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Interview: Playwright Mike Randall Talks About the Buffalo Quickies 2018
By: Mark C. Lloyd Mar. 11, 2018
The Quickies are coming
Buffalo Loves The Quickies
The 27th Annual One-Act Play Celebration put together by Joyce Stilson.
Performed at The Alleyway Theatre.
I had the opportunity to interview a few of this event's Playwrights.
Let me introduce to you to good guy Mike Randall.
MCL: You have a Play that is a part of The Buffalo Quickes at Alleyway Theatre.
Describe what The Quickies are.
MR: Buffalo Quickies is a play festival started by the Alleyway Theatre 27 years ago. It's a presentation of short plays. I call it "short attention span theatre" because most of the plays are 10 minutes or less. So as an audience member- if you are not grabbed by one-you are sure to like the next. It's also a great opportunity for playwrights to flex their editing muscles because writing something with a beginning, middle and end- that runs 10 minutes or less and makes sense is a big challenge.
MCL: Were you ever involved with this festival before this year?
MR: I'm pleased to say that this is my third year involved with the Quickies. My first year was a play called "SHOOT THE WEATHERMAN". Last year my play GUNS AND ROSES won the Max Mazumdar playwriting contest! What do they say? "Have three plays produced and you must really be a playwright." Don't they say that?
MCL: What is the name of your One Act?
MR: My play is JOHNNY STORMTRACKER. Which is not only a great name for a short play but as far as I'm concerned-probably the best possible name for a weatherman.
MCL: Can you tell us the plot without spoiling it?
MR: My story is about a much loved local TV weatherman who has had the proverbial "last straw" sprung on him by his news director. He's ready to walk out of his long term TV gig until he is counseled by a young smart co-worker. I would say it is autobiographical, but I'm still employed. It's really universal. Haven't we all wanted to quit at one time or another?
MCL: First thought when your Play was chosen?
MR: I was surprised because as I say, I had a play in the last two years and the "third time is a charm". I was very happy and very excited and I still am!!! Can you tell by my exclamation points!!?
MCL: The Buffalo Quickies has been a long tradition. Why do you think it's been so successful?
MR: Honestly? This town is so far ahead of other places (that shall remain nameless). To support the diversity of theatre that we see in Western New York and the variety of venues-it should be no surprise that locals love the Quickies and the idea of seeing short, new works never performed before. EXCITING!!!
MCL: What is the enjoyment of Writing a One Act Play?
MR: For me, the fun part is coming up with the idea. The hard part is writing it. Then the really, really grueling part is rewriting and rewriting and rewriting....Then the part that I hate is rewriting more....And then-if it gets produced - the enjoyment comes when actors say your words and the audience applauds.
MCL: What can the audience expect when they see this event?
MR: It's a fun night to see a bunch of NEW works being presented by some wonderful actors. Plus there's usually wine during intermission!
MCL: Joyce Stilson puts this together each year. I'm sure not an easy task.
One word to describe Joyce Stilson.
MR: WONDERWOMAN
MCL: Finally ... anything else you want to say about The Buffalo Quickies?
MR: YES!!! Don't miss this year. It might be my last. My goal is to write a FULL LENGTH play soon!! {or retire. Plus there' no way I can continue this streak)
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE BUFFALO QUICKIES:
Alleyway Theatre
1 Curtain Up Alley
Buffalo, NY 14202
The Buffalo Quickies:
April 19-May 5, 2018
Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM
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