A public reading of LIFE SCIENCE was presented in a pilot program, Plays in Progress at the REP, produced by the Arkansas Repertory Theatre at its Annex on November 3, 2018. Nathan Adam Sullivan directed the cast, including Laura Sessoms Grimes (Janis), Ben Grimes (Roy), Max Churchwell (Paul), Maddie Lentz (Phoebe), Greg Fallon (Ben), Jayson Holt (Victor), Willis Green (Rev. Akins), and Danny Troillet (Reader). On other dates, Goss’ colleagues in the newly formed Rolling River Playwrights Collective, Werner Trieschmann and John Haman, presented readings of UNEMPLOYED and BLOOD MOON, respectively. Thanks was expressed to REP staff: Anna Kimmell (director of education), Peter Mensky (company manager), Zachary Rhodes (box office manager,) and Zachary Ingersoll (intern). An audience talk back followed each performance. For a synopsis and sample scene, go to “Plays, Full Length, LIFE SCIENCE.” Photos capture scenes from the reading.
Argenta Community Theater produced fourteen performances (Dec. 5-15, including student matinees) of the revised script of Goss’ adaptation of A CHRISTMAS CAROL by Charles Dickens, which premiered last year to sold out houses. Producers Judy Kohn Tenenbaum and Vincent Insalaco, also director, filled the cast with 40% new actors, led by Ben Barham (Scrooge), Ben Grimes (Cratchit), Laura Grimes (Mrs. Cratchit), Walter Dodd (Fred), Byron Taylor (Marley and Old Joe), Tricia Spione (Spirit 1 and Charwoman), Shelton Harden (Spirit 1) and Michael Harmon (Fezziwig and Spirit 3). The cast, director, designers and crews garnered a favorable review in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. For a synopsis and sample scene, go to “Plays, Full Length, A CHRISTMAS CAROL.” Photos capture scenes from the production.