And Then I Wrote A Song About It

Little theater doesn't mean little entertainment, especially when you see a wonderful one-man musical like ...And Then I Wrote A Song About It, playing now at Luna Stage in West Orange, NJ. The delightful play has a heart-touching story, witty, well-honed monologue and lyrics, and sparkling music, all presented by the absolutely engaging Nick Cearley.

The play tells the story of Randall Klausner, a wannabe singer, dancer, actor, songwriter, whatever-I-can-be-in-show-biz struggling to get a break in New York. He's also striving for approval from his sausage king father, who can't accept the fact that the boy is gay. Add in Randall's disappointing love life, his perpetually depleted bank account, and a best friend who spends most of his life in a drug haze, and you'd expect the man to collapse under the strain of it all. But his obsession with the performing arts somehow keeps him going until the entirely satisfying happy ending.

...And Then I Wrote A Song About It has a book by the immensely talented Eric H. Weinberger, music by Daniel S. Acquisto, and lyrics by Sammy Buck. It is directed by Igor Goldin with musical direction by Christian Imboden, choreography by Antoinette DiPietropolo, and set design by Robert Monaco. The intimate setting of the Luna Stage theater is perfect for the production. The play runs through December 19. Visit www.lunastage.org or call (973) 395- 5551 for tickets.

Dave Donelson, author of The Dynamic Manager's Guide To Advertising: How To Grow Your Business With Ads That Work a how-to book for business owners and managers.

Wanda Needs A New Home

I recently had dinner with good friend and good playwright Eric Weinberger, whose latest work, Wanda’s World, played to sell-out crowds at New York’s 45^th Street Theater this winter. The musical, which he co-penned with composer/lyricist Beth Falcone, received rave reviews, including one from Steven Suskin in Variety calling it “…a bright, endearing musical comedy.”

Despite audience demand, though, Wanda’s World couldn’t run longer because the wonderful non-profit organization that presented the play, Amas Musical Theater, can only afford to mount four-week runs. Eric and his partners are trying to arrange for another run, but producing theater—especially in New York—means investing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Eric’s off-Broadway play Class Mothers garnered a Drama Desk nomination for its star, Priscilla Lopez. Several of Eric’s fine plays have been produced and one, Tea For Three: Lady Bird, Pat & Betty which he co-wrote with Elaine Bromka, has been touring the country since January, 2004. The man has credentials.

If you believe that good work—whether it be theater, literature, art, music, or dance—eventually finds a way to an audience, Eric has every right to be optimistic. Wanda’s World is indeed a cheery, entertaining romp through the ‘tween years. The music has bounce and verve, the libretto plenty of jokes for the kids and wit for the adults. Let’s hope Wanda finds a new stage.

--Dave Donelson, author of Heart of Diamonds