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Reviews for "Miss Keller Has No Second Book" at Gulfshore Playhouse (March 31 - April 15, 2018)

The opening of the World Premiere of "Miss Keller Has No Second Book" at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, FL was wonderful. The design team created a magical world full of haunting original music and breathtaking sets, lights, and costumes. The crew -- both backstage and front of house -- were as professional as they were fun to hang out with. And the entire cast (Amy Van Nostrand, Maureen Silliman, Alex Grubbs, James Lloyd Reynolds, and Hannah Mae Sturges), led by director Emilie Beck, was outstanding.

All that was just my "review," simply as the person who wrote the thing. Here's what Florida Weekly had to say: “'Miss Keller Has No Second Book' is one of those rare things in theater: a new play that works on all levels, has a superlative cast and grabs your heart and won’t let go." BroadwayWorld says our show "is most definitely a premiere you will not want to miss." Naples Daily News says "riveting as well as enlightening."

I couldn't be more proud of this show. This production runs until April 15. Tickets and more info available here

Click the side arrows below to see some images from the show (photos courtesy of Gulfshore Playhouse): 

Rehearsals for "Miss Keller Has No Second Book" World Premiere Begin
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I'm such a lucky playwright to have these amazing artists bring my play to the stage for the first time. Gulfshore Playhouse, in Naples, FL, brought these actors (and our director) in from New York City and Los Angeles, to work with the amazing GP staff. In the photo above: Actors (L to R) James Lloyd Reynolds, Hannah Mae Sturges, Maureen Silliman, Amy Van Nostrand, Alex Grubbs; Production Assistant Morgan Taylor; Stage Manager Jamie Eckhold, and Director Emilie Beck.

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Is it weird that every play I've had produced features at least one beat-up recliner? IS THAT WEIRD?

"The Escape Thingy" is a Semifinalist for the 2018 Bay Area Playwrights Festival

So thrilled that my new play "The Escape Thingy" is a Semifinalist in the prestigious Bay Area Playwrights Festival. I'm honored to be selected among over the 700 submissions for their 41st annual festival. I have also been entered into the BAPF pool of writers that are considered for the other developmental opportunities at Playwrights Foundation, including their monthly Rough Reading Series.

NYC Casting for My New Play "Miss Keller Has No Second Book"

Met so many wonderful, talented, generous actors and actresses while in New York and casting for the world premiere of "Miss Keller Has No Second Book." It was a fast trip made easy by the amazing casting director Michael Cassara and his team. Looking forward to getting into rehearsals in early March at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, FL, with our opening night set for March 31. Thanks to all who auditioned for us!

Nominated for BROADWAY WORLD Awards!

My play, "The Super Variety Match Bonus Round!" has been nominated for "Best Play" by BroadwayWorld (Los Angeles Regional)! I'm also thrilled that the production (by Rogue Machine Theatre) garnered nominations for Best Actor in a Play (Mark L. Taylor), Best Leading Actress in a Play (Bonnie Bailey-Reed), Best Featured Actress in a Play (Victoria Ortiz and Paula Christensen), and Best Sound Design by Chris Moscatiello.

If you'd like to cast your vote for us, CLICK THIS LINK, enter your email, and follow the prompts: 

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Thanks for the support!

 

STAGESCENELA AWARD ANNOUNCEMENTS!

I'm grateful my play "The Super Variety Match Bonus Round!" is recognized today by StageSceneLA:

  • Top 10 World Premiere Plays of 2016-2017
  • Outstanding Production: Comedy
  • Star-Making Performance in a Play (Victoria Ortiz)
  • Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Leading Comedy Role (Mark Taylor)
  • Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Leading Comedy Role (Bonnie Bailey-Reed)
  • Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Featured Comedy Role (Paula Christensen)
  • Outstanding Direction (Cameron Watson)
  • and Outstanding Production Design (Kate Bergh, Jared A. Sayeg, Stephanie Kerley Schwartz, Chris Mosciatello and the whole Rogue Machine gang especially Amanda and Michelle!).

Thank you John P. Flynn and Cameron for giving my play the wonderful opportunity of being born, and thank you Steven Stanley for the support. Really truly grateful.

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Fun at the 2017 Samuel French OOB Short Play Festival!

Thanks to all my NYC friends who came to support my short play, "The Presentation" at this year's Samuel French OOB Fest! I was thrilled my play was selected for the top 12 short plays selected for a second performance on Saturday. 

Big cheers to my amazing actress, Julia Hochner, who did a fantastic job. And gratitude to the wonderful hard-working staff at Samuel French, who made the festival such a great celebration of new theater and storytelling. I left inspired!

The final 12 playwrights

The final 12 playwrights

Actress Julia Hochner and me, after the Finals on Saturday

Actress Julia Hochner and me, after the Finals on Saturday