It is, most certainly, a new year, with a new feeling in the air. But we struggle with many of the same challenges, not least of which is living and working at a social distance from each other. I’m ecstatic to be part of a community of theatre artists who have kept their work alive by presenting on Zoom or via various livestream platforms. My studio, Lemon Punch Theatre Lab, has rolled out four play festivals and numerous acting and playwriting courses and workshops since March, and I’ve just started another round of CLASSES.
I’ve also spent time during “lockdown” creating a new short play with my dear friends, Pamela Battin-Sacks and Steve Sacks. “I’ll Be Right There” tells the story of a long-married couple who began a trial separation right before lockdown hit in late winter of 2020. Now, almost a year later, family news and social unrest raise painful questions, and Ruth and Aaron wonder if they’ll ever see eye-to-eye.
This has been a real passion project and I hope you’ll join us for it! We’ll be presenting a recorded version of the play on February 20th and 21st. Each performance will be followed by a discussion of “Writing the COVID Moment for the Zoom Stage,” led by playwright Martha Douglas-Osmundson. The total running time for the event will be 60-70 minutes. Tickets are $15, and you can purchase them HERE!
Additionally, I was thrilled to be asked to direct an audio play for The Actors Studio of Newburyport’s TASN Radio series. I chose to adapt Susan Glaspell’s seminal short play, TRIFLES, which is a dark, atmospheric detective story set in an old farmhouse in 1916. My marvelous cast includes Pamela Battin-Sacks, Carol Raiche, Scott Sullivan, Steve Sacks and James Grillo. And I did all the editing and sound effects myself! TASN Radio will make TRIFLES, and a whole lineup of compelling audio plays, available for free January 29-31 on the TASN website. There is a donation button there if you want to say “thank you” to them for this interesting foray into theatre for the ears.
Stay tuned for more updates, or visit Lemon Punch Theatre Lab for the latest news on my classes and performances. Be well, stay safe, and enjoy the light as we turn toward spring.