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Arts & Entertainment

Podium Players Heaven Sent Joy Staged Play Reading at the Goff House

Podium Players is proud to present a staged reading of an original play written by East Hampton playwright Chuck Martie....  For many years the group has offered fully staged productions of dramas and musicals featuring talented performers, young and seasoned, from East Hampton and neighboring towns. The staged reading of HEAVEN SENT JOY allows the group an opportunity to spotlight local talent in its written form.

HEAVEN SENT JOY is the story of Will Meeker, an architect in modern day New York City. One day, in the stands at a Yankee’s baseball game, he meets Joy Holden from Hoboken. Joy continues to appear in Will’s everyday life. As the story progresses they begin to realize that their repeated meetings are anything but pure chance. How and why they are brought together is a thought provoking story of humanity, time, purpose and love. As Will and Joy travel their path of discovery, they are joined by a cast of characters, both everyday and some rather other-worldly.

HEAVEN SENT JOY will be performed script-in-hand with limited staging, props and costumes. Some actors will be reading multiple roles.

Where:
The Joseph N. Goff House Museum & Cultural Center
2 Barton Hill Rd East Hampton, Connecticut 06424
(860) 537-2647
When:
February 4, 2012 7 p.m.
How much:
$5 per person donation requested - $3 with a East Hampton Food Bank Donation
How:
The bringing of beverages (BYOB) and snacks is allowed and encouraged.

Staged play readings are a valuable part in the “birth” of a play. Once a play is written and a script is created - but before it makes it to the big stage – a playwright has the opportunity to “hear” his story read aloud by actors. Play readings can be as simple as a group of seated actors simply reading from the script to more elaborate forms with staging, costumes and props. The staged reading of HEAVEN SENT JOY will fall somewhere in between. A cast of nine actors will re-create the characters with limited stage movement, props and costuming. Some of the actors will read the roles of multiple characters. One actor will read as the narrator to set the scenes for the audience.

Another benefit of a staged reading is the author’s ability to gather feedback from the audience. Attendees will be asked to participate in a moderated discussion immediately following the reading. The point of the discussion is NOT to critique the play but rather express opinions, share their reactions and maybe even ask specific question of the actors and production staff. The playwright does NOT participate in the discussion other than to provide specific questions for the moderator to use to fuel the discussion. His job at this point is to listen carefully to the discussion and take notes.  A questionnaire, generated by the playwright, will also be provided.

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