An interverview with script writer, and co-owner of the theater, John Driscoll
12:01 a.m. PT Apr 10, 2008
Prospector: Why did you write this comedy, John?
John Driscoll: Jan (wife) and I believe that humanity's salvation is laughter. The niche that we've fallen into is one in which, in a society that takes itself far too seriously, we look for the humor in almost everything.
And all of our scripts are taken, at least partially, from real life.
For the past few years, we've marveled at the overwhelming popularity of American Idol, the intense drama of the selection and judging process, and the skill with which the producers manipulate our emotions in a show that is more "reality TV" than an actual talent contest. And, predictably, American Idol has spawned a host of similar programs as well as small local "idol" contests, like Lake Wildwood Idol or Sacramento Idol.
We are fortunate in that a member of our troupe, Kris Stepanian, has participated in a number of these events as contestant and as judge. Her insights into the behind the scenes workings of these contests has been extremely valuable. Human nature dictates that, in competitions like these, there will be of subtle attempts by the contestants to undermine one another's performance or manipulate the judges. Adding to all this information gathered from the Internet, we felt that we had found a perfect vehicle for great laughs and for the wonderful familiar songs everyone wants to hear at Off Broadstreet.
P: Do funny things happen during rehearsals?
JD: Funny things happen all the time during rehearsals at Off Broadstreet. That's why I've written seven different shows called "Dress Rehearsal."
The cast of "Last Ditch Idol" includes, Darryl Stines, one of the funniest people I've ever known. His ad-libs and one-liners often end up in the script. This show, like many others, began with improvs in which I give each actor his/her character's history and objectives and then turn them loose. Darryl's interpretation of a "homeless" guy who gets into a singing contest by accident had us all rolling with laughter.
P: Tell us more about the cast
JD: We have about twenty men and women whom I consider "regulars" at Off Broadstreet, and who have appeared in numerous original productions in the 18 1Ú2 years we've been in business. They are skilled singers who can easily learn and hold harmony parts in group numbers, but who also have unique soloist vocal styles and engaging personalities. Most have "day jobs," ranging from school administrator to title officer to workers in the medical profession, the trades and various service industries.
On stage, they have a lot of experience working with each other in different combinations in casts of five or six. I trust them, and they trust me, which is helpful considering the fact that the script is a work in progress until we open. And sometimes even after!
The cast of "Last Ditch Idol"-Nancy Keith, Kris Stepanian, Liz Larsen, Darryl Stines, Ed
Stamper and Alvis LeGate-consists of four people who have worked together in various combinations since 1992, and two who have come on board within the last eight years. The nice thing about writing my own scripts for my own small group of known and trusted performers is that I can write characters that suit the talents and personalities of the people I want to include in any given show. The roles are written expressly for the people who are going to play them.
P: Over-the-hill seems to be a theme in some of your productions. Why?
JD: Chris Crockett, one of Off Broadstreet's regular performers, laughingly refers to each of our shows as being another story about "a hapless group of ne'er-do-wells." Since most people in our society, especially in small communities such as ours, are somewhat anonymous, "underdog" humor goes over extremely well.
Our shows are always about unlikely people doing unlikely things, which, in fact, is what we do at Off Broadstreet. Well, they say "write about what you know." I've set stories in unlikely places and populated them with characters who have obstacles to overcome. Since the median age of our audience is somewhere in the mid-fifties, being perceived as "over-the-hill" is an obstacle we'd all like to surmount, even vicariously. And, of course, it's a great vehicle for laughs!
KNOW & GO
WHAT: Last Ditch Idol
WHEN: Friday through June 7. Friday and Saturday at 8:15 p.m.; Sunday, May 18 at 2 p.m.; Thursday, May 29 at 7:15 p.m.
WHERE: Off Broadstreet Theater, 305 Commercial St., Nevada City
ADMISSION: Thursday and Sunday: $20; Fridays: $23; Saturdays: $25. Phone (530) 265-8686 for reservations.
INFORMATION: Visit www.offbroadstreet.com
