I’ve often said that I enjoyed directing comedies because I like making people laugh – and that’s certainly true. However, one of my favorite things is to direct plays that mix comedy and… other (I hate to use the word “Drama” in this contex… there’s more to it than that). And yet, in truth, a few of my favorite plays have been hard-hitting-smack-you-around “DRAMAS”.
I had an “Oh Yeah” moment yesterday: This weekend, I got to see a wonderful script, Defiance by John Patrick Shanley, at the beautiful Detroit Repertory Theatre. I had a great time – and yes, there was some comedy mixed in, but it was largely not meant to be funny, it was a pointed, dramatic piece with a nice mix of humor and deadly serious issues. On the flipside of that, I also saw Woodland Wonderland at the Detroit Institue of the Arts, performed by the Mosaic Youth Theatre of Detroit. Their show was wonderful, some absolutely beautiful singing mixed with some wonderfully done scenes and stories all about Christmas in Detroit. It had more comedy built into the piece but, like Defiance, it was a mix of laughter and serious. Different ratio of one to the other, but they both existed.
Seeing these shows back to back reminded me of one of the basic storytelling axioms: The best comedies have serious moments, the best dramas have moments of comedy. I’m about to direct Hedda Gabler at Michigan State University… and it’s not a play known for being hilariously funny. Also, at Wiliamston Theatre, our next show is The Effect of Gamma Rays On Man-In-The-Moon Marigolds – a play even more serious than Hedda. Still, this weekend’s viewings were a nice reminder to use everything you’ve got to tell the story well – and although I’d not forgotten that, it was nice to see such a clear example of it this weekend!
So, in the spirit of my “Oh Yeah” moment from this weekend, some quotes about laughter:
“The person who can bring the spirit of laughter into a room is indeed blessed.”
Bennett Cerf
“Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.”
Charlie Chaplin
“The human race has only one really effective weapon and that is laughter.”
Mark Twain
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Tony Caselli 
I love “Defiance” I’m jealous you got to see the production of it.
Alex Freeman
http://www.asfreemanentertains.com
I’ve heard that Doubt and Defiance are the first two parts in a trio of plays – I’m looking forward to seeing what the third is!
Thanks for the shout out Tony! I’m so glad that you and your family could make it to see the show.
I was jealous of the bar at the Rep too! We were there a few weeks ago. Fancy! Unfortunately, I don’t think that Mosaic is going to get one…
Kate we had the BEST time! The whole event, the reception, the setting, the SHOW – thanks for a great night! My kids are STILL talking about the chilly willy float and the kid who had to be the shepherd in his church play!!