April 26, 2007 – The From Page to Stage production of "Hate Mail," a comedy by Bill Corbett and Kira Obolensky, will have three performances at Good Hope School's Savage Theater on the first weekend in May. Shoreline Management Group, LLLP, presents the play, which stars Allan Laberteaux and Oceana James, and is directed by Jean Johnston.
When Preston Dennis Jr., a spoiled rich kid with nothing better to do than file lawsuits about every petty grievance, writes a complaint letter to a New York City souvenir shop about a broken snow globe, he meets his match. Dahlia Markle, a highly-strung, self-absorbed aspiring photographer, is the souvenir shop's assistant manager, and her refusal to satisfy his complaint starts the two of them on an extended correspondence. Barbs fly as they wrestle for control of their relationship.
"Hate Mail" was written by two friends, each of whom "played" one of the characters. The script wasn't plotted out ahead of time; instead, one author would write a letter to the other (as the character); the other author would then respond anyway they liked.
"As a result, the play takes some surprising turns," says Johnston. "One author would send the other a curve ball, and the other one had to respond to it in character. I imagine they had great fun blindsiding each other, and the play is all the funnier given some of the outrageous things they came up with."
"Hate Mail" can be seen at a discount preview at 7 p.m., on Thursday, May 3; at 8 p.m., Friday, May 4; or 8 p.m., Saturday, May 5. Ticket prices are $15 for adults, $12 for college students, and $8 for all other students. However, tickets to the Thursday preview are discounted as follows: two adults may buy "buddy" passes for only $20, and all students will get $2 off their regular price.
Group rates and "Give a Kid a Habit" tickets are available in advance by calling 773-6754. These tickets cost $1, but are only distributed through organizations (schools, churches, etc.) involved with school-age children.
"Hate Mail" contains a few instances of language that may be offensive and is not recommended to children under 13.
