I'M SORRY Set for Mid Winter Madness Festival, 2/18-22

Debbie Lannen has always felt strongly about treating other people with respect. With that in mind she has decided to bring a much needed message to the Mid Winter Madness Festival in NYC. Her new anti bullying play, "I'm Sorry" centers around the idea of what life would be like if we learned not to do the things that make us have a reason to say "I'm sorry".

Ms. Lannen sent John Chatterton, producer of the Mid Winter Madness Festival her new script. He felt immediately that it was a play worthy of a spot in the festival. That is where the risk started to take shape. Ms. Lannen needed to decide whether to cast in NYC or in Metro Detroit. She also had to decide whether to use professional actors, or real life students who live this nightmare of bullying every day. Not one to be afraid of a risk, she chose the latter.

Auditions were held and students and adults from all over Metro Detroit came to try and gain a spot in the hopefully groundbreaking project. Ultimately, 17 were chosen, 13 students and 4 adults from Ms. Lannen's senior theatre, the Spotlight Still Got It Players. A first read through was completed and suggestions were given by the students as to real life bullying incidents they had experienced. The play is an ensemble presentation featuring scenarios from preschool - high school.

At this time, Ms. Lannen is making rewrites to the original script and rehearsals will continue until the week of Feb. 18. "I'm Sorry" is scheduled for 3 performances between Feb. 18 and Feb. 22, 2014 at the Roy Arias Studios on 43rd and 8th in NYC. Exact times will be announced.

This will be the third of Ms. Lannen's plays to be featured in this type of festival. Her short subject play, "Priscilla the Precious" won audience favorite in John Chatterton's Short Play Lab in September 2013.

For information and to purchase tickets for the Mid Winter Madness Festival please go to www.midtownfestival.org.