Umbrellas in the Snow

by Jack Dyville

Mar. 23-27, 2006

Directed by B. Michael Quale

This "honestly-rendered and heartfelt play" explores the friendship of two of the most unlikely acquaintances.  Edith Loveland, a former 76 year old Broadway chorus girl and Edgar, a 40-something father of three and a New York fry-cook.

As the play progresses, we see signs of Miss Loveland's bout with Alzheimer's, a disease which robs the core of a person's being.  Once successful, she now lives alone in a flea-bag residence hotel in midtown Manhattan where Edgar owns and operates the Studio Cafe'.

The two establish a bond of friendship and understanding as Edgar, who is going through a separation from his wife of sixteen years, learns some valuable lessons from his new friend.  Each becomes sympathetic to one another as they discover life is about accepting differences.

A HISTORY OF THE PLAY

Originally written and performed as a 7 Minute Play entitled "Loveland/Boot" for the 12th Spontaneous Combustion 48 Hour Play Festival.  Manhattan Theatre Source, New York, NY - April 2003

Semi-Finalist as "Loveland/Boot."  Six Figures Theatre Company, New York, NY - September 2004

Reading for Entertainment, Inc! with Judy Billehus and Jim Ryen.  March 2005

A Staged Production and Named a Semi-Finalist at the Strawberry Festival as a 30 Minute Play. Producer's Club.  New York, NY - August 2005 where Kelly Griffith, as Miss Lovely Named Top 5 Best Actress Nominee

Cold Cuts Reading Series as "Loveland/Boot" - Ten Grand and a Burger Theatre Company.  St. Malachy's Church.  The Actor's Chapel - October 2005

THE CAST

Edith Loveland (Ages 20-26) in 1950-1955…………………Paula Swenson

Audition Pianist…………………Ted Lindseth

Voice of a Grump (1950s Producer)…………………Jack Dyville

Voice of a Broadway Director, George Abbott…………………B. Michael Quale

Edith Loveland (Miss Lovely) in 2004…………………Judy Billehus

Edgar…………………Jim Ryen

THE CREW

Director…………………B. Michael Quale

Technical Director/Set Design…………………B. Michael Quale

Sound Technician…………………Eric Pozgay

Lighting Technician…………………Jack Dyville

Box Office…………………Liz Seven

Concessions…………………Mary Jo Harstad

Set Construction:

Dave Richter, Vern Ryan, Jennifer Ryan, Rachel Richter, Gordon Anderson, Kevin Duttenhefner, Mary Jo Harstad, B. Michael Quale