dwayneyancey

I was thrilled earlier this year when Studio Roanoke announced it was going to produce my show about the origin of Santa Claus as its Christmas show.

Then, I was heartbroken when the black-box theatre in Roanoke closed, leaving “Klaus” (and other plays by fellow playwrights) out in the cold.

Now, I’m thrilled once again to announce that “Klaus” has a new home — as a staged reading as part of the new Discovery Staged Reading Series that the Hollins Playwright’s Lab is starting.

The first reading in the series was Sept. 16; Todd Ristau will be announcing the schedule for the rest of the readings shortly — but I can go ahead and confirm that “Klaus” will be the December offering.

Specifically, Sunday, December 16 at Community High School in the June M. McBroom Theatre (which is a fantastic space in its own right.)

But wait, it gets better. Cheryl Snodgrass is coming in from Chicago to direct the reading. I’ve known Cheryl for a long time, but have never had a chance to work with her. Others in theatre world, though, know her as someone who has directed a lot of other new works, including some by Jeff Goode. Most recently, she directed Jeff’s “The Emancipation of Alabaster McGill” and Samantha Macher’s “The New Girl” at Studio Roanoke.

The full cast isn’t put together yet, but I can further report that Brian O’Sullivan — who most recently directed my show “57 Hours in the House of Culture” at Studio Roanoke — will have the role of Klaus.

Other actors confirmed so far are Martha Boswell, Will Coleman, Drew Dowdy and Blair Peyton — all prominent names in the Roanoke Valley theatre community. More to come.

“Klaus” is a dark comedy that attempts to explain where the Jolly Old Elf actually came from. All I’ll say here is the story begins in the 1700s and involves science fiction, treason against the king, a love story, and some cooking.

Cast: Seven – six male, one female.

Hope to see you there.