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Tri-State Theater

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Friday, June 19, 2009

A Christmas Special in the Summer?

Only my pal Clint McElroy could dream up a Christmas Special to be presented at tonight's New Works Festival 2009 at Marshall University.

I hear the show is very funny (though probably not for little kids). Here's a quick e-interview with Clint about what you can expect:
Q: Tell us about your work that's being presented.

Clint: This year I have written a musical called The Pep Sturdley Family Christmas Special. It's a take-off on those old Christmas Specials that ran 24 hours a day on TV from Thanksgiving to December 25 when we were growing up.

My take is: What would happen if one of those old-time shows had guest stars with a somewhat more contemporary approach? It's about a very dysfunctional (but funny) family.

Q: Where did the idea for this show come from?

Clint: I actually got this idea from watching a special on PBS which had a clip from the Bing Crosby Christmas show where he sang a duet with David Bowie. That was such a surreal moment... it inspired this entire... surreal... play.

Q: How does a venue like this benefit a playwright?


Clint: With New Works I get to hear real live breathing people laugh at the jokes... hopefully. The "Q & A" afterwards is a huge help as well.

Q: This is the third year for the Festival - what's different this time around, and what hasn't changed?

Clint: The festival has gotten more and more elaborate, more sophisticated through the years. More Staging. More effects. Some of the material is a bit mature, so it might not be the cup of tea for the younger set.
The festival begins tonight and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. in the Francis Booth Experimental Theatre of the Joan C. Edwards Playhouse.

For tickets or information, call 304-696-ARTS (2787). Tickets are priced at $12 per show or a full festival pass for $20.

Each evening’s readings will be followed by a discussion/question and answer session with the playwright, director and cast. Participation is both welcome and encouraged.

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