New plays are hard to write, but harder to see produced. Such was my experience with the new play, A TOSS OF THE COIN.My first reading of the play was disappointing. It needed a great deal of work...or to be passed on entirely. But the director wanted to see this play produced. Wanted the playwright to have the rare opportunity to see his work fully realized, and with this experience, go back to his manuscript and make a better play.
But the playwright didn’t want that experience. He insisted that no stage directions, business, or lines be altered during rehearsals without written permission or lengthy discussion. This proved to be a foolish position. The director was forced to pull the play only weeks before opening.
Note to new playwrights: you aren’t Arthur Miller. Learn, grow, sit back and see what happens. Don’t insist. You haven’t earned it yet.
One of our finalists for our New Play Festival flew here from the West Coast - at his own expense - and copped the same 'tude with our committee. He flew back empty-handed. I'm very sorry to hear about your guy pulling the plug. I was looking forward to seeing you and Waffles onstage together.
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