It’s a Play!

There’s something extremely satisfying as a writer to actually see his stories played out. Especially as a screenwriter who’s vast majority of scripts (so far) are unproduced, it’s wonderful to hear the words and see the action.

This is why plays are so often an excellent thing to write. You write them. They get learned. They get performed. Imagine that. If only Hollywood worked with such logical efficiency. (But someday, for me, it will.)

Today I got to see a children’s play I wrote about 10 years ago and rewrote about 10 days ago performed. Both of my children were in it, it was very special to be able to watch it.

I like writing children’s plays in particular because there are some lines and actions that are so much more funny, unexpected, and impacting when coming from children. Plus, let’s face it, most children’s plays are boring and tedious, so people are extremely appreciative of just about anything that is mildly to wildly entertaining. I feel like I am doing a service to the parents and relatives of the world. Not to mention the kids who normally have to plod through uninspired lines.

I always like to put a bunch of action in my children’s plays. You’ll find lots of swords, and sword fights, and creatures with funny voices because kids love all of those things. They really do. So play to their strengths, say I. But also, give them a vocabulary that no child actually has, and an insight and wit that no child normally has, and adults will just fall over in delight. At least I will.

Good job, Jonathan, directing, and good job, kids. An epic cast of 25 gets four stars from me.