People who drop by this blog regularly or from time-to-time are aware of my moaning, groaning and general kvetching about my play writing and all the hang-ups thereof. This includes unfinished plays that appear to have potential but end up stored in the to-be-examined-at-a-later-date file. Later could mean a month or years. Sometimes though,. things just seem to work.
I've been in a play submission mode of late and decided that my play, "Retribution" deserved to be seen and heard by the world. To this end and after submitting to the Sundog Theatre of Staten Island, I am pleased - nay - delighted to report that they have selected Retribution to be part of their Summer Reading Series to be held on Thursday, August 7, 7:30 p.m. at the St. George Theatre in Staten Island. A one-act play, a drama, focuses on revenge specifically (adapted from the synopsis) "after years of patiently waiting and planning for their paths to cross, a hairdresser has an opportunity to exact revenge for a horrific past crime that has gone unpunished." Drop by and see the drama play out in person if you live in the New York area since admission is free of charge.
Still more progress to report in other areas. Finally finished the first draft of "Neighbors" now called, "The Shrubs." It took me a year or more to complete but I'm very pleased with the end result. This is yet another play that started out as a short 10-minute writing exercise but over the years - yes years - evolved into a one act and then a full two-act play. There were a lot of twists and turns along the way and change of story lines but in the end, it wrote itself. All the good plays seem to write themselves. In any case, I'm going to put it away for a while before embarking upon the editing process.
"So tell us, Eleanor - what's on your agenda for your next project?"
I'm planning to take a serious read-through of "Dead Writes" and see where this story can go. It's a fun play with touches of the supernatural concerning an old, crusty newspaper reporter (Felicia) who lead a rough-and ready life that focused on getting a story at any cost. Having been relegated to a holding position where a decision will be made on her next step into either heaven or hell, she accepts the responsibility of training a newly hired, naïve reporter, but doesn't anticipate the moral issues and challenges that arise along the way. Only the newbie reporter is aware of the dead reporter's presence, which makes for some interesting and humorous proceedings. Her progress will be monitored by a heavenly spiritual adviser who is assigned to keep Felicia on the straight and narrow. Think this just may work...
More news will be forthcoming on the play reading and hopefully more positive news on other submissions.
new posts in all blogs
By: scriberess,
on 6/10/2014
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: theatre, playwright, one act play, progress report, Dead Writes, Retribution, play reading, play reading series, Sundog Theatre, The Shubs, Add a tag
By: scriberess,
on 5/27/2014
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Dead Writes, play excerpt, comedy, playwright, playwriting, newspaper, reporter, Add a tag
SCENE 111
FELICIA
SFX: loud thunder clap JOSIAH
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
SFX: THUNDERCLAP
JOSIAH FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
JOSIAH
FELICIA
SFX: Loud thunder-clap
CHLOE
FELICIA
CHLOE
(whirling around)
FELICIA
FELICIA
Posted on 12/14/2009
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: newspaper, souls, Dead Writes, play. death, funeral chapel, a. playwrights rambling, humor, eleanor tylbor, Add a tag
By: scriberess,
on 11/12/2009
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: death, entertainment, play, journalism, eleanor tylbor, Josiah, newspaper, black comedy, Dead Writes, life, health, religion, humor, Add a tag
FELICIA
Aha! A little nervous are we, when I mention “po-lice”? Perhaps you’ve dealt with them on occasion?
JOSIAH
In my business we deal with all types and police officers are very common where I work
FELICIA
Not surprised. You earn your living dressed like… that?
JOSIAH
Sorry?
FELICIA
I bet you are – and then some
Holds up her arm and exaggerates a very feminine walk
You know…Cher? Wigs? Makeup?
Looking around and speaking softly
Padded bra… panty hose. Does it ring a bell?
JOSIAH
(puzzled)
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By: scriberess,
on 6/10/2014
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: theatre, playwright, one act play, progress report, Dead Writes, Retribution, play reading, play reading series, Sundog Theatre, The Shubs, Add a tag
0 Comments on Good news update - progress at last! as of 6/11/2014 3:29:00 AM
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By: scriberess,
on 5/27/2014
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: Dead Writes, play excerpt, comedy, playwright, playwriting, newspaper, reporter, Add a tag
Now and then - more then than now unfortunately - I actually work on plays yet to be finished. One of my favorites (don't I always say that?) is "Dead Writes" started a while back. A comedy, the story line focuses on a deceased, crusty old reporter (Felicia) who has to earn her way into the heavenly quarters by offering her experience and guidance to Chloe, a young up-and-coming writer.
In this is an excerpt, which takes place somewhere between heaven and hell, Felicia is explained how things work and given the guidelines to her assignment. My apologies regarding the formatting transferring the contents from Word.
DEAD WRITES
SCENE 111
TIME: NEW YEARS DAY
SCENE: Somewhere between heaven and hell – a holding zone. Organ music is playing
AT RISE: FELICIA & her guide, JOSIAH, discuss her future - and responsibilities
FELICIA
This is just friggin' great!
Sorry. New Years Day and I'm stuck here in no-man's land! This feels more like…the other place
JOSIAH
(appearing suddenly)
Heaven is a state of mind, my dear. Really, you should forget about those earthly vices
FELICIA
Know what I'd be doing if I hadn't croaked? I'd be sitting in my usual booth at The Flamingo Lounge toasting in the new year, with the gang from "The Sentinal." Right now, we'd probably be uncorking a fresh bottle of scotch, inhaling the fumes and clinking our glasses together, toasting every major story we broke. And let me tell you - there were a lot of 'em! Yup, yup, yup…lots of good juicy ones!
JOSIAH
Nobody is denying that you weren't good at your profession. It's your methods at question, here
FELICIA
It wasn't easy, 'ya know. There were pressures and if scotch helped me deal with them –who'd it hurt? Oh God….
JOSIAH
SFX: loud thunder clap
JOSIAH
(looking up)
…of course…she understands. Please, please choose your words more carefully
FELICIA
If I had only known -
JOSIAH
- you probably would have lived your life the exact same way. It's not the first time we've worked with you. In fact, there were many, many times before this one
FELICIA
Are you telling me that I've been here, done that, before?
JOSIAH
We've been sending you back in the hope that you learn your life lesson. You've been close but as you say on earth, no cigar. At least not yet
FELICIA
If you'd tell me what I'm supposed to learn, maybe I could fix it
JOSIAH
Were it only that easy. You alone have to find that out
FELICIA
How was I supposed to know things would be held against me in my next life? Ya think I expected to die?
JOSIAH
People think they're going to live forever and then – poof! You suddenly find yourselves in this state!
FELICIA
Listen, where are those gates everyone talks about? It's all a lie, isn't it?
JOSIAH
There are gates everywhere, but you can't see them since you're not ready to enter. Hopefully, you'll earn your way through. Consider this place a sort-of… holding position. May I have Felicia Pembroke's review
(File drops down)
Let's see now…
FELICIA
Hell – how many more times do we have to review my life?
SFX: THUNDERCLAP
JOSIAH
(looking up)
'I'm so sorry SIR. Believe me, it won't happen again. She knows, she knows! Forgive her SIR, she's a newcomer!'
Aside to FELICIA: You mustwatch your language! The last thing you need now, is to offend the HTM
FELICIA
HTM?
grabbing a sheet of paper that floats down
I must make a point not to use initials when talking to newcomers. Head Team Leader? The "ultimate" head team leader, if you get my drift. Let me see here …at their last meeting, there still appears to be a split amongst the celestial gate-keepers. The score is five for and five against. A veritable tie
FELICIA
This is just typical. I can't even die right like other people. I wasn't that… bad. So I lived a little hard and fast, but my heart was in the right place. I always gave to the Police Benefit and the Adopt-a-Pet funds! That ought'ta count for something. There hast'a be a way I can get in than having to work with Chloe
JOSIAH
As I recall, you made a promise
FELICIA
You're not gonna hold me to that! I was traumatized at seeing my body in a casket. Now that I think about it, I haven't looked that good since can't remember when
JOSIAH
You assured me that you were willing to do anything to redeem your soul, and your entry is conditional based on this covenant. The young lady in question needs your guidance to make it as a reporter, and her future is dependent on your help
FELICIA
This is some deal you're offering. If I refuse, it's a black mark against my record and I can't even take a sauna without passing out from the heat. She – I mean dear, dear, Chloe - can't spell to save herself, and let's not even talk about grammar. What she does to the English language would make Shakespeare turn over in his grave
JOSIAH
I happen to know personally, that The Bard is not offended by the well-intentioned efforts of young people. I think you've got what it takes to help her, if you can control those negative qualities
FELICIA
Let's get going. No time like the present to start
JOSIAH
There are some facts you should know about your life on earth, now
FELICIA
What's to know? I follow her around and give her advice. How we going down, this time?
JOSIAH
There will be some temptations that you would have to deal with
FELICIA
Like?
JOSIAH
Qualities that are left over from your earth life, that could lead you astray
FELICIA
Don't worry 'bout me. Nothing or no one is going to stop me from getting it right, this time
JOSIAH
Felicia, my dear, please be aware of your reason for returning to earth
FELICIA
I'm gonna succeed, no matter what it takes. Are we ready to leave now?
JOSIAH
But…whatever. It's your funeral. I am so witty lately
FELICIA
Don't I get a set of wings or something, to travel? I always wondered how those things work but I'm a fast learner anyway…
JOSIAH
Around here, wings have to be earned. Let me remind you that you've got one foot upstairs and the other is in a place we'll not mention, so in the end, it's all up to you. Give me your hand…
FELICIA takes JOSIAH's hand
FELICIA
There's no place like home, Auntie Em, there's no place like home…
They disappear in a cloud of smoke and re-emerge in FELICIA's former office
Hey - she's sitting at my desk no less! I'm gone barely a day and already she's taken over
JOSIAH
Remember that nobody can see or hear you except me, and soon young Chloe there will be privy to your voice
bell rings continuously
(staring upwards) 'Yes SIR... another meeting? But SIR…'
Aside to FELICIA Another meeting to attend – they never end! I'm leaving you now with the understanding you'll offer any and all your help to her. If you want to climb that stairway to heaven, you're gonna have to do it step by step. Those words are so appropriate…must add that to my heavenly harp composition. Good luck (looks up), 'Yes SIR, I'm coming…'
JOSIAH disappears
FELICIA
Don't leave! How am I supposed to talk to this dumb… Josiah? Damn him!
SFX: Loud thunder-clap
Sor-ry! Hard to break long time habits
approaches CHLOE's desk
Well, well, well! If it's not my pal Chloe! Hey kid, anyone ever tell you that you can't punctuate to save yourself? Shoot – this is great!
SFX: Loud thunder-clap
FELICIA looks up
Alright already! I get your point!
CHLOE
CHLOE is absorbed in staring at the computer screen
Is somebody in the office? You're scaring me!
FELICIA
You can hear me?
CHLOE
(whirling around)
Oh Lord…this is not possible! I've been over-working. Yes. That's it. I'll go home after writing this story and take a hot shower…
FELICIA
It's me. How's the 'puter working? I miss the old thing
CHLOE
(to herself)
This isn't real. I wa-was at Felicia's funeral last week, and I saw them put her in the ground! Gotta ask for some time off…I'm hallucinating
FELICIA
Oh pleeze! Don't be so over-dramatic! I'm dead! So what's the big thing?
0 Comments on Playing around: scene 3 of "Dead Writes" as of 5/27/2014 3:00:00 PM
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Posted on 12/14/2009
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: newspaper, souls, Dead Writes, play. death, funeral chapel, a. playwrights rambling, humor, eleanor tylbor, Add a tag
"DEAD WRITES" (Revised)
by Eleanor Tylbor
SCENE I
SETTING: A funeral parlor - Early afternoon
AT RISE: A funeral chapel. A group of people chat between themselves while waiting for the service to begin. A coffin is situated on an elevated stand in the middle of the room
FELICIA PEMBROOK, wearing a diaphanous dress, sits on the floor next to a coffin examining her surroundings. Slowly, she examines her body, touching her dress
LIGHTING: Dim lighting, except for a coffin in the middle of the room, which is spot-lit with a white light.
SOUND: somber organ music.
FELICIA
What the hell… Really must'a tied one on last night. Weird though. No hangover like usual… No feelings, period
Staggering to a standing position she walks around the coffin, touching the surface while trying unsuccessfully to peer inside. A somberly dressed male passes by, seemingly without noticing or acknowledging her presence
(cont’d) 'Scuse me…hello'?'
Man continues to ignore her, focusing and fixing the inside of the
coffin
(cont’d) Is this a… for real funeral parlor? Shoot! What’s the matter with me? Duh! This is another of Phil’s dumb jokes. Wait ‘til I get him…
Man continues to ignore her
Don’t bother answering me or anything… Fine – suit yourself. I'll find out on my own!
A man (JOSIAH) enters and stands directly behind FELICIA.
He has white hair, is dressed in a white shirt and matching
white pants that glitter
JOSIAH
Perhaps I could be of assistance in some way?
FELICIA
Ho-ly shit… What do we have here? A human Christmas tree ornament
SOUND: thunderclap
JOSIAH
I beg your pardon?
FELICIA
Do you come with sound effects, too?
JOSIAH
Just a suggestion here and take it for what it’s worth but your colorful language could prove to be problematic
FELICIA
You an agent for the grammar police? Do we know each other?
JOSIAH
Excuse me? Police? You certainly experienced life to the fullest, didn't you?
FELICIA
A little nervous are we, when I mention “po-lice”? Perhaps you’ve dealt with them on occasion?
JOSIAH
In my business we deal with all types and police officers are very common in my milieu
FELICIA
Not surprising. You earn your living dressed like… that?
JOSIAH
Sorry?
FELICIA
I bet you are
(Cont’d.) Wigs? Makeup? That kind’a stuff? Do I have to draw you a picture?
JOSIAH
(puzzled)
I’m not sure of what you’re getting at…
FELICIA
You don’t have to be shy with me. I’m very liberal when it comes to life style choices. Different strokes for different folks I always say
JOSIAH
There is no moral conflict with my calling. Actually, I chose this because white is such a pure color and the glitter sort-of attached itself to me. Don’t quite know why
FELICIA
Your family doesn’t know anything about your life style, do they?
JOSIAH
By family you mean - of course they’re very much aware of my work down here. In fact they rely almost entirely on my input. I’m an important source of information
FELICIA
And they’re okay with it?
JOSIAH
Of course. Why wouldn’t they be? I have to admit I do enjoy my job
FELICIA
You’re not one of those people who – you know - like to get up close and personal with dead bodies.
JOSIAH
If you’re asking me if I mind being present among those that have passed…
FELICIA
Shi
SETTING: A funeral parlor - Early afternoon
AT RISE: A funeral chapel. A group of people chat between themselves while waiting for the service to begin. A coffin is situated on an elevated stand in the middle of the room
FELICIA PEMBROOK, wearing a diaphanous dress, sits on the floor next to a coffin examining her surroundings. Slowly, she examines her body, touching her dress
LIGHTING: Dim lighting, except for a coffin in the middle of the room, which is spot-lit with a white light.
SOUND: somber organ music.
FELICIA
What the hell… Really must'a tied one on last night. Weird though. No hangover like usual… No feelings, period
Staggering to a standing position she walks around the coffin, touching the surface while trying unsuccessfully to peer inside. A somberly dressed male passes by, seemingly without noticing or acknowledging her presence
(cont’d) 'Scuse me…hello'?'
Man continues to ignore her, focusing and fixing the inside of the
coffin
(cont’d) Is this a… for real funeral parlor? Shoot! What’s the matter with me? Duh! This is another of Phil’s dumb jokes. Wait ‘til I get him…
Man continues to ignore her
Don’t bother answering me or anything… Fine – suit yourself. I'll find out on my own!
A man (JOSIAH) enters and stands directly behind FELICIA.
He has white hair, is dressed in a white shirt and matching
white pants that glitter
JOSIAH
Perhaps I could be of assistance in some way?
FELICIA
Ho-ly shit… What do we have here? A human Christmas tree ornament
SOUND: thunderclap
JOSIAH
I beg your pardon?
FELICIA
Do you come with sound effects, too?
JOSIAH
Just a suggestion here and take it for what it’s worth but your colorful language could prove to be problematic
FELICIA
You an agent for the grammar police? Do we know each other?
JOSIAH
Excuse me? Police? You certainly experienced life to the fullest, didn't you?
FELICIA
A little nervous are we, when I mention “po-lice”? Perhaps you’ve dealt with them on occasion?
JOSIAH
In my business we deal with all types and police officers are very common in my milieu
FELICIA
Not surprising. You earn your living dressed like… that?
JOSIAH
Sorry?
FELICIA
I bet you are
(Cont’d.) Wigs? Makeup? That kind’a stuff? Do I have to draw you a picture?
JOSIAH
(puzzled)
I’m not sure of what you’re getting at…
FELICIA
You don’t have to be shy with me. I’m very liberal when it comes to life style choices. Different strokes for different folks I always say
JOSIAH
There is no moral conflict with my calling. Actually, I chose this because white is such a pure color and the glitter sort-of attached itself to me. Don’t quite know why
FELICIA
Your family doesn’t know anything about your life style, do they?
JOSIAH
By family you mean - of course they’re very much aware of my work down here. In fact they rely almost entirely on my input. I’m an important source of information
FELICIA
And they’re okay with it?
JOSIAH
Of course. Why wouldn’t they be? I have to admit I do enjoy my job
FELICIA
You’re not one of those people who – you know - like to get up close and personal with dead bodies.
JOSIAH
If you’re asking me if I mind being present among those that have passed…
FELICIA
Shi
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By: scriberess,
on 11/12/2009
Blog: A. PLAYWRIGHT'S RAMBLINGS (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags: death, entertainment, play, journalism, eleanor tylbor, Josiah, newspaper, black comedy, Dead Writes, life, health, religion, humor, Add a tag
Still submitting and waiting for that first acceptance. I mean, I ain't gettin' any younger! Be that as it may...I'm back working on a play I started perhaps ten years ago with many edits and tinkering along the way. The more I read it - the more I realize that I really like it so I'm sharing the first ten or so pages with the world - or whoever happens to drop by. I should be so lucky!
Will provide updates as to its progress along the way. Meanwhile, enjoy. Feedback welcome.
DEAD WRITES
by Eleanor Tylbor
AT RISE: Funeral chapel. A group of people chat between themselves while waiting for the service to begin. A coffin is situated on an elevated stand in the middle of the room
FELICIA PEMBROOK, wearing a diaphanous dress, sits on the floor next to a coffin examining her surroundings. Slowly, she examines her body, touching her arms and legs
LIGHTING: Dim lighting, except for a coffin in the middle of the room, which is spot-lit with a white light.
SOUND: somber organ music.
FELICIA
What the hell… Really must'a tied one on last night. Weird though. No hangover like usual… No feelings, period
Staggering to a standing position she walks around the coffin, touching the surface while trying to peer inside. A somberly dressed male passes by, seemingly without noticing or acknowledging her presence
(cont’d) 'Scuse me…hello'?'
Man continues to ignore her, focusing and fixing the inside of the coffin
Is this a… for real funeral parlor? Shoot! What’s the matter with me? Uh duh! This is another of Phil’s jokes. Wait 'til I get him…
Man continues to ignore her
Don’t bother answering me or anything… Fine – your funeral. Hey - cracked a funeral joke! Anyway, I'll find out on my own!
A man (JOSIAH) enters and stands directly behind FELICIA.
He has white hair, is dressed in a white shirt and matching
white pants that glitter
JOSIAH
Perhaps I could be of assistance in some way?
FELICIA
Ho-ly shit. What do we have here? A human Christmas tree ornament
SOUND: thunderclap
JOSIAH
I beg your pardon? Were you talking to me?
FELICIA
Do you come with your own sound effects, too?
JOSIAH
We're quite witty, aren’t we? Just a suggestion here and take it for what’s it’s worth but your colorful use of language could prove to be problematic
FELICIA
Do tell! You an agent for the grammar police?
JOSIAH
Excuse me? Police?
FELICIA PEMBROOK, wearing a diaphanous dress, sits on the floor next to a coffin examining her surroundings. Slowly, she examines her body, touching her arms and legs
LIGHTING: Dim lighting, except for a coffin in the middle of the room, which is spot-lit with a white light.
SOUND: somber organ music.
FELICIA
What the hell… Really must'a tied one on last night. Weird though. No hangover like usual… No feelings, period
Staggering to a standing position she walks around the coffin, touching the surface while trying to peer inside. A somberly dressed male passes by, seemingly without noticing or acknowledging her presence
(cont’d) 'Scuse me…hello'?'
Man continues to ignore her, focusing and fixing the inside of the coffin
Is this a… for real funeral parlor? Shoot! What’s the matter with me? Uh duh! This is another of Phil’s jokes. Wait 'til I get him…
Man continues to ignore her
Don’t bother answering me or anything… Fine – your funeral. Hey - cracked a funeral joke! Anyway, I'll find out on my own!
A man (JOSIAH) enters and stands directly behind FELICIA.
He has white hair, is dressed in a white shirt and matching
white pants that glitter
JOSIAH
Perhaps I could be of assistance in some way?
FELICIA
Ho-ly shit. What do we have here? A human Christmas tree ornament
SOUND: thunderclap
JOSIAH
I beg your pardon? Were you talking to me?
FELICIA
Do you come with your own sound effects, too?
JOSIAH
We're quite witty, aren’t we? Just a suggestion here and take it for what’s it’s worth but your colorful use of language could prove to be problematic
FELICIA
Do tell! You an agent for the grammar police?
JOSIAH
Excuse me? Police?
FELICIA
Aha! A little nervous are we, when I mention “po-lice”? Perhaps you’ve dealt with them on occasion?
JOSIAH
In my business we deal with all types and police officers are very common where I work
FELICIA
Not surprised. You earn your living dressed like… that?
JOSIAH
Sorry?
FELICIA
I bet you are – and then some
Holds up her arm and exaggerates a very feminine walk
You know…Cher? Wigs? Makeup?
Looking around and speaking softly
Padded bra… panty hose. Does it ring a bell?
JOSIAH
(puzzled)
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