Review Fix chats with playwright Amy Drake about her newest production “Crabapple Night,†currently running at this year’s Midtown International Theatre Festival in New York City. Drake also discusses her creative process- in what is her first and only play geared towards children audiences, and what she hopes people get out of the production, as well as what makes her a unique playwright.
Review Fix: What was the inspiration for this production?
Amy Drake: CRABAPPLE NIGHT was my favorite storybook as a young child. It was written by Jan Wahl and illustrated by Steven Kellogg. When I went into theater one of my goals was to create a play based on these characters, especially Pickle Puss, the Cat. I began by contacting Mr. Wahl and got his blessing for the project.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Drake: My workday begins at 7 am. I write, do research or attend to business email until lunchtime. In other words, I dedicate at least half of my day to theater. I begin work with a list of goals to accomplish. I also work on multiple projects simultaneously. If I need to wait for a response on one project I can jump to another project in the interim.
Review Fix: What makes you different from other playwrights?
Drake: I really don’t know. Every creative person has his or her own way of working and approaching a project. I suppose that I am similar to other playwrights in that I am inquisitive, research oriented and I love what I do. I have a corporate background and a master’s degree in marketing, both of which have aided me immeasurably in dealing with the business aspects of theatrical production.
Review Fix: If this what you always wanted to do?
Drake: Yes! I wrote and performed my first play for my kindergarten class when I was five years old. Many years elapsed before I made playwriting my life’s pursuit, but I’ve always had a creative streak.
Review Fix: What makes this production special?
Drake: It is my first and only play for children. The story has an underlying lesson, but it has a spooky-fun element. The show had its premiere at the Columbus Museum of Art (Ohio) last summer in my hometown.
Review Fix: How is your cast unique?
Drake: We are still casting this show. It is being directed by Dan Cooney, who recently appeared in HEATHERS on Broadway, and his colleague Jess Alexander.
Review Fix: What did you learn about yourself through this process?
Drake: As I typically write for adults I realized that some themes are universal and can be written on a child’s level. I discovered that my writing ability is broader than I realized.
Review Fix: How does it feel to be a part of this festival?
Drake: Great! I have had short plays and readings performed in prior MITF events and I am thrilled to take part in the Midwinter Madness Festival.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the production?
Drake: To stage an enjoyable family-oriented play and to learn more about the “business of theater†by working with talented professionals.
Review Fix: Who do you think will enjoy it the most?
Drake: I sincerely hope that the audience, producers, and everyone working on the show will enjoy it. Seeing CRABAPPLE NIGHT: THE STAGE PLAY performed in the MITF Midwinter Madness Festival will be gratifying for me!
Review Fix: What’s next?
Drake: In July 2015, my play SOMEWHERE I CAN SCREAM based on a real-life murder case from the 1920s, will premiere at the Short North Stage in Columbus, Ohio. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my theatrical consultant and mentor Clifford Lee Johnson III who has read, critiqued and guided me through the process of creating the script. Thanks also to producers Rick Gore and Peter Yockel for their support of this new work.
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