Essence

Howdy,

Received another drawing today from Lea and the new drafting. It is amazing what working within a budget can do for creativity and deciding what is needed. We went to the basics, floor, theatrical tree (which I love), and elevated platform. Things we cut - the roof, more symbolic of the gesture Bo did for Ruthie by putting a roof over his family's head. And the back wall - really required to stop the eye (I may regret this later) in The Public Theater. We are truly down to the essence of the work. We kept the elevated platform because we want to create the illusion that they are floating - that artistic idea could go away, but we very much want to utilize the height to support the idea of them climbing up into the treehouse through the trapdoor. There is great Catch 22 that occurred in the process. If we don't light the lantern we don't have to fireproof everything - which saves money. With that money we could afford all the things that we had to cut. If we fully realize the set we have to light the lantern. So, we can't afford it...it looks like the lantern may be lit with the magic of theater and the love of Ruthie and Bo.

We now move onto marketing...it takes a while to find the right image. Thankfully, Monique came in with some lovely photo images for the play. The Gardenia in a storm seems to feel right. Hope you agree. There's a production meeting Wednesday, let you all know how we are doing financially with creating the magical reality that is Sweet Storm.

Oh, and before I go, I'm very happy that Gino from Clark found the transistor radio and will be bringing props from Clark to the LAByrinth office on Friday. I also want to mention that Ken who's shop we are hoping will do the build of the set let Lea know that he found planking for the floor and that would cut the cost of the build. He thought the look of the floor was important and wanted to help make it possible. One thing that this process proves over and over again is that the development of plays only occurs through the effort and care of many.

Goodnight,

Padraic