Obits for Dummies

In light of the last post, I should point out that I'm not being flippant or ironic with the title of this one. It is, in fact, the title of the next show in which I'll be performing.

Yesterday I received an e-mail from a well-known theatre critic and local playwright, Cuauhtémoc Kish, who is partaking in a seasonal writing contest held by one of the more prestigious theatres in town. Where 6th@Penn once hosted Instant Theatre it now presents Challenge Theatre, which gives its authors a bit more time (nine weeks rather than 24 hours) to write and produce a show of some value. Kish, participating in this season's challenge, has finished his piece and contacted me to perform the lead role, having seen me perform in the Actors Alliance Festival last month (and, though he may not remember it, as Olive Madison in 2005 when he compared me favorably to Bea Arthur).

Now, 6th@Penn is one of those little non-union houses that everybody and his dog tries to get a foot into; it's quite a thrill to be offered a show in this venue without even having had to audition. Though I did take part in the first Instant Theatre at Sixth, that program was, as the theatre claimed when deciding to replace it, "more gimmick than substance" and strictly a volunteer effort.

Though Kish's piece, Obits for Dummies, is written for two actors, the second character rarely interjects. For the most part, it is a hilarious one-woman showcase -- and it's mine, all mine. Woo-Hoo!

The show will be presented "off nights" (Sunday - Thursday) in October, during the same time that the show I'm committed to direct will be opening. I have not yet received my script for the North Park Playwrights Festival, but the producers all but begged their volunteer directors not to drop out and leave them holding the bag. So, I've got some scheduling to work out!

More fun months ahead. I'll keep you posted.