Good news update - progress at last!

People who drop by this blog regularly or from time-to-time are aware of my moaning, groaning and general kvetching about my play writing and all the hang-ups thereof. This includes unfinished plays that appear to have potential but end up stored in the to-be-examined-at-a-later-date file. Later could mean a month or years. Sometimes though,. things just seem to work.

I've been in a play submission mode of late and decided that my play, "Retribution" deserved to be seen and heard by the world. To this end and after submitting to the Sundog Theatre of Staten Island, I am pleased - nay - delighted to report that they have selected Retribution to be part of their Summer Reading Series to be held on Thursday, August 7, 7:30 p.m. at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island.  A one-act play, a drama, focuses on revenge  specifically (adapted from the synopsis) "after years of patiently waiting and planning for their paths to cross, a hairdresser has an opportunity to exact revenge for a horrific past crime that has gone unpunished." Drop by and see the drama play out in person if you live in the New York area since admission is free of charge.

Still more progress to report in other areas. Finally finished the first draft of "Neighbors" now called, "The Shrubs." It took me a year or more to complete but I'm very pleased with the end result. This is yet another play that started out as a short 10-minute writing exercise but over the years - yes years - evolved into a one act and then a full two-act play. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way and change of story lines but in the end, it wrote itself. All the good plays seem to write themselves. In any case, I'm going to put it away for a while before embarking upon the editing process.

"So tell us, Eleanor - what's on your agenda for your next project?"

I'm planning to take a serious read-through of "Dead Writes" and see where this story can go. It's a fun play with touches of the supernatural concerning an old, crusty newspaper reporter (Felicia) who lead a rough-and ready life that focused on getting a story at any cost. Having been relegated to a holding position where a decision will be made on her next step into either heaven or hell, she accepts the responsibility of training a newly hired, naïve reporter, but doesn't anticipate the moral issues and challenges that arise along the way. Only the newbie reporter is aware of the dead reporter's presence, which makes for some interesting and humorous proceedings. Her progress will be monitored by a heavenly spiritual adviser who is assigned to keep Felicia on the straight and narrow. Think this just may work...

More news will be forthcoming on the play reading and hopefully more positive news on other submissions.

Hanging in there - playing around

At long last, "Old Soldiers" has left the building in a manner of speaking. After choosing an ending to this play that has been in the creative process for more than a year, I finally bid it a fond adieu, wished it well and submitted it to the BBC International Playwriting Competition.

As people reading this blog are aware, the play had its beginning as a short story that evolved into play based on the strength of its main character, Joe McKenna. There was something about Joe that begged to be explored further as described in a blurb taken from the synopsis:

"As an ex army man and soldier, 85-year old Joe McKenna is a man of habit. He is a widower whose only companionship is his 12-year old dog, Daisy. The aging process has taken its toll physically and emotionally, turning him into an embittered man full of resentment towards society and what he perceives to be life's injustices. He is a lonely soul with too much time to think about the past and knowing that the future will leave him dependent on the kindness of others."

As a play, Joe was joined by three ex-army buddies along with some other interesting characters that helped propel the story along. Having never written for radio, the big challenge was to incorporate sound effects. In any case, Joe's fate - and mine - are in the hands of the judges since the competition closed on January 31st.

Meanwhile, another play, "Retribution" is taking an interesting turn. Submitted it to the Sundog Theatre, "... a performing arts organization in Staten Island that provides entertainment for adults and children in the form of contemporary and original theatre." It was selected to be part of a play reading series - all being well - to take place in summer. The drama focuses on Sue Ellen Parker, a hairdresser, who exacts revenge for a horrific past crime committed against her in the past. Must have re-written this play at least a dozen times until it felt "right."

At present, I'm at the finishing stage of completing "Neighbors" a comedy, two-act play that had its beginning as a 10 minute play. The story line focuses on two neighbors and their long-standing feud over what one believes to be the erroneous placement of shrubs, which divide both their properties. Very enjoyable to write and with definite production potential. Will put it to sleep for a while and then re-read it and start the re-writing process. Amazing what time can do for one's perspective. I've completed plays that I thought couldn't be improved only to realize that the content was garbage, which in turn caused a complete re-write of the play(s).

As usual, will keep readers of this blog and/or others who drop by from time-to-time updated.

Looking back to look forward

During my daily check-in of my various blogs, somehow this blog always makes me feel guilty. There is always a lengthy gap between updates because, basically, I'm a procrastinator. My writing is always full of big intent but then for whatever reason, it passes and rather than force a personal confrontation, it falls by the wayside.

"So what have you been doing, Eleanor?" you might be wondering.

I've finally decided on an ending to "Old Soldiers" but now I'm having doubts as to whether pursue this play, given its subject being an aging, very-old soldier who wants to make his last stand count. Although there is no violence, recent turn of events are making me think twice about its suitability.

Here we have Joe McKenna, a man who did his part for his country, saw action in WWII and now as an aging, frail veteran with a failing body, wants to make a point, a plea actually, on behalf of all vets. It's the culmination of his desire to leave his mark and an unexpected meeting with two strangers that influences the final outcome. Throughout the play, there is comic relief with the interaction of Joe and his buddies. Thing is...I love the dialogue and the premise of the play.

Having not read, "The Lemon", a 20-minute comedy play-ette I wrote a while back (why are all my plays in the "written a while back" state?) for a while, I'm attempting to turn it into a one-act play. Also planning to work on another started-but-semi-abandoned play, "Dead Writes" in which I've written three scenes.

In the way of positivity and progress, I've submitted my one act play, "Retribution" to a theatre and hoping that it will meet with an acceptance. Not saying/writing anymore about it because I'm superstitious and it could jinx the end result.

Hopefully, the next update will be sooner than later but one never can predict these things. Most likely... Maybe... Soon for sure...

In submission mode...again

I'm in a submission, as in submitting one of my plays, state of mind.

As a Twitter-er or Tweeter or whatever it's called, came across a theatre that caught my attention. After reading the submission guidelines, decided my "Retribution" play might be a good fit.

Wrote this play a while ago and over time have tweaked it to the point where it's now "submission-ready", or at least in my opinion. A one-act play and a drama with a cast of three people, don't really know where the impetus for the idea behind the play came from. It definitely wrote itself and I was merely a means in which the words jumped on to the computer screen. Sometimes it just happens - that easy. It makes up for all the times that in spite of a concerted effort, a plot falls apart and the play is forever relegated to the "save for the future" file. Unforutnately, there are a number of these in this file.

Still haven't finished "Old Soldiers" (Eleanor holds her head down, shaking it sadly) in spite of choosing an ending. Perhaps my real psychological block is the decision to convert it to a radio play, a medium in which I'm not familiar. The dialogue, as I've shared here, is very strong as are the characters, but my concern is with the addition of sound-effects. Although the BBC stated on Facebook that there will be a competition this year, I'm still waiting for the announcement of a new deadline. Nothing like a deadline as an impetus.

In any case, it's been a while since submitting "Retribution" and maybe - just maybe - this time will be the right time.

"Retribution" , one act play

This is my one and only one-act play. Submitted it to a few places to no avail but I think it's one of my best. Then again, I feel that way about most of my plays. My apologies about the spacing and non-play formatting.

It's a story focusing on patience.
“Revenge is an act of passion; vengeance of justice. Injuries are revenged; crimes are avenged.”      
(Samuel Johnson)

Sharing first two scenes. Comments always welcome and wanted. Listing the characters that are in these scenes.

 

                     RETRIBUTION

 

CAST OF CHARACTERS

 

Sue Ellen Parker, 34,    Manicurist

Lily, 37,               Owner of hair styling salon

Mrs. Clemens, 60’s       Salon client

 

 

THE TIME

 

The present

 

THE PLACE

 

Western U.S.A. during a mid-summer heat wave

 

SETTING: Interior of Lily's Hair’n’Things Styling Salon.

 

A manicurist's table in centre stage, accented with a small lamp. The table surface is covered with a white towel and a tray filled with colored nail varnish bottles. An empty barber chair is located directly opposite the manicure table. An old freezer sits on a dolly, at a door entrance/exit.

The interior layout of the salon is circa 1950's/1960's. There are two work stations against a wall on which hang two large mirrors. On another wall are two well-worn chairs with two chrome-colored, dome hair dryers attached. It is a salon that exhibits neglect and long past its prime.

An elderly woman sits under one of the dryers.

 

Manicurist/stylist, SUE ELLEN PARKER, wearing a light blue uniform is seated on a stool behind the manicure table. Her shoulder-length blond hair is tied back with a ribbon and she wears a uniform consisting of pants and a zippered top

 

The salon owner, LILY, dressed in a black micro-mini skirt and tight sleeveless blouse, enters, fanning herself with a magazine as she approaches Sue Ellen, who is examining bottles of nail varnish

 

RETRIBUTION

 

SCENE I

 LILY

(glancing at wrist watch)

It's gone five already and I'm willing to call it a day. This heat sucks the life out'ta me

 

SUE ELLEN

I still have to comb Mrs. Clemen’s hair and she'll want her nails done, like always. You'd think she had something special going on than a night in front of the TV

 

LILY

Kind’a reminds me of someone I know ‘cept she’s got a half-century on you 

 

SUE ELLEN

Don't start in on me again!

 

LILY

The lady’s old but what's your excuse?

 

MRS. CLEMENS, lady under the dryer, signals for someone to come over

 

     SUE ELLEN

(signaling to MRS. CLEMENS)

ASIDE TO MRS. CLEMENS: ‘Too hot, Mrs. Clemens? I’ll-make-it-cooler, o-kay?’

 

(cont’d.) Don’t know how anyone can stand being under there, anyway, in this heat. Course if we had air conditioning…

 

LILY

With the amount of customers we get, you're lucky I don't close up shop all together

 

SUE ELLEN

Maybe they'd come if you'd invest in central air

 

LILY

We’re back to that again?

SUE ELLEN

When you gonna move into this century, girl? Your hairdryers are older than electricity

 

LILY

Better think seriously ‘bout selling this place, before wasting money on extras like air. What’s with you, today?

 

SUE ELLEN

It’s the heat, is all. Forget I said anything

 

LILY

Sure it’s just the heat? Nothing you wanna talk about, maybe?

 

SUE ELLEN

Usual crap. Life in general and everything that goes with it. Nothing new

 

LILY

I’ll tell you what’s wrong. You need’a get out more. All work and no sex makes a person edgy. We’ll close up after you finish with your friend, there

 

SUE ELLEN

Aside to Mrs. Clemens: 'Coming Mrs. Clemens!'

 

(cont'd. SUE ELLEN) The sign in the front says we're open to six and we gotta respect that. Shoot! It’s so friggin’ hot!

 

LILY

Do yourself a favor. Go home and take a shower, preferably with someone else

 

SUE ELLEN

Talk about a one-track mind! I’ll rest after finishing Mrs. Clemens. Shouldn’t take long combing the dozen hairs on her head

 

LILY

No reason to stay open so lemme know when you’re done and I’ll come lock up

 

SUE ELLEN

How 'bout if I close for you, tonight? Nothing for me to do at home and I'd just as soon hang around here for a last minute client

 

LILY

Don't much like the idea of leaving you alone on a Friday night, 'specially with all them refinery workers hittin' the bars

 

SUE ELLEN

They don't bother me, none. It's the guys sitting across the table from me acting all genteel and polite-like, trying to cop a feel under the manicure table that bug me. I'm more than able to take care of myself and I don't mind hanging around.

 

LILY

Lemme think on it while I cool off outside

 

               LILY EXITS




 

SCENE II

 

           AT RISE: SUE ELLEN removes hair dryer and helps MRS.CLEMENS up
                             and into the styling chair

  

SUE ELLEN

You’re dry

 

MRS. CLEMENS

(feeling her scalp)

On fire, more likely

 

SUE ELLEN

The usual?

MRS. CLEMENS

How ‘bout an upsweep for a change. I’m tired of the same old, same old

 

SUE ELLEN

You know what they say – if it ain’t broke – don’t fix it

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Don’t get me wrong dear – I love the way you do my hair but a person needs to restart the engine now and then, if you get my drift. My friend Rosie? She went out and dyed her hair fire-engine red and it makes her look ten years younger. Okay, maybe five but at our age we need all the help we can get and you know what else?

 

SUE ELLEN

Turn your head to the right a bit. So what else did Rosie do?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

This is embarrassing to even say but…she found herself an m-a-n at a church social, of all places. A good looking young stud she tells me. Course her idea of young might be different from ours. How ‘bout adding a couple of blond streaks here on the side…

 

SUE ELLEN

How young?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Doubt whether she even bothered to ask. She tells me that Hal - that’s what he goes by – is the 'be-all-and-end-all'.

 

SUE ELLEN

Does Hal have a second name? She could have him checked out

 

MRS. CLEMENS

You kidding? She don’t wanna know the truth!

 

SUE ELLEN

You think he’s lying?

MRS. CLEMENS

Could be one of them there con men tryin’ to bilk a stupid old woman out’ta money. Why else would a decent looking guy pay attention to an eighty year old woman with a face that looks like a dried up prune?

 

SUE ELLEN

(laughing)

Don’t hold back now. Tell me your real feelings

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Anyway, if he’s after money, he’s got a big surprise coming. She lives on the money her late husband left her and a small pension. Like they say, there’s no fool like an old fool. Ouch! Careful dear. You’re gonna pull out the last few hairs I have

SUE

Sorry. I hate it when a guy tries to take advantage of a woman. Nothing gets me madder. What’s even worse is when they get away with it!

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Rosie uses a walker to get around and now she’s gone bought herself a whole new wardrobe AND a mini skirt. She should be covering up instead of showing off them blue veins of hers!

 

SUE ELLEN

Some women will believe anything. I’m getting the feeling you don’t like the idea of her dating, period

 

MRS. CLEMENS

It’s not like I’m not happy for her or anything but she’s like a teenager in heat, struttin’ around wearing blue eye shadow and red lipstick. Not decent, a woman of her years

 

SUE ELLEN

(laughing)

Could be you’re a little jealous of your friend? Now that Rosie has red hair – well - Hal probably thinks she’s hot-to-trot

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Honey – sex is a memory for us and Rosie never was one to go in for that type of stuff. No – he’s probably after her money for sure. Now about some blond here and maybe some in front here…

SUE ELLEN

Some people hide from the truth all their lives. There – we’re finished! So?

 

               LILY ENTERS

 

                                                                        LILY

You have a last minute customer

 

SUE ELLEN

I thought you wanted to close up early?

 

LILY

I know but things have been so slow lately. Every dollar counts

 

               LILY EXITS

 

MRS. CLEMENS

What about my nails? Look at ‘em! All chipped and broken

 

SUE ELLEN

You heard Lily. I have another client

 

MRS. CLEMENS

I can’t go ‘round with these. A quick manicure won’t take long

SUE ELLEN

Tell you what, how ‘bout forgetting a manicure this week, and I’ll give you a special nail strengthener treatment, free, on your next appointment?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Can’t be seen in public with these claws, honey. Make an old lady feel good?

 

SUE ELLEN

               
                               (examining MRS. CLEMENS nails)

They are in bad shape…

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Do it just for me this time. Please? I’ll make it worth your while

 

SUE ELLEN

It’s not the money, you know that… Damn! Never could say no to you

 

MRS. CLEMENS

You just made my day

 

SUE ELLEN

Been digging in the earth, again, huh? How many times have I told you t’go and hire somebody to take care of your garden?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

You think I’m gonna pay a stranger to come in and ruin all the good work I done over the years? Took me forever to get it lookin’ like it does and I ain’t gonna let nobody lay a finger on one flower. I don’t need help from nobody

 

SUE ELLEN

Everyone needs help at some point in their life. How’s that cat of yours?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

We just celebrated her fifteenth birthday, bless her. Lives better than a lot of people I know

SUE ELLEN

Still a beast at heart, though. In the end her real nature comes through - just like a lotta guys I know

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Ouch! Know what you’re missing? The love of a good man

 

SUE ELLEN

(laughing hard)

Oh yeah - just what I need right now. A male in my life to make me complete

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Don’t sneer at the idea, honey. Notice I said a good man. I was married three times and all of ‘em were fine samples of manhood

 

SUE ELLEN

You been a widow a long time?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Widow hell, girl! Divorced ‘em all. I didn’t waitress all those years saving up my hard-earned cash for them to throw it away on poker and liquor. I’d marry again tomorrow if the right man came along but like they say, a good man is hard to find, but a hard man is good to find

SUE ELLEN

Judging by the males I’ve seen in these parts, I’ll stay single

 

MRS. CLEMENS

It ain’t good t’be distrustful at your age. Someone could walk through that door this very minute and steal your heart away. Happens all the time

 

SUE ELLEN

The man of my nightmares more likely

 

MRS. CLEMENS

So there was a special someone in your life? Anyone I know?

 

SUE ELLEN

Unlikely you’ve crossed paths with the creep

 

MRS. CLEMENS

He hurt you that bad?

 

SUE ELLEN

Now listen up – you have to wear gloves when you do dirty work or your nails will keep breaking. I keep telling my customers that the only way to keep nails proper is to keep them covered. Your hands deserve to be taken care of

MRS. CLEMENS

You’ve gone changed the topic on me!

 

SUE ELLEN

That I have

MRS. CLEMENS

When it comes to nail manicures you’re the best in these here parts but take it from someone who’s been there and seen a lot. Work ain’t everything. Don’t let life pass you by and end up old and wrinkled with nothing but memories to keep you going

 

SUE ELLEN

              

               Helps MRS. CLEMENS out of the chair

 

I got a lotta memories. That’s why I’m single. Pencil you in for next week, same time?

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Your personal life is none of my business but...

 

SUE ELLEN

You got that right. Don’t wanna rush you out but Lily is waiting

 

MRS. CLEMENS

Okay if we settle up next time? I swear, I’d forget my head if t’wern’t attached to my neck

 

SUE ELLEN

A lot of people forget things - or try to. No problem. Pay me next time

MRS. CLEMENS

Now you remember what I told you. Gotta keep an open mind and be ready when love enters the door