The New Works Fest is just a day away, so here's the last of our email interviews. This time around we hear from Clint McElroy, who I'd describe as an incredibly talented writer, actor and director, even if he wasn't such a good friend. Here's what he had to say about the musical he wrote called Collis P!
Q: Give us a quick recap of your work that's being presented.
A: I started out about a decade or so ago, wanting to write a musical based on the history of Huntington. I figured the best place to start would be researching the man who built the town, Collis P. Huntington. I came across so many great stories, so many fascinating details about him, I realized I had enough material for a show JUST about Collis. So, what we have is his story, from birth to grave. The man lived a jam-packed life... he was involved in just about everything of importance that happened in the century. It's a two-hour time machine...with songs about giant skeeters.
Q: How does a festival like this benefit you as a writer?
A: As a writer you tend to get a bit insulated... especially if no one knows you're writing. The workshop process has been invaluable to me, because the people who have been working on "Collis" in the rehearsals are some of the most talented people I have ever met, and their opinions have been vital to the final product. This is a much different play than the one we started with a few months ago. And just as important for me has been to hear what Larry Groce has done with the lyrics I created. It's a once-in-a-lifetime feeling to hear someone sing and play words you've written.
Q: What does it mean for you to present this through MU's Dept. of Theatre?
A: Let's face it, MUTD provides a level of creative excellence that can't be duplicated in our area. They have the best facilities, and the best people around. I also admire their guts in trotting out five brand new, unknown productions.
Q: Why would you say to the person reading this to convince them to see this performance?
A: If you come see this, you are going to see some of the best performers I have ever worked with, creating something brand new. You are going to hear a couple of amazing tunes by Larry Groce. You are going to learn a few things about a truly remarkable figure in American history. And you are going to laugh at a few jokes. And if it some day is a big hit, you'll be able to sell your playbill on Ebay. In summation: If you like it... I thank you with all my heart. If you DON'T like it, then I blame the director, Jack Cirillo.
Thanks, Clint! (Dang, I forgot to ask him about the exclamation point in the title.)
Once again, here's the schedule for the event:
Thursday, June 28, three new one-act plays will be presented: Wedding Bells by Adriana Echeverri, Interrogation by M. A. Cantrell and Lunch At the Fork n’ Finger by Jonathan Joy.
Friday, June 29, a new screenplay: Serious Business by T. Michael Murdock.
Saturday, June 30, a new musical: Collis P!, written by Clint McElroy with new songs written by Mountain Stage’s Larry Groce.
For further information or to purchase tickets, visit the Marshall University Theatre box office or call 696-ARTS (2787). Tickets are priced at $5 per evening or a full festival pass (all three nights) at $12.
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