I am 3 weeks in rehearsing a new stage production for Christmas called Thirsty.   The cast has been great and I am working with 6 new volunteers which can be daunting if you don’t know them.  But I’ve been really encouraged with what I’ve seen and the potential that’s still to come.   Soon, I’ll introduce the cast via a photo.  This play feels slightly more quirky, funnier and just a little different from what I have done in past Christmas productions. 

I’m also collaborating with a young man named James MacKnight who has composed four original songs for the show.  James has taken my lyrics and has made them sound much better with the music he’s created.   I heard all four songs last week and look forward to melding the music with the drama.   I met James this past spring when he sang in another production, black/white.   One day he created this tune on the piano and I happen to be nearby.  I really enjoyed it.  One conversation lead to another and now he’s writing for Thirsty.  

I had a great talk with Pat Patterson yesterday; she is the producer who purchased the rights to my screenplay, Play Ball.  Pat and I spoke about the script and where we could strengthen it.  At this early stage, Pat has sent the script out to several individuals, including casting directors.  She waits to hear some feedback on how they respond to the story.    We talked at length about other things other than Play Ball as we are both getting to know each other.   Listening to Pat, I believe each day that passes brings us a little closer to seeing Play Ball filmed.   For any writer that is the dream.  We want to see our work produced.    But the road is long with I’m sure many ups and downs to come.

Speaking of producing work, I’m about 10 pages out in finishing a new screenplay called Who is Molly Steele? (formally called Prodigal)  I started working on this script late July and I should have a rough draft complete by week’s end.  I will be entering Who is Molly Steele? into the Chronos Prize.  This is only the 2nd year for this competition run by the folks who do the Kairos Prize where Play Ball was awarded.  Chronos is for screenwriters who have either produced a film or have won the Kairos Prize.

So, these are the latest adventures in creativity; time to get back to some writing…