New Orleans based melodrama LA RUE'S RETURN or HOW'S A BAYOU? will have its first full production of the new decade at the Graham Regional Theatre in Graham, Texas beginning January 31 and running until February 9. This production makes LA RUE the most popular show in my toolbox, a damn Energizer bunny that keeps going and going...

This also represents the culmination of a lot of hard work, getting this and my other plays out there to theaters hither and yon, then playing the nerve-wracking waiting game to get either a "Yay" or a "Nay" concerning their prospects for any upcoming theatrical seasons. When it pays off, it is always a sweet victory and, with LA RUE'S RETURN, I can share with my best friend Ed who got me started in this wacky business to begin with.

PREVIOUS POST: THE RETURN OF LA RUE'S RETURN

Finally, that waiting game is about to pay off for Michael K. Young's THE CASE OF THE MYSTERIOUS CRAVAT, the interactive murder mystery I've been shepherding for the past six months, has finally gotten a thumbs up from the Rogue Theatre in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin that has previously produced DEAD TUESDAY for me last year. I'm being vague about the theater company in question until we get the full confirmation. Fingers crossed that's it the first of many more to come. I'm happy for Mike because I know the feeling. The first production is like a dream come true, but the second is true validation. Bravo, sir.

For more information about Mike's script, contact me at: writtenbysc@gmail.com

It would behoove me to not believe in jinxes because I want this to be the year it all comes together. Since I am a hot neurotic mess, I always walk on thin ice, so a victory lap can be kind of dicey. However, I can honestly say for me in the year 2020, so far so good.