New Play Project presents "Little Happy Secrets" staged reading - Events

Welcome Guest

Search | Active Topics | Members | Log In | Register

AML Discussion Board » Announcements » Events » New Play Project presents "Little Happy Secrets" staged reading

New Play Project presents "Little Happy Secrets" staged reading

Options · View

Previous Topic · Next Topic

Melissa Leilani Larson

Posted: Wednesday, April 30, 2008 1:36:57 AM

Rank: AML Member

Joined: 11/17/2007
Posts: 9
Points: 27
Location: Provo

Hello all:

New Play Project is hosting a staged reading of my new play, Little Happy Secrets, Friday, May 9th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Bullock Room of the Provo Library.

Little Happy Secrets is the story of a young woman coming to terms with her same-sex attraction without compromising her LDS beliefs. The reading is directed by James Goldberg, who will lead a brief talkback afterward.

Admission is free, but contributions are welcome, as we are hoping to raise funds to put up a full production of the play in August or September. We will be offering a small gift — your choice of a professionally laid-out copy of the script or a ticket voucher to any upcoming New Play Project show — to those who donate $10 or more.

I feel really strongly about this play being seen in this particular place, and at this particular time. Please come if you can. I'd love to hear your responses to this piece.

Thanks,
Mel

Melissa Leilani Larson

"Pinky, there're casseroles on the porch."
http://web.mac.com/mel_leilani/

Melissa Leilani Larson

Posted: Thursday, May 08, 2008 12:17:56 PM

Rank: AML Member

Joined: 11/17/2007
Posts: 9
Points: 27
Location: Provo

Just wanted to post a quick reminder about the reading of Little Happy Secrets tomorrow night (Friday, May 9th), at 7:00 p.m., in the Provo Library's Bullock Room. It's a spanking new play, and I'm eager to see how people react to it.

Hope to see you there! I'll be the nervous one pacing in the back...

Thanks,
Mel

Melissa Leilani Larson

"Pinky, there're casseroles on the porch."
http://web.mac.com/mel_leilani/

J Scott Bronson

Posted: Monday, May 12, 2008 10:16:45 PM

Rank: AML Member

Joined: 10/26/2007
Posts: 22
Points: -31
Location: Orem, Utah

So, how did this turn out? And, what was the turn out like? Good audience? Good comments? I was planning on being there, but I had a scheduling problem crop up at the last minute.

I've read the play, and was very impressed. I love Mel's writing. Even though the setting is comtemporary and ... hm, what's the word ... not "hip," but you get the idea, and the dialogue is crisp and real, the delicate topic was delicately handled. Mel made me love her characters. Made me ache for them and hope for them. She made me feel like they were real people that I wish I knew and could talk to.

I hope the audience felt the same way.

Nan McCulloch

Posted: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 4:54:41 PM

Rank: AML Member

Joined: 10/27/2007
Posts: 25
Points: 75
Location: Draper, UT

Melissa Leilani Larson said that Little Happy Secrets is a play unlike any she has written and her father agreed. As to subject matter, maybe, but I still recognized the sensitive, gracefully intelligent style I have come to appreciate from Melissa. For me, this play is unique. I have seen plays about gay men struggling with their same sex attraction, then leaving the church. This is the first Mormon play I have seen about a young women struggling, but choosing to stay. It is past time to broach this subject and Larson has done it well. Claire is a BYU student and a returned missionary. Her roommate and best friend Brennan is also a returned missionary. After a couple of years absence the two girls resume their close friendship. When Bren starts to date Carter the friendship becomes strained. Since Mel plans to produce the play in late summer I don't want to give away the "little secrets" that make the piece so interesting. The characters are believable, but some development would give Carter more dimension. The tension is well maintained throughout the play and keeps the audience fully engaged. If the play is marketed properly I think it could be done in most any venue. Sunstone would be a good venue for the play. I don't know if they have a theatrical performance lined up for this August. I feel Little Happy Secrets fully meets the New Play Project's high standards of "values-driven theater." Can I tell you that Laurel Sandberg-Armstrong does a remarkable job reading Claire. And kudos to James Goldberg for his direction. It should be no secret, that this play will be a must see.

Users browsing this topic

Guest

AML Discussion Board » Announcements » Events » New Play Project presents "Little Happy Secrets" staged reading

Forum Jump

You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.