BWW Interviews: Cast Talks HARD LUCK SINGS THE BLUES at Washington County Playhouse

Hard Luck Sings The Blues, a modern comedy by Jay Huling, opens this weekend at the Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater in Hagerstown, MD.

Directed by Terry Moore, this modern comedy tells the story of Heinz, a.k.a. "Hard Luck" (Adam Blackstock), an awkward, self-conscious man who will do practically anything to impress the girl of his dreams, Linda (Amanda Cummings), on a date. Heinz contacts a mail order minister (Jeff Czerbinski), who has written over one thousand how-to books, to help him impress Linda. He hires Penelope (Zoe D'heedene), a woman from an escort service, to help him "practice" for his big date. Heinz is also inspired by Muse (Madison Sowell), his own personal muse, to help guide him through the process. As the big night gets closer and closer, Heinz begins to wonder: Why is it all so complicated? Why do love and life present so many obstacles, and is it all worth it in the end?

"This show is very unique and presents a comical, yet realistic approach to topics like rejection, finding your own identity, and realizing what's been in front of you all along. Heinz is the sheltered, good-hearted boy next door. He's an all around good guy and very likable, but hasn't had to deal with much conflict in his life...until the show starts. Playing Heinz is challenging because the show takes him on an emotional roller coaster. Unlike traditional plays, he's a character who is aware that the audience is tagging along with him while he experiences highs, lows, and a handful of awkward situations." said Blackstock

"Through exploring this script, I've come to respect the extraordinary talent of Jay Huling. He created a work that is not only hilarious and entertaining, but also true to every day life. Who hasn't experienced unrequited love or the frustration of having feelings for someone who can't see what's right in front of them?" said D'heedene.

Hard Luck Sings the Blues is a modern and quirky comedic work. The Washington County Playhouse opened their season with another comedy by Jay Huling, The Church of Diminishing Marginal Returns. After a phenomenal response to that comedy by patrons of the dinner theater, the staff decided to explore more of Huling's comedic works, and Hard Luck Sings the Blues was a definite standout.

"It is impossible to watch Hard Luck Sings the Blues (or to even read the script) without laughing out loud almost constantly. The best comedy stems from the truth and this show is definitely proof [that is true]" said D'heedene.

Originally, a musical had been scheduled to open in the October-November slot for the Washington County Playhouse Dinner Theater. But when spacial limitations necessitated a change in the line-up, based on the audience's positive response to Huling's previous work, Hard Luck Sings the Blues was chosen as an immediate replacement.

"The most challenging and unique part of this rehearsal process has definitely been the time frame. We are working on a condensed schedule [due to the schedule change] and we made so much progress with each and every rehearsal. It has been a very intense process, but everyone involved has been great about working together and giving 110%. We have bonded as a team incredibly quickly." said D'heedene

"Terry [the director] has been really great at helping us find and understand our characters" added Cummings.

Hard Luck Sings the Blues is an ensemble piece, with a very modern and understandable message beneath all of the wit and humor.

"This show is not only hilarious, it is very relate-able. Everyone in the audience will feel as though they have experienced what these characters are going through" said Cummings.

"Audiences will definitely connect with the colorful characters in this show" said Blackstock.

"Audiences will be so busy laughing and enjoying themselves, they won't even realize how much they have come to care about the characters until they find themselves on The Edge of their seats cheering them on! Between Jay Huling's unique and wonderful material, an exceptionally talented cast, and the truly insightful direction of Terry Moore, I promise that this isn't a show anyone wants to miss" said D'heedene

Hard Luck Sings the Blues will run at the Washington County Playhouse on October 12, 19 and November 1, 2, 9, 15 and 16 with one Sunday matinee on October 20. Dinner hour will begin at 6:00 with the show shortly following at approximately 7:30 for evening performances and lunch hour for the matinee performance begins at 1:00 with the show following at approximately 2:30. For more information about the production or to make reservations, please call the box office at (301) 739-7469 or visit www.wcpdt.com.

Photo Credit: Amie Tweit, Washington County Playhouse

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