Speech & Debate
By Stephen Karam
American Theater Company
Directed by PJ Paparelli

Rehearsal Blog-Week 1

What an incredible way to begin working on a show! We began with an open rehearsal, which included a presentation on concept and design from PJ along with the designers, as well as a first reading of the script for a small audience. The chemistry between the members of the cast was evident right away, and it is clear that this intensely funny script is going to have our audiences rolling.

We have been exceptionally fortunate for the rest of the week to have the playwright, Stephen Karam, with us in rehearsal. This has been a real treat, and very valuable to each of us involved in putting on what is only the second production of this play, which only closed in New York days ago! Table work has been extremely productive, and we have gone home from the theatre at the end of each evening’s hard work with a strong sense of confidence in the progress made, and tired from laughing, thinking, and talking very hard. Stephen expressed to me as we were driving to O’Hare how rewarding the week has been for him, as well- both personally and artistically- and that he is very much looking forward to coming back to see it fully realized next month.

I can’t say it enough times-this play is hysterical! Each actor is bringing their own priceless contributions to the scenes, but we are all enjoying having a play to work on that not only has real substance, but that is funny all by itself. All we have to do is play these scenes and these people and it is going to reel each member of the audience right in. Next step: getting it on its feet.

~Jason Gerace, Assistant Director

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