MS2008

Mann Show 2008’s production of A.R. Gurney’s THE DINING ROOM was a highlight of my work at J.L. Mann High School.

Three big ideas from that show still make me smile.

Pre-show, intermission, and post-show music was a sampling of punk and new wave tunes from the year the play was first produced. I felt the music of this period reflected the alienation and loss Gurney’s play explored.

Hot pizza was served immediately following the curtain call so that the students would actually eat a meal with their families on the dining room table. It was important to me that the production serve to bring kids and their folks closer. Eating together at the dining room table (on the stage) helped accomplish this.

Jay Bridgeman made the space under the dining room table light up on Phillip Calvin’s cue. Luke and Casey’s scene looked great.