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I met Paul Weber during Town & Gown's 2002 production of Dial "M" for Murder. Paul had the role of Chief Inspector Hubbard, and I had a role so tiny I can't remember the character's name. Since then, we've worked on a variety of shows together, both onstage and off. This, however, is the first time I've had the honor of interviewing Paul.
Let's see how it goes...
Tim: You've been volunteering at Town & Gown even longer than me, and given my 22 years of involvement, I call myself an old-timer. How did you become involved here, and in what historical or geological period was it?
Paul: I've been a T&G volunteer for quite a while. Not back to the Jurassic era, but I do feel like a dinosaur. I started when my younger daughter was cast in a show in 1995, so this would be my 30th season, I think.
Tim: You've directed several Jones Hope Wooten comedies. What brings you back to this playwrighting trio [comprised of Jessie Jones, Nicolas Hope, and Jamie Wooten]?
Paul: I like the Jones Hope Wooten comedies because the writing is easy for community theaters to produce: Fairly small cast size of usually 10 people, or less. Predominantly female cast. Not a lot of special set requirements. Fun roles that people can relate to. I've received lots of comments from patrons that a character is just like someone they know. The casts enjoy being in Jones Hope Wooten plays.
Tim: This trio's comedies are usually laugh-out-loud crowd-pleasers. But is there a more serious side to The Wild Women of Winedale? In other words, is there an issue many in the audience might recognize as related to folks they know—or perhaps to themselves?
Paul: The Jones Hope Wooten plays can vary depending upon who the primary writer is. Some are screwball comedies with zany characters and plots, some are of a Southern flair with lots of "grits and gravy," and some deal with more human nature. Winedale falls into the latter category. It is a comedy, but it touches on topics that older adults can probably relate to: caring for an elderly relative, losing a job by forced retirement, losing a spouse, divorce, entering the post-50's age dating game, what to do with all the stuff inherited from relatives, etc. The principal characters handle the adversities and have a positive outcome. Some of the three writers have worked on television shows like The Golden Girls, etc. There is a similarly in the type of writing for the plays.
Tim: How do the "practicalities" of producing a play at Town &Gown shape your choice of a script? I'm referring to set-building, casting, sound/lighting design, and our theater's in-the-round seating.
Paul: Obviously, there are limitations on what can be staged at T&G due to the venue's small size and seating arrangement. It is a very intimate setting with the patrons being just a few feet away from the actors. So, to be able to meet the set requirements, directors and set designers sometimes have to be very creative. When I choose a play, I'll first read it for content and to see if I like it. Then, I'll read it a second time looking at requirements for casting, set design, and tech needs. Sometimes, I'll have someone else read it to get a second opinion on if it would work at our theater.
Tim: Speaking of the seating, do you miss the old red and yellow chairs? You can be honest.
Paul: The old red and yellow chairs? Wow, that's too political of a question to voice an opinion. I'll stay neutral on that one.
Tim: What are you especially proud of regarding this production of The Wild Women of Winedale? Or what should the audience keep an eye on? Or what would please you to no end if you overheard an audience member commenting on how good it was? Or—well, I think you see what I'm trying to ask.
Paul: It is an all-female cast of nine actors. I like the positive story that the three principle characters relate, and they do a great job. But in addition to that, there are five small monologue scenes between the principle scenes of the production. The monologue scenes require six different characters relating events that changed their lives. Some are very humorous, one is a bit more serious. These are small roles, but the ladies performing them do a excellent job of relating their stories. It's fun to watch. Also, all of the characters in the production range in age from 40 to 65+. I'm happy to have a production specifically for that age demographic. I would be pleased if I heard an audience member saying the show was a different comedy than what they expected, but they enjoyed it.
My thanks to Paul Weber! Evening performances of The Wild Women of Winedale begin at 7:30 pm on November 14, 15, 16—and 21, 22, and 23. If you'd prefer a Sunday matinee, come at 2:30 pm on the 17th or the 24th.
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