Staged Play Readings 2014-15
Royal Gambit
by Hermann Gressieker –
directed by Mary Ellen Fawk
This metaphysical portrait of Henry VIII and the six women in his life contrasts this king, the epitome of Renaissance man, with modern liberal thought and concludes that humanism is dead in the twentieth century. Henry remains the same throughout but the women progress in their dress to modern times, showing their knowledge of the lasting effects of Henry's thoughts.
The Seafarer
by Conor McPherson
directed by Deb Cairns
The Seafarer opens as Sharky Harkin has returned home at Christmastime to take care of his brother, Richard. Richard is a freewheeling soul, but he is also an overbearing alcoholic. He has recently gone blind. He lives to drink, and he urges Sharky to drink as well, even though Sharky has promised himself he would remain sober for the holidays. The brothers and two of their friends gather on Christmas Eve for a game of poker, and one of the friends brings a newcomer, the elegantly dressed Mr. Lockhart. Mr. Lockhart, it turns out, is the Devil himself, come to bargain for Sharky's soul. Sharky wins the battle and realizes he must move forward with his life or be trapped in hell.
Waiting for Pops by John Riffice
Directed by MJ Renzi
Waiting For Pops is a tale of a young boy’s appalling mistreatment at the hands of his alcoholic mother. It is a tale of spousal secrets and parental lies. It is a tale of love, friendship, and, above all else, betrayal. Pops is seen through the eyes of an innocent boy growing steadily into manhood in 1950s Chicago. Johnny must finally come to terms with the most important aspect of his life: the truth about his parents, and about himself, too.