In all artistic endeavors it is important to challenge one’s self as an artist. This show has challenged how I write, direct, and think. It is a concept that was proposed by Daniel Zornes and developed by him and I. The concept being an improvised play about improv. Since putting proverbial pen to paper, we have had to constantly rethink concepts, throw away ideas and improvise explanations. It has been eventful to say the least. Whenever I do anything related to theatre I start with the words. And with this unique performance piece, there were no words to start with. How do you approach character with no dialog? How do you approach themes when they are improvised based on audience suggestions? How do you write a script without words? I assumed a script without words would be easy to write, but I was wrong. From the writing to the acting, this was the most insane thing I have ever attempted to pull off. It is an experiment, as all plays are. And I am excited to see what the show becomes on one fateful Thursday night in August. What has been my mantra from the beginning of this awesome roller coaster ride is the biggest truth about life and art, The Show Must Go On!
- Tony Bartolone, Writer and Director of The Show Must Go On
