BWW Previews: AUNTIE at Script2Stage2Screen

Script2Stage2Screen (S2S2S) kicks off their 2021-22 season with a staged reading of Auntie October 22 and 23. The dramedy centers around Patrick Dennis's Auntie Marion who claims that she was the inspiration for his most famous work, Auntie Mame, even though he consistently denies it.

The production features Shirley LeMaster as the kookie-but-lovable Auntie Marion and Dan Graff as Paddy, the author of Auntie Mame. They are joined by Jan Briggs as Bella, a high-spirited actress friend of Marion's; Steven Ciceron as Ignacio, a Latin dancer whose motor is always running; Norma Marcus as Marion's secretary, whom everyone calls Agnes; Hal O'Connell as Danny, a neighborhood friend; Rupert Smith as Paddy's thundering accountant; and Stan Jenson as Officer Kelley, a neighborhood cop. The staged reading is directed by Don Cilluffo and stage managed by Dori Smith.

S2S2S is an innovative performing arts organization for developing original productions on the stage. Formed in 2009 by a small group of playwrights, S2S2S started as a vehicle to premiere original plays. Since then, it has evolved into a diverse performing arts organization with the mission of highlighting social justice, families, gender equality, human dignity, and the joy and humor of life. They present the works as staged readings: There is a suggestion of a set, props and costumes, but the actors still carry scripts in their hands.

Auntie was written by Marty Martin, a resident of El Paso, Texas. Every year, numerous scripts are submitted both locally and from across the country. The play reading committee selected this work because its themes of family, gender equality, and the joy and humor of life are consistent with their mission. The company videotapes the two performances and sends copies to the playwright so he can see how actors interpret his words, and how audiences react. The audience is invited to discuss the production with the director and cast after each performance.

In addition to a new season, the company welcomes a new artistic director - Steven Fisher. Mr. Fisher is well known as an actor, director, and technician and has worked with virtually every theatre company in the Coachella Valley. A couple of years ago he tried to retire, but accepted this company's request to helm their artistic program.

S2S2S's performances are held at the Unitarian Universalist Church at 72-425 Via Vail, Rancho Mirage. An Audience Bubble has been established to better ensure safety for the patrons and performers. Admission to any performance requires all attendees to be in The Bubble. To join, you must provide contact information, COVID vaccination record, and a government ID. For instructions on how to submit, go to script2stage2screen.com. You can purchase tickets at the church before the shows, but only if you have previously completed the Bubble online.

The remainder of the season includes:

December 3-4, 2021: Crying on Trains by David Hanson. A heartfelt story of courage, sacrifice, true friendship and love.

January 21-22, 2022: I'm Not Rich Springfield by Vicki Vodrey. A bag of laughs driven by hero worship, mistaken identity and family dysfunction.

February 25-26, 2022: A Night in Puglia by David Wolgin. A love story for all ages and all orientations, set in Italy. Sensual and sweet.

April 22-23, 2022: Inez's Birthday...and Then Some by Jason Hull. A family curse, a pompous minister, a gay nephew, a redneck brother, a case of gout and Loreta Lynn. What could possibly go wrong?

All S2S2S performances are at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at Script2Stage2Screen.com or at the door (cash only). Remember that you MUST complete the Audience Bubble before purchasing your tickets.

To post a comment, you must register and login.