Gearing up for my next show

     I'm getting ready to start production on my next play, Crimes of the Heart.  This is an interesting one because this would have been a paid gig with the college.  Now that the decision has been made not to continue with college sponsored plays, this has become pro-bono work with the Valley Theatre. While it's disappointing to have lost the job with the college, I do enjoy the freedom that comes with VT.  I'm still working out the kinks with the cast and schedule, but am really looking forward to getting started.
     Beth Henley's Crimes of the Heart is a Pulitzer prize winning black comedy.  It's the kind of show I can really sink my teeth in to as a director.  It has a lot of comedic elements, but also some very serious drama.  Pulling off a show like this takes special care.  With the wide range of emotions this show has it can easily become manic and uneven.  Finding the right balance is difficult but when done right offers a real experience for the audience.  The characters in Crimes of the Heart are all very flawed.  It deals with romance, abuse, family issues and personality conflicts.  Heavy stuff.  While I have nothing against doing lighter fare (Father of the Bride & Cinderella to name a few recent shows in this category), I find shows like this much more satisfying. 
More to come.