BWW Reviews: STAGEWORKS 2013 - A Showcase for Newbies

BWW Review: TAMPAWORKS 2013 - 'a SHOWCASE for NEWBIES'
June 9th, 2013 at 3P.M.

Tampa Bay, Florida is the setting for all eight short plays, presented this past weekend, at Stageworks in Tampa. Scripts were submitted from all over central Florida; and were evaluated by a panel of judges. The participating artists received only an honorarium; donating their talents to the production. All of the plays were produced by StageWorks with minimal set pieces and props. This was an exceptional opportunity for area playwrights and 'showcase for newbies'.

Play #1 'GHOSTS OF HYDE PARK', written by Matt Cowley and directed by Ronn Bobb-Semple. The scene revolved around the sale of a haunted house, in the Hyde Park section of Tampa. Joseph Parra played James, the realtor, with gusto and the bravura of a side show barker. Others in the cast were Noelle Muniz, Blake Counts, Stephen Bell, and Elizabeth Bell.

Play #2 'HIT AND RUN', written by Jack Gilhooley and directed by Ronn Bobb-Semple. The scene took place in St. Petersburg and revolved around a former player for The RAYS, who meets up with his former girlfriend, while meeting his 12 year old son, for the first time. This play was scattered with politically incorrect dialogue, cliché's and innuendos. Cast members included Tim Guerreri, Joanna Sycz, Josh Goff, and Josh Corjay.

Play #3 'NO TIES', written by Martin Tucker and directed by Angela Bond. The scene took place in an office and revolved around a young businessman with just one thing on his mind, his paramour, and a very helpful friend. Joseph Parra displayed a complete change of character, (from a former scene), as the compassionate friend, John Patterson. Cast members included Tim Guerreri and Sasha Ollen.

Play #4 'GEO-MUGGLED', written by Joie Marsh and directed by Kathy Buck. The scene takes place at a waterfront, of what I believe to have been Homosassa Springs, unless I missed hearing if the exact location was disclosed. It revolved around a grandfather, his daughter, her young son, and an investigating stranger. Bob Gonzalez as Henry, gave a natural and honest portrayal of the older benchwarmer. Other cast members included Samantha Eppes, Josh Corjay, and Suzy Devore.

Play #5 'GASPARILLA QUEEN', written by Dewey Davis-Thompson and directed by Kathy Buck. The scene takes place in South Tampa, on a split stage, divided by 2 bedrooms belonging to teenage best girlfriends. It revolves around a well to do teenager's parental challenges, involving an evening gown that her father chose for her, for the Gasparilla. Rachel Butterfield as Wendy, gave a very realistic performance as the 'poor little, rich girl'. Other cast members included Lytia Brooks, Suzy Devor, and Peter Konowicz.

Play #6 'CUSTOMER SERVICE', written by Phillip Hall and directed by Rosemary Orlando. The scene took place on a split stage, divided between a young gentleman's apartment and a Verizon customer service center. It revolved around the many challenges we all face with telephone customer service agents. This scene was written flawlessly, directed perfectly, with outstanding performances by Will Cespedes and Nicole Cavalani. This scene was clearly an audience favorite, rewarded with thunderous applause and cheering.

Play #7 'GUITAR MAN', written by Lloyd Wilson and directed by Rosemary Orlando. The scene takes place on a bench, near an assisted living facility. An activities director, meets up with a pajama-wearing, guitar -playing, senior citizen and strikes up a friendship. Cast members included Rick Stutzel and Joanna Sycz.

Play #8 'PLAY ME', written by Janet Scaglione and directed by Angela Bond. The scene takes place in the cafe piano bar, of the Columbia restaurant in Ybor City; and revolves around a provocative 'older woman', giving advise to a younger man. This scene was very well written and directed. Elizabeth Bell was radiant. All cast members, including Rodner Saigado, Will Cespedes, and Stephen Bell were outstanding in their roles.

Please support Live Theatre and all of the volunteers, that put in endless time and talent, to make the magic happen, simply... 'for the LOVE of the theatre'.

StageWorks is located at 1120 E Kennedy Blvd, (West Building - Ground Floor)
FOR GPS USE - 1208 E Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, Fl 33602
Call for general seating and information: 813-251-8984 or 813-727-2708.

The next production is 'How The Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents', June 20th - July 7, 2013

To post a comment, you must register and login.