Cleveland Embraces Second Draft

Recently I returned to Cleveland for the second workshop/reading of The Mandel JCC commissioned play, now entitled Cleveland Heights. Not a fancy title, but I thought evocative of what the name of that area strived for. Part of Cleveland, yet separate. Perhaps something loftier? Hence the Heights. And certainly as the play has continued to be worked on, focused and shaped, it examines generations of Cleveland natives who are at once part of tradition and yet are moving forward.

Like Cleveland itself, my fictional family must struggle with economic hardship, a changing society and new challenges to their way of life. We assembled almost all of the same cast members from the previous reading, and in some ways it was like a family re-union. We now feel very attached to the work, and the actors felt a sort of ownership of their characters.

Seth Gordon again directed, and once again we delved into who these characters are, what are their goals, what do they settle for as the country changes. We really had a productive two days, having discussions of how to make the play the best it can be. And again, I was amazed at how open everyone was to make last minute changes. I felt very safe to allow a free ranging discussion, and all the actors could make suggestions for cuts or line changes.

Before the actual public reading, I toured the theater at the CCC, and was quite impressed with the space. Brian Zoldessy, a cast member during the readings, is now taking on the role of director of the upcoming production. We had a great discussion about designing the show and how it would fit in this particular space, as well as possible casting. We both ended up very excited and can hardly wait till February when rehearsals start.

The public reading in the evening had an audience twice the size of the previous one, with a number of repeat attendees. I was greatly relieved that at the talk back that followed the reading, all felt the play had grown. And in particular, the emotional punch of the play had deepened. People connected even more with the characters, and it was nice to feel that all looked forward to seeing it fully produced. The whole feel of the evening was one of encouragement and excitement. I generally assume things will go badly, that's my nature. What a pleasant surprise to have the reading exceed all expectations. The audience even complimented the cookies served after. It doesn't get better than that!

Only two and a half months till I return, when The Mandel JCC and Cleveland and you will see the final effort of a year's work, a full production of a totally original play created from the lives of Clevelanders. I only hope there won't be too much snow.