A Visit to Freedom

I drove up to Freedom, Wisconsin this weekend at the invitation of Lindsay Cummings, co-founder and President of FACT Players of the Freedom Area Community Theater.
What was unique about this trip is that I was invited to the rehearsals not the actual production of the play "Murder Me Always". Which was a nice change of pace.
I was able watch the show in progress and as well as offer the "story" behind the script - why and how I wrote the play - who the characters may or may not have been based on. You know, the information that actors hardly ever get to learn.
I also had the opportunity to lead the actors through a few "improvisational" games which helps "bond" the group and also prepares them for the "improv" portion of the play - in which the audience is invited to ask the characters questions.
Hopefully, it was good experience for the actors and crew and perhaps I imparted a little insight. I tried not to be too terribly boring. (I promise)
I know it was a good experience for me as I was able to see my play come to life and hear how the lines I wrote were interpreted by actors. For a playwright, it's nice to be able to learn how your work translates: if you have written dialogue that is clear enough and/or scene descriptions that are concise enough for anyone to pick up and understand your intention. No to mention actually 'get' your jokes and references.
I can say that the FACT Players have done an outstanding job of picking up my work, understanding my intention, (and jokes) and running with it.

Take a Look Behind the Scenes of "Murder Me Always"

A few years ago, Exit Theatre based in Croydon, UK. staged a brilliant production of my script "Murder Me Always". I'd seen a few photos from their version and even use some of them on Play-dead.com. From all appearances, Exit Theatre went all out with the play and I really wish I could have traveled across the pond and experienced it. But the next best thing is a series of videos they posted called 'Behind the Scenes at Murder Me Always'. They allow you the viewer to wander around backstage and get a... well, "Behind the Scenes" look. So let's look at the scenes that are.. behind Murder Me Always.

Stockbridge Valley Central centers on "Murder Me Always"

By: LEAH McDONALD, Dispatch Staff Writer
The Oneida Daily Dispatch
01/10/2008

STOCKBRIDGE Ny - "What's going on in here?" won't just be on the characters' lips as audience members have a chance to take part in the murder mystery action at Stockbridge Valley's dinner theater this weekend.

"It's definitely different than anything I've ever done before," said senior Irene Wasnik, 18, who plays undercover cop Trixie in Lee Mueller's "Murder Me Always." "It's quite an experience."

Director Kelly Meola said she chose this piece to give community members some exposure to "different types of theater they might not get in rural settings," and hopes the first-time event will become an annual one.

"I think they're going to love it," she said. "They'll be really entertained and surprised at how flawlessly the process goes."

The play is actually a play-within-a-play, in which the director is murdered while the company is giving a particularly bad performance of "Murder Me Always." Detective Joe Mamet, played by junior Matthew Misiaszek, 15, sets out to discover who the real murderer is, pulling the whole audience into the production.

"I like my part," said Misiaszek, who will be on stage for the first time in his theater career. "It's kind of like a 1960s detective with sort of corny lines."

Every time he comes on stage, for instance, he always asks "What's going on in here?" - usually because someone is passed out on the couch.

"It's different learning to interact with the audience," Wasnik said. "They get more involved with the play - there's audience interaction."

She explained how the cast members need to do a lot of character work because audience members will be invited to ask questions, and she and other cast members will have to answer in character. "I hope they ask questions we can answer."

Meola said the kids have been really excited about the play so far, however, especially with the "idea of doing something different."

"It's really fun," Misiaszek said.

The play will be Friday and Saturday, Jan. 11 and 12 at 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria. Tickets are $10 pre-sale and $12 at the door. The cost includes admission, a spaghetti dinner, dessert and beverages.