Mary and Bright Update, January 2026
Hello screwball comedy fans (and the rest of you too.) Today I finally got the draft of ACT I SCENE 1 completed.
I very much like how I've introduced the titular characters of Jonathan Bright and Mary Silverwood.
I'm beginning to get a strong sense of how they speak and was finally able to introduce Mona, a southern, former vaudevillian proprietess of Sugarpine Resort where the play takes place.
I've discovered I need to do a lot of research for how Mona speaks. I have hardly any experience with the kind of slang southerners used in the early 1950s. Of course I DO know someone who does...
So, let's get a check list here of what I completed today...
I named the resort.
I figured out how to introduce the main characters.
I discovered Mona is southern and extremely friendly and fun/challenging to write.
I discovered how I'd like the stage setup, at least for starters. I think it might benefit from a raised section up stage.
I have floundered on the dates of 1947 which is classic screwball comedy era or leap ahead to 1954 where the music seems to fit the play better. Currently 1954 is winning.
I have written and stylized the plays ending which I think is pretty sweet and fun for the actors to do.
I am past the challenge of how to have the two meet which was really holding up my progress.
Total words written today: 1493/1200 goal.
In other EXCITING playwright news...
I am joining up with a new group Lovestreet Playwrights's Studio, led by local writer David Bareford who I am thrilled to have input from. The group will do readings, give feed back and help get its members produced.
I think that's a great update for now.
Rehearsal for 12 Incompetent Jurors begins Wednesday so I am not sure how much writing I'll get done this week but please check back.
PS Here are my two themes for the leads.
The Typewriter Song (Mary's Theme) by Leroy Anderson Jingle, Jangle, Jingle (Jonathan's Theme) by Kay Kyser