Well, this was a pleasant surprise

[MalReynolds]

I got an e-mail around June of last year from a small playhouse in New Hampshire that wanted to try one of my shows out for their November Center Stage production. I gave them the go ahead, and while my father was doing an ego-search on Google, he came across this:

http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/rock/11032006/nhnews-rock-r-ray-arts1103.html

RAYMOND -- John likes Angelina, but he's married to Katherine. Hans likes Katherine, but he's married to Angelina. Angelina likes John and Katherine likes Hans. Oh, yes, and one of them probably committed murder.

The Raymond Arts Associates will present "Rehearsal" by Michael Gettings Friday, Nov. 3 and Saturday, Nov. 4, and Saturday, Nov. 11 and Sunday, Nov. 12. The play-within-a-play format adapts itself nicely to murder, according to director Sandy Magown. Adultery, as it turns out, is the least of John, Katherine, Hans and Angelina's problems.

According to Magown, "They're working late at rehearsal, and somebody gets killed. On their own, they try to find out who the killer is." The humor, she said, comes from the fact that the play they're rehearsing is "really bad." Her actors, all experienced, get to act badly during the fake play and then give it all they've got within the real play. However, she adds, acting poorly during the "play within" also takes a certain level of skill. Fortunately, she said, all her actors are experienced.

But Friday will still be a night of firsts. Magown, who has acted extensively with Raymond Arts and the Upstairs/Downstairs troupe in Epping, marks her director's debut with "Rehearsal." That's why she chose the play, she said during a break. "I wanted a small ensemble, something I could manage," she says. "Also, it doesn't require a huge set, and Raymond Arts doesn't have a �home' of our own." She also liked the premise. "I love comedy, I love murder mysteries. I love this mix of the two."

The comedy takes two forms: snappy dialogue between the four cheating spouses, and physical comedy, a favorite of Magown's. "It's your bumbling idiocy that first attracted me to you," one of the characters tells another before an attempted, and bungled, seduction.

The production also marks the premiere of the work on any stage, she adds. Michael Gettings, the author, began writing at 16. He wrote "Rehearsal" at 17, and now, at 19, he is in college in New York City. She found the script on the Internet, and says Raymond Arts will give the first production of any of Gettings' works on any stage. "It is a world premiere," she confirms.

The play-within-a-play format has been used in everything from Cole Porter's "Kiss Me Kate" to the British farce "Noises Off," in which Magown has performed. "As an actor, you have a dual role," she said. "There's a duality -- you see them acting so badly, and then showing their real skills. It's over the top."

The play opens Friday night at 8 p.m. and will be repeated Saturday, also at 8 p.m. An evening performance will be Saturday, Nov. 11, at 8 p.m., with a Sunday, Nov. 12 matinee at 2 p.m. Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door, $6, seniors or students, and can be purchased at the town office or at the door.

I thought that was pretty cool.

Anygay, just thought I'd share.

[Tps222]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

Wow, thats awsome man. I'd be really proud if I were you.

[Tasselfoot]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

How was the revue AFTER it hit the stage?


Congrats regardless.

[MalReynolds]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

How was the revue AFTER it hit the stage?


Congrats regardless.

No clue. Couldn't find one, but I should be getting it on tape soon (I just e-mailed the director and she said it was put on local TV).

[Kilgamayan]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

Wow, sweet.

I always wished I could write better than I do, and it always amazes me to see this kind of skill.

[MalReynolds]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

They needed a better fact checker, though. I was 18 when I wrote it and I'm not in college, but whatever.

When I get the tape, I'll see if I can put it on YouTube or something.

[RevenG-]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

That's great. Very nice.

[angel-d]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

MAL!
1. Find paper and pen.
2. Write Autograph.
3. Scan/take picture and save to computer.
4. Send to me.

You know, just in case.

But seriously congrats dude, thats pretty cool.

[sleeplessdragn]

Re: Well, this was a pleasant surprise

This will be amazing if we can watch it. Remember FFR when you start making ridiculous money.