When Live Oak senior Alan Dronek learned the South Valley Civic
Theater wasn
’t holding any performances at the Morgan Hill Playhouse this
summer, he didn’t get angry.
When Live Oak senior Alan Dronek learned the South Valley Civic Theater wasn’t holding any performances at the Morgan Hill Playhouse this summer, he didn’t get angry.
He simply created his own theater company, negotiated the rights to the work of a famous playwright, rented out the playhouse, found a cast and director, and marketed the newly-created Laughter Production’s first play, which opened last night.
Presenting Neil Simon’s “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” Dronek said the whirlwind summer has been an intense learning experience for both himself and his cast – some of which had never been on stage before.
“He asked me if I have ever been in a play before and I said no and he said ‘Good, you’re in the show,’” said Cameron Scott, who plays Lucas Brickman. “But this has been a good experience for me. This has been a really fun thing to do.”
In all, about 20 people have helped Dronek and his fledgling theater company launch “Laughter on the 23rd Floor,” a play about the battle between creativity on television and commercialism in the 1950s.
Dronek plays a dual role as the show’s producer and lead character, Max Prince. Dronek said he became interested in the play after watching the movie version staring Nathan Lane.
Being both the behind-the-scenes coordinator and the lead actor has allowed Dronek to incorporate his two favorite aspects of theater.
“Being on stage is great because I get to hear the audience’s reaction to the play,” Dronek said. “But getting behind the scenes, I’m making sure things get done and I can see things and make them better.”
Director Steve Spencer, who has worked with Dronek in SVCT, said initially he was a little nervous to do the play, but said Dronek has met the challenge and impressed him.
“I was a little apprehensive; it sounded like a good plan, but I didn’t know if it would pan out,” Spencer said. “But I have been really impressed with his organization and his commitment to do it.”
Spencer also said the play’s witty humor is a little difficult for the young players, but he’s been impressed with the actors’ ability to pull it off.
“There is some good material, but it is challenging material for high school students,” Spencer said. “But if they are going to do this type of play, they’ve got to learn it from somewhere.”
Leslie Delman, who plays Carol Wyman, an expecting mother with a foul mouth, said the part is challenging, but she’s having a good time.
“This is fun because it is challenging,” Delman said. “Usually I don’t cuss and usually I’m not pregnant.”
The most challenging task for Dronek, however, has been lining up people to help promote the play.
“The hardest part has been getting sponsors to advertise the show,” Dronek said. “That has been the most difficult part in the production of the show.”
Dronek’s parents also took care of paying for the playhouse rental as well as other incidentals. SVCT donated set materials, which were constructed in Dronek’s barn that the cast calls a glorified garage.
Since school let out in June, Dronek has held rehearsals in his barn. He didn’t get to move his production to the playhouse until last Sunday.
While they couldn’t practice on a real stage, the actors said it added to the experience and made them more excited to be in the play when they finally moved to the playhouse.
“In real theater companies, you have a different rehearsal stage than the stage you perform on,” said Rory Tomasello, who plays Ira Stone. “This just makes the experience more real.”
Delman said the new stage has brought a new energy to the cast.
“It definitely got better (when we moved here),” she said. “In the barn I was not sure if I wanted to be in the show anymore. But with the new theater there is a new experience and a new excitement to perform.”
Dronek said because of profuse swearing, it might be best to leave small children at home. Everyone one else, he said, will definitely enjoy the show.
“I feel really good,” said Devin McCutchen, the show’s assistant director. “A month ago I didn’t think we would be ready. I thought some of the jokes wouldn’t get many laughs and would be buried and lost. But this is going to be a good play.”
Tickets, $10 for adults and $8 for students, can be purchased at the door or by calling 779-1786. Show time are 7:30pm tonight, August 19 and 20 and 2:30pm both Sundays.
