Material

I've been in many shows, but I've never got the chance to write any of my own lines before.  What a kick that has been!  From the beginning I knew I had to come up with a little something for my character's "meltdown" rant.  And thus was born the "half-eaten box of Pop Tarts and a cat named Buddy" bit.

But when I realized that the script and all its "suggestions" offered me nothing in the way of easy to spell words nor their requisite definitions and sentences, I knew I had to get creative again.  So "ornament," "menu," "garden," "video," and others became part of the show.  After that I decided I wouldn't be limited to the suggested difficult words and definitions either, so I came up with new words, definitions and sentences for those as well.  Borborygmus, anyone?

When Abby Toomey asked me to come up with some Logainne rant material, I quickly jumped at the chance to write in another character's voice.  To hear Abby's perfect readings last night was too much!  It wasn't so much hearing my words as it was Abby's interpretation and delivery.  What a hoot!

I spent a little time this morning writing some short, audience volunteer introductions for Leslie to use when Rona calls audience people to the microphone.  During our last Act I run Leslie said she was out of ideas and I quickly came up with the "...insists that is her natural hair color" line.  That seemed to work well, so I came up with a bunch more so she'll have plenty of (hopefully) funny things to say.

There aren't many shows--or ANY shows--that allow such flexibility in the script.  And for me, writing lines to be spoken in the play has become a little unexpected pleasure to add to the great pleasure I have playing our frustrated vice principal. -- JPZ