Feature: SIGNING OFF at THE CAPITOL THEATER

West Virginia based playwright Lawrence Burgess is back with his new stage play Signing Off, a riveting look at a dystopian West Virginia in 2020, where civil discourse and unemployment are at an all-time high, seen through the eyes of a late-night shock jock/talk show host, a doctor promoting her new book, and a caller determined to commit suicide on air.

Performance Dates: Friday, July 6th, 2018 at 7:00 PM, Saturday, July 7th, 2018 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM, and Sunday, July 8th, 2018 at 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM.
Location: The Capitol Theater at Resurrection Church, 123 Summers Street, Charleston, WV 25301
Tickets: $10.00, available online at http://www.ticketstripe.com/signingoff01
Information: For more information you can visit http://www.heylb.com/signing-off or the Facebook Event Page.

Lawrence Burgess, Writer, Explains What Inspired Signing Off

"We are in an era of narcissism, delusion, and an unwillingness to be uncomfortable," said Burgess. "West Virginians are angry. Fortunately, we haven't had the large-scale tragedies of other regions. But there are several combustible elements at play in the 35 (What Burgess refers to WV as). You can smell it in the air."

I asked Burgess if he believed that we are heading toward a dystopian society similar to what is depicted in his play, or if the show was merely a warning - a cautionary tale of what could happen in extreme circumstances. "The U.S. as a whole, no," said Burgess, but that doesn't mean all is well for the U.S. "The pendulum is about to shift against the current model of government and economics. The past three decades have fit the Brintonian revolutionary model perfectly." As for West Virginia? "I'm not sure. We're near to or dead last in every statistical category of note, but we as an electorate allow it. We're distracted by race, sexual orientation, religion, etc. 'Us Vs. Them' at work. It is toxic. And we've fallen for it. As long as the government bodies in this state continue this distracting discourse, the 35 will continue to sink." Burgess believes that there is hope though. "When we actually talk to each other, we discover that we have the same dreams and needs. Opportunity for growth. A fun environment where it's okay to laugh and get along. And moreover, happiness."

Burgess explained that Signing Off is much more adult oriented than his previous shows, stating that the recommended age range is, "15+. Below that should be accompanied by an adult." Burgess adds, "this isn't Caligula, but it's not Anne of Green Gables either."

As a writer, Burgess does not appear to be confined to any specific genre. With shows ranging from family friendly, to classic horror retellings, to adult oriented dramas, Burgess appears to have no bounds. I asked Burgess if he experimented with genres to improve his writing, or if he merely enjoyed storytelling - no matter the genre. "I love it," said Burgess, I've played in every genre. I even wrote a western."

Burgess had a few words about the show for any potential audience members. "Signing Off, by design, is intended to make some uncomfortable," said Burgess. But that doesn't mean the show doesn't have some lightheartedness. "It's fun. I believe this is the first instance in West Virginia history where we have a telethon for our impoverished Appalachian millionaires." The fun doesn't last though, explained Burgess, "Then it takes a seriously dark turn. The message is critical."

"Big ups to Resurrection Church, who gave me the freedom to dive into our possible future," said Burgess of the church helping him with the show. "These cats have embraced me as an auteur, colleague, and friend."

Cast:

Brody Kaminsky - Brett Smith
Neal - Bill Rainey
Dr. Phoebe Lassiter - Linda O'Neill
Sergeant Lloyd, Various - David McBrayer
Damien Dent - Kennie Bass
The Honorable Rich Hinkle - Ronn Smith
Valerie Bell, Various - Caroline Chamness Rainey
Sumptuous Stacy, Various - Michele Carlson Brooks
Alex Thrushmann, Misc. Voices - Lawrence Burgess
Patrick, Various - Justin Stewart
Dawn, Various - Amanda Skidmore

Props & Décor - F. Grey Wisnewski
Art Design - Michele Carlson Brooks
Production Assistants - Connie Hardway, Caroline Chamness Rainey, Justin Stewart
Stage Design & Lighting - Lucas Scott
Special Thanks - Mason Ballard, Nick Clark, Jason Trautwein, Resurrection Church, The City of South Charleston, F. Wyatt Hanna, Kanawha Players, Scott Spencer

Written and Directed by Lawrence Burgess

Richard Allen is a freelance writer for various publications. You can contact him via e-mail at richardallenwrites@gmail.com or via facebook.com/richardallenwrites.

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