First Posted: 1/20/2015
SCRANTON — Sometimes, brevity is best.
Just ask the select group of local playwrights whose one-acts will be featured in “Very Vignette,” the first show of 2015 for Diva Productions, running Jan. 23 to 25.
They’ve condensed all the best aspects of full-length plays into shorter works, creating witty, punchy, fun vignettes for all to enjoy.
Featuring eight, one-act plays by local playwrights, one of which is directed by Factoryville resident Michael J. Murphy, “Very Vignette” will be held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Jan. 23 and 24, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 25 at The Olde Brick Theatre, 126 W. Market St., Scranton. Tickets are $12, general admission, and $10, senior citizens. Free parking is available in the lot behind the theater and on the street. For tickets and more information, email divatheater@comcast.net, call 570-209-7766 or visit Diva Theatre on Facebook.
“Very Vignette” includes:
• “Fungie and the Quiet Man,” by Tom Flannery
Directed by Michael J. Murphy
Cast: Dante Giammarco, David Spitzer, Jason Belack and April Holgate
An unexpected visitor crashes a rural Irish town — and stays for 30 years. What will the colorful residents of Dingle, County Kerry do without him?
• “Nosferatu Amends,” by William Zeranski
Directed by Paul J. Gallo
Cast: John Arena and Michael McAndrew
Ivanco and Percy, two old friends, perched on a rooftop, discuss life, death, immorality; the difficulties of vampirism in the modern age, and finally, Ivanco’s life-altering decision which will change their relationship forever.
• “Not I” by Ted LoRusso
Directed by Paul J. Gallo
Cast: Scott Rave and Dom Azzarelli
“Not I” takes a look at a man taking a look at himself.
• “The Robbery” by Lou Bisignani
Directed by Paige Balitski
Cast: John Jacobs, Kelly Ann Walsh, Laura Miceli, Sarah Stachura and Michael C. Madajeski
Although its title may lead the audience to think this piece is a drama, a comedic love story unfolds onstage in “The Robbery.”
• “The Blister Sisters” by Albert Shivers
Directed by Paige Balitski
Cast: Mandy Boyle and Marnie Dee Azzarelli
The Blister Sisters showcases hard biker sisters Dyan-Harlie and Crissy Johnson as they share stories about their aggressive and treacherous, yet free, way of life.
• “It’s Personal” by William Zeranski
Directed by Michael J. Murphy
Cast: Joe Domenic DeMuro, Bob Balitski and Lorrie Loughney
Ten years ago, Louise’s husband Johnny Ray Forrest disappeared into the Nevada desert. Now a letter arrives announcing his return and offering an absurd excuse that goes beyond gambling, drinking and a night drive through the Nevada hills. Louise’s love is tested by Johnny Ray’s unbelievable story as her younger brother Travis fights to make sense of it all while trying not to punch Johnny Ray in the nose.
• “Intimate Moments” by Liz Naro and Rosanna Fiorillo-Pugliese
Directed by Liz Naro
Cast: Megan Lasky, Kathryn Priestash, Meredith Miner-Reese, Patricia McAvoy, Chris Eibach and Michael C. Madajeski
“Intimate Moments” is a comedy based on the personal habits of Sean, Julie’s beloved longtime boyfriend. Watch as Julie and her therapist Marion try to help Sean see the error of his ways. It’s a battle of wits when their alter egos throw their two cents into this game of therapy and relationships.
• “The Operatives of Game Theory” by K.K. Gordon
Directed by Caleb Matthew Williams
Cast: Mike Kranick, Drake Nester, Patrick Martin and Chris Eibach.
Jay, Toby, Pepsi Joe Canada and Simon Gunn are fantasy role-playing geeks who spend every Thursday night locked away from the real world playing Game Theory, a James Bond like action/fantasy role-playing game. In the fantasy world of Game Theory, the “boyz” become super spies saving the world from impending apocalypse week after week, but that’s about to end because Jay has met an actual woman and has decided to end the game by killing the other characters off, hoping that his best friends will give the real world a try. Jay’s act of tough love is seen as treachery by his pals, especially for Simon, who finds the line between reality and pretend espionage particularly blurry.