very hard to get. I’ll learn so
much from having three pro-
ductions at three theatres and
by being in conversation with
three different communities. I’ll
know the play and its impact far
better after that.”
Prior to this stage, Halftime with
Don had about eight staged
readings, including one with
Premiere Stages in Union, NJ.
Weitzman says the play has
changed immensely from the
first draft to this World Premiere
and the various readings were
instrumental in the process.
“Having 10-20 hours in a room
with good actors, directors, and
dramaturgs and then reading
the play in front of an audience
is invaluable,” explained the
playwright. “By the start of this
rehearsal process the play was
already in good shape.”
This play marks Weitzman’s first
time working with NJ Rep and
NJ STAGE 2017 - Vol. 4 No. 6
it’s been a very good experience.
He says he gets very involved
with the premieres of his plays,
playing a role in everything from
casting to rehearsals - even mak-
ing revisions in the rehearsal
stage to tailor the work to the ac-
tors and the theatre space.
“Gabe and SuzAnne who run
the theatre, are devoted to new
plays,” said Weitzman. “The two
of them are invested in the play
in such a pure way; they want
it to have a long life and have
many productions after this one.
I’m also very impressed with
the way they’ve cultivated an
audience that is wonderfully en-
gaged, excited, and supportive
of new work. Overall they’ve
created a supportive, generous
home for playwrights, theatre
artists, and audiences. I’m very
fond of them and feel lucky to
be working with them.”
w
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