Virtual Poetry Reading – Episode 1 A #TheRedheadedAuthor Production
INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE:
The Story of Alice by Amanda Porter ~ Read by Tanja Miller
Desperately Falling by Nina Soden ~ Read by Jacinda Rose Swinehart-Johnson
How I Let Myself be Happy in 3 Steps by Chloe Long ~ Read by Megan Tompkins
What Was by Jason M. Summer ~ Read by Michael Anders
The Raven by Edgar Allan Poe ~ Read by John Miller
Did you participate in last week’s #WritingWednesday post? It was all about sound. If you haven’t posted your response, click HEREso you can do that now. Then, make sure you check in here ~ every Wednesday ~ for the latest #WritingWednesday writing prompt! Now, back to today’s regularly scheduled post…
Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.
Read the writing prompt below,
Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!
The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.
Today, I’m writing in the voice of Stella, a character in my current WIP.
Today’s writing prompt:
What is around you, within touching distance? What do you see?
When they brought me to Operation Atlas, I couldn’t bring anything with me. My clothing stayed at home, my toys, my books, my mom.
Other than what I was wearing, which they quickly took upon arrival, the only thing they let me bring was a small gold locket my mother had given me. Inside was a tiny photo, almost unrecognizable, of my mom and dad before I was born. My dad died when I was only two, so I have no memories of him. My mom gave me up, when I was ten, at the first sign of my powers. She said she didn’t want to, but that she had no choice. The doctors had witnessed my symptoms and had called Operation Atlas without consulting her. It wasn’t until they were there, ready to take me away, that she even found out.
There was no struggle. I knew what their bright orange hazmat suits meant. I had see them on the television, when my mom didn’t know I was in the room watching from behind her. They had been collecting people of different ages, all over the world, for years. Part of me had hoped to one day be scooped up, carried away, and told I was special. Told I had special powers or gifts that could help the world. But, what I had envisioned was nothing like my reality.
I’d give anything to go back to that day in the hospital and take it all back. Turn back time. Instead, I sit here in my empty room surrounded by nothing of consequence, gripping tightly to the small gold locket my mother gave me all those years ago.
Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt [What is around you, within touching distance? What do you see?] inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
Looking for daily writing inspiration? Check out my latest publication: #WRITINGPROMPTS
Who Can Benefit from Using #WritingPrompts? Everyone! Whether you’re an avid writer or just someone who is interested in the creative and/or therapeutic art of writing, #WritingPrompts is for you. Studies show that maintaining a daily handwritten journal, or creative writing notebook, can: 1. improve memory, 2. enhance creative expression, 3. lower stress, 4. build self-discipline, 5. eliminate writer’s block, and so much more! Writer’s Block Got You Down? Eliminate It, One Day at a Time! When it comes to writer’s block, the struggle is real! If you’ve ever sat at your computer, typewriter, or with pen in hand, but couldn’t get a single word on paper, then you know what writer’s block feels like. #WritingPrompts is the solution you’ve been looking for! Within the pages of #WritingPrompts, you will find over 700 writing prompts that you can use in order or at random, the choice is yours. Jump-Start Your Creativity with over 700 Unique Writing Prompts! Good writing takes time, practice, and unique ideas. Why not jump-start your imagination with these unique writing prompts and watch as you find your voice and become a more confident writer in just one year.
What books have you added to your May 2020 reading list? Comment below and let me know!
As an avid reader of fiction (and an author who one day hopes to make the list) I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE checking out the New York Times Best Seller list. So, here it is… The independently ranked top 10 Young Adult selections for June 2020!
If you’ve read any of the TOP 10 selections and recommend them, please comment below and let me know. If you see something you like and plan to pick up a copy, you can do so by clicking on the cover image, the title or the [BUY IT HERE] button.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When you purchase a book using a link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission.All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
As an avid reader of fiction (and an author who one day hopes to make the list) I LOVE-LOVE-LOVE checking out the New York Times Best Seller list. So, here it is… The independently ranked top 10 Fiction selections for June 2020!
If you’ve read any of the TOP 10 selections and recommend them, please comment below and let me know. If you see something you like and plan to pick up a copy, you can do so by clicking on the cover image, the title or the [BUY IT HERE] button.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
When you purchase a book using a link on this site, I earn an affiliate commission.All commission earnings go back into funding my books; editing, cover design, etc.
Virtual Theatre Performance from The Belles of Whitechapel ~ The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak, written by Wayne Miller/ Directed by Nina Soden
Actress/Director Nina Soden
I am excited to be bringing Mary Jane Kelly back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell her story. I am truly thankful to Wayne Miller, playwriter and co-owner of Evil Cheez Productions, for the beautiful words and the gracious permission to produce and direct this wonderful show. I am proud to have been able to work with such a wonderful cast and excited to be able to still bring theatre to an audience, even when so many theatres across the globe are still shut down due to COVID-19. Art is essential and will find ways, such as virtual theatre, to survive. Thank you, to all of you, for taking the time to watch this show.
When asked her thoughts on Mary Jane Kelly’s monologue, Nina had this to say: Her words, the way Wayne wrote her, is devastating. She had such hope in life. She had love, loss, joy, pain, determination, and below it all a deep sadness. I had the honor of playing her during the premier performance of The Belles of Whitechapel at The Lowery House many years ago when Wayne Miller directed it. Reconnecting with her has been like putting on a warm coat or slipping into my favorite pajamas; it is easy to slip into her skin and feel all of her emotions. Maybe its because of how well she is written, or maybe it is because on some level I think every woman can relate to her.
When asked about the process of performing virtual theatre, she said: Of course live theatre is always best with an audience. However, in this crazy pandemic life we are living in right now, I believe it is still important to be creating art in any way we can. Besides, as an actress, film has always been my passion, so being in front of a camera is completely natural for me. I love it! Being able to share Mary Jane Kelly with a broader audience is the icing on the cake. When it comes to stage vs. camera, I prepare for a role the same way. Memorization is memorization, and the lines come easy to me – they always have. I enjoy the character development process, I think that is why it is so easy to slip into a role and learn the lines. As a director, this process was a little harder. We conducted ZOOM rehearsals to ensure proper social distancing and did all of our communicating through Facebook. It wasn’t as easy as meeting face to face, but it worked. With just 2 short weeks to complete the project, I think everyone did a wonderful job.
A Note from the Director
As a writer, I can appreciate every word Wayne put into this script. His research and dedication to his writing did these women proud. As an actress, I hope to one day play all the roles so I can truly connect with each of them on an emotional level. As a director, I am both honored and humbled that Wayne would trust me with this production. I have loved working with each of these actresses and believe that in the short time we had together (2 weeks start to finish) each and every one of them have given a beautiful performance. ~ Nina Soden
WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS and is the Grand High Poobah of CHEEZISM, the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. (On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls.) Wayne has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and Providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.
Describing himself as a cross between Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum, Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Wayne due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive.
Wayne Miller and Tanya Miller of Evil Cheez Productions for allowing me the honor of producing and directing this amazing play. Through his script, Wayne has done a wonderful job of bringing these women back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell their story. Make sure you check out Evil Cheez online and learn about their upcoming productions.
Theatre Huntsville for letting us use The Studio Theatre space at Lowe Mill and for providing the professional lighting design. You can find them, and their upcoming productions, online by clicking HERE or on Facebook.
Please like, share, subscribe, and comment so more people can share in this virtual theatre experience.
To read the actresses comments about their characters, click on the links below and you’ll be taken to the individual posts!
Virtual Theatre Performance from The Belles of Whitechapel ~ The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak, written by Wayne Miller/ Directed by Nina Soden
Actress Haley Loveday
Haley Loveday has been in love with acting since 2010 when she auditioned for her very first play, Noises Off. Since then, she has had the honor of bringing roles such as Blanche DuBois in Streetcar Named Desire, Pickles in The Great American Trailerpark Musical, Evelyn Thompson in The Shape of Things, and most recently, Meg MaGrath in Crimes of the Heart, to life. She has also done some work in film and television. Haley lives in Huntsville with her wife and daughter and their 3 dogs, Bubsy, Pip, and Lucy. She loves to write, travel, and drink wine. She would like to thank Nina Soden for trusting her with this role and Wayne Miller for breathing life into The Belles of Whitechapel.
When asked her thoughts on Sarah Lewis’s monologue, Haley had this to say: Sarah Lewis is very different from my own character in that I found her to be very judgemental of the “unfortunates” and almost victim shaming when it came to their circumstances. I think she has layers of sympathy and humility, but it is often times over-shadowed by her piety. She is terrified when she realizes that she could have been just like the women that she looks down upon, no matter that she is an honest woman herself. I believe that she might have a history of prostitution or degeneracy, which was probably brought on by poverty in the past, but now that she is married and out of “the life” the idea that she could have potentially been mistaken for one of “those women” again might be worse to her than the fact that she met Jack the Ripper.
When asked about the process of performing virtual theatre, she said: The process of learning a monologue as long and as layered as this one in only 2 weeks, with a 1 year old running around, was really survival of the fittest. My wife was a big help in giving me an hour or two here and there to really dive in and razor focus. I would have liked more time to work through the piece, but having such a short time to learn it forced me to challenge myself and pushed me to jump in with both feet right away.
I enjoy monologues because they give you the opportunity to find levels in your work. There is a real peace in knowing that you have ultimate control over what you bring to the script and how it is presented. I also like the pressure of only having myself to rely on on stage or in this case, on film. I do prefer scene work and being on stage with a live audience over monologues and film, simply because having the response of the audience adds to the over all experience and energy of the experience each night. There is nothing quite like treading the boards under bright stage lights.
A Note from the Director
As a writer, I can appreciate every word Wayne put into this script. His research and dedication to his writing did these women proud. As an actress, I hope to one day play all the roles so I can truly connect with each of them on an emotional level. As a director, I am both honored and humbled that Wayne would trust me with this production. I have loved working with each of these actresses and believe that in the short time we had together (2 weeks start to finish) each and every one of them have given a beautiful performance. ~ Nina Soden
WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS and is the Grand High Poobah of CHEEZISM, the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. (On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls.) Wayne has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and Providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.
Describing himself as a cross between Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum, Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Wayne due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive.
Wayne Miller and Tanya Miller of Evil Cheez Productions for allowing me the honor of producing and directing this amazing play. Through his script, Wayne has done a wonderful job of bringing these women back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell their story. Make sure you check out Evil Cheez online and learn about their upcoming productions.
Theatre Huntsville for letting us use The Studio Theatre space at Lowe Mill and for providing the professional lighting design. You can find them, and their upcoming productions, online by clicking HERE or on Facebook.
Please like, share, subscribe, and comment so more people can share in this virtual theatre experience.
To read the actresses comments about their characters, click on the links below and you’ll be taken to the individual posts!
Did you participate in last week’s #WritingWednesday post? It was all about going back in time. If you haven’t posted your response, click HEREso you can do that now. Then, make sure you check in here ~ every Wednesday ~ for the latest #WritingWednesday writing prompt! Now, back to today’s regularly scheduled post…
Remember, #WritingWednesday is an EASY, STRESS-FREE, weekly writing challenge.
Read the writing prompt below,
Spend 5 minutes writing (in your own voice or the voice of a character you’re writing) whatever comes to mind,
DON’T EDIT what you write! IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE PERFECT!
The goal is 5 minutes of creativity.
Today, I’m writing in the voice of Tanja, a character in my current WIP.
Today’s writing prompt:
Describe the most beautiful sound you have ever heard
When a loved one dies, you don’t expect to hear there voice again. Sure, you might have recordings, home movies, or saved voicemails, but those aren’t the same. Over time, the recordings become distorted and grainy. Nothing can replace the sound of their voice as they sit across the table from you, sipping on tea and telling you about their life or even just their day.
My grandmother’s voice had been lost to me for over three years. Lost forever, as far as I knew. Only by a miracle was I able to speak to her again.
The miracle of my bloodline.
Some call it voodoo, others witchcraft, and still others call it the black arts or devil worship. It isn’t devil worship or the black arts. It isn’t voodoo, nor do we do anything to harm others. Maybe it is witchcraft, I’m not really sure. All I know is that it is a gift. Its a gift to me and to those I can help bring closure.
There is nothing like the sound of relief… joy… and comfort you hear from someone who is finally able to say goodbye to a loved one who was lost to soon.
Alright, now it’s your turn. I’d love to see what today’s writing prompt [If you could go back in time exactly 10 years and give yourself some advice, what would you tell yourself?] inspires in you. So, if you are willing, go to the comment section below and start typing. Take 5 minutes and let’s see what you come up with!
Looking for daily writing inspiration? Check out my latest publication: #WRITINGPROMPTS
Who Can Benefit from Using #WritingPrompts? Everyone! Whether you’re an avid writer or just someone who is interested in the creative and/or therapeutic art of writing, #WritingPrompts is for you. Studies show that maintaining a daily handwritten journal, or creative writing notebook, can: 1. improve memory, 2. enhance creative expression, 3. lower stress, 4. build self-discipline, 5. eliminate writer’s block, and so much more! Writer’s Block Got You Down? Eliminate It, One Day at a Time! When it comes to writer’s block, the struggle is real! If you’ve ever sat at your computer, typewriter, or with pen in hand, but couldn’t get a single word on paper, then you know what writer’s block feels like. #WritingPrompts is the solution you’ve been looking for! Within the pages of #WritingPrompts, you will find over 700 writing prompts that you can use in order or at random, the choice is yours. Jump-Start Your Creativity with over 700 Unique Writing Prompts! Good writing takes time, practice, and unique ideas. Why not jump-start your imagination with these unique writing prompts and watch as you find your voice and become a more confident writer in just one year.
What books have you added to your May 2020 reading list? Comment below and let me know!
Virtual Theatre Performance from The Belles of Whitechapel ~ The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak, written by Wayne Miller/ Directed by Nina Soden
Actress Leslie Gates
LESLIE GATES is very excited to be part of this project. She has been seen on stage in Huntsville in The Importance of Being Earnest, The Diviners, Blithe Spirit, and Nunsense. Leslie is also the Executive Director of Theatre Huntsville. Thank you to Nina for such a fun opportunity and to Wayne for a great script.
When asked her thoughts on Elizabeth “Long Liz” Stride’s role, Leslie had this to say: Liz was a very interesting person. She was born in Sweden, and came to London for a better life. That didn’t seem to work out for her as she ended up on the streets, depending on charity and selling her wares to make ends meet. However, she did seem to have somewhat of an optimistic outlook. Liz seemed like she never gave up and never lost her sense of humor.
When asked about the process of performing virtual theatre, she said: Film is so different from the stage. It was a little intimidating to have the camera there – I really wasn’t used to that. And having the shorter time period was really different – especially the older I get. I tend to attach words to movement, so that was different as well. And I must admit I did miss the audience. But Nina was so supportive and patient that it was not as scary as I thought it would be.
Actress Gena Rawdon
Gena has been active in community theatre for 20+ years and is honored to be appearing in The Belles of Whitechapel for a third time. She would love to tell every belle’s story if she has the chance!
After working in the Shoals theater scene for seven years, her first show in Huntsville was Theatre Huntsville’s Sabrina Fair in 2000. She has consistently worked with community theatre companies in Huntsville, Florence and Guntersville throughout her career.
Her first opportunity for a movie role came in 2018, when she played “Maw” in “The Quiet”, a movie filmed in the Shoals.
Gena wants to thank Nina Soden and all the Belles for bringing these beautiful women and their haunting stories to light.
When asked her thoughts on Kate Eddowes’s role, Gena had this to say: Oh, Kate. I loved Kate for her brutal honesty and her vulnerability. To think about a woman who was brutally murdered telling people about how she ended up dying at the hands of a serial killer…..it’s so powerful. To portray a woman who struggled with poverty, classism and addiction during a time when women had no viable options is a humbling experience. Kate had a man she loved and I get the feeling they felt it was them against the world. She made some poor choices, sure. I have too, we all have. They didn’t cost me my life, though. Kate was a survivor. She had love in her life. She deserved a fighting chance, but Jack the Ripper’s success as a serial killer depended upon a society who didn’t give women and poor people a fighting chance. The deck was stacked against Kate, but she never gave up. I love her for that.
When asked about the process of performing virtual theatre, she said: I haven’t done much screen work, but I love the option of being able to do a retake if I flub a scene or want to record a better version. The quick turnaround was a little nerve-wracking, but I would do it again in a heartbeat to be able to tell this story!
I really miss not being able to collaborate with my fellow artists. I’m glad Leslie and I had a chance to play off each other. I look forward to the day that we can all be collaborating in person again!
A Note from the Director
As a writer, I can appreciate every word Wayne put into this script. His research and dedication to his writing did these women proud. As an actress, I hope to one day play all the roles so I can truly connect with each of them on an emotional level. As a director, I am both honored and humbled that Wayne would trust me with this production. I have loved working with each of these actresses and believe that in the short time we had together (2 weeks start to finish) each and every one of them have given a beautiful performance. ~ Nina Soden
WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS and is the Grand High Poobah of CHEEZISM, the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. (On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls.) Wayne has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and Providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.
Describing himself as a cross between Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum, Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Wayne due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive.
Wayne Miller and Tanya Miller of Evil Cheez Productions for allowing me the honor of producing and directing this amazing play. Through his script, Wayne has done a wonderful job of bringing these women back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell their story. Make sure you check out Evil Cheez online and learn about their upcoming productions.
Theatre Huntsville for letting us use The Studio Theatre space at Lowe Mill and for providing the professional lighting design. You can find them, and their upcoming productions, online by clicking HERE or on Facebook.
Please like, share, subscribe, and comment so more people can share in this virtual theatre experience.
To read the actresses comments about their characters, click on the links below and you’ll be taken to the individual posts!
Virtual Theatre Performance from The Belles of Whitechapel ~ The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak, written by Wayne Miller/ Directed by Nina Soden
Actress Sherri Ryan
Sherri Ryan has been fortunate to have been acting and directing for over 50 years… “Wow, sounds old when I say it that way,” she stated! As a theatre teacher, she says she was blessed to work with amazing Sparkman High School students until she retired in 2015. Her favorite rolls include, Mame in ‘Mame’, Anita in ‘West Side Story’, Doris in ‘Same Time Next Year’, Ouisa in ‘Six Degrees of Separation’, Clairee in ‘Steele Magnolias’, and playing Annie Chapman!!! After 10 years of NOT acting, she says a 15-minute monologue can really rattle you, but that she is thankful for this opportunity.
When asked her thoughts on “Dark Annie’ Chapman’s monologue, Sherri had this to say: When Nina first asked me to take on the role of Annie Chapman, I was thrilled that at 67, I was going to do “theatre” again. (It has been 10 years since I was last on stage). THEN I saw the script. WOW. 15 minutes of a monologue AND with an accent. It was such a challenge but I finally did it and so appreciated the opportunity. I have always enjoyed doing film work as well as performing on stage. This was quite fun though with only 2 weeks of studying, filming for 30 minutes, and you are finished with the project.
But now I miss Annie! What a character I was fortunate enough to bring back to life, or death!! She had spunk, edgy charm, and her own unique take on life. Learning her dialogue and putting it into perspective in order to capture her was like peeling an onion, lots of layers. I appreciate the writing of Wayne Miller so much, the direction of Nina Soden, and the opportunity to get to know “Dark Annie Chapman”.
A Note from the Director
As a writer, I can appreciate every word Wayne put into this script. His research and dedication to his writing did these women proud. As an actress, I hope to one day play all the roles so I can truly connect with each of them on an emotional level. As a director, I am both honored and humbled that Wayne would trust me with this production. I have loved working with each of these actresses and believe that in the short time we had together (2 weeks start to finish) each and every one of them have given a beautiful performance. ~ Nina Soden
WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS and is the Grand High Poobah of CHEEZISM, the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. (On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls.) Wayne has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and Providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.
Describing himself as a cross between Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum, Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Wayne due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive.
Wayne Miller and Tanya Miller of Evil Cheez Productions for allowing me the honor of producing and directing this amazing play. Through his script, Wayne has done a wonderful job of bringing these women back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell their story. Make sure you check out Evil Cheez online and learn about their upcoming productions.
Theatre Huntsville for letting us use The Studio Theatre space at Lowe Mill and for providing the professional lighting design. You can find them, and their upcoming productions, online by clicking HERE or on Facebook.
Please like, share, subscribe, and comment so more people can share in this virtual theatre experience.
To watch all seven scenes, follow the link below to the YouTube playlist.
To read the actresses comments about their characters, click on the links below and you’ll be taken to the individual posts!
Virtual Theatre Performance from The Belles of Whitechapel ~ The Victims of Jack the Ripper Speak, written by Wayne Miller / Directed by Nina Soden
Actress Tanja Lewis Miller
Tanja Lewis Miller is honored at the opportunity to reprise the role of Polly Nichols and to, once again, give her a voice. Involved in theatre since childhood, she has acted in and/or directed and/or produced countless productions in North Alabama. Like, literally, she can’t remember how many. She is the co-owner of Evil Cheez Productions, along with her highly creative hubby Wayne, and it’s a safe bet you’ve seen her on the stage somewhere. Much love to Nina and the rest of the amazingly talented cast for allowing her to share the airwaves with them. And a huge thank you to YOU, the audience, for helping to keep theatre alive.
When asked her thoughts on Polly Nichols’ monologue, Tanja had this to say: As the playwright’s wife, I was allowed to read all of the monologues before anyone else, and I fell in love with Polly from her first line, “Do you like my new bonnet?” She’s an optimist. She’s not going to let her situation drag her down. She’s strong, stubborn, and she uses her quick wit as a defense mechanism. She doesn’t defend her faults, but she doesn’t dwell either. She’s someone I can relate to. She’s someone EVERYONE can relate to.
When asked about the process of performing virtual theatre, she said: As far as the process, I’ll take a live audience any day of the week and twice on Sundays. I’m not the biggest fan of being on film. However, I’ll also take theatre any way I can get it. Call me an addict, if you will, but once the acting bug bit, I became a lifer. I will say that Nina made it as painless as possible, and it’s always a joy to work with her.
A Note from the Director
As a writer, I can appreciate every word Wayne put into this script. His research and dedication to his writing did these women proud. As an actress, I hope to one day play all the roles so I can truly connect with each of them on an emotional level. As a director, I am both honored and humbled that Wayne would trust me with this production. I have loved working with each of these actresses and believe that in the short time we had together (2 weeks start to finish) each and every one of them have given a beautiful performance. ~ Nina Soden
WAYNE MILLER is the owner and creative director of EVIL CHEEZ PRODUCTIONS and is the Grand High Poobah of CHEEZISM, the movement he founded (it isn’t organized enough to be called a religion, besides which it isn’t religious) dedicated to providing audiences with the finest in entertainment options on the page and for the stage. (On the big screen, too, if Spielberg ever returns any of his phone calls.) Wayne has been writing stories literally since before he learned his alphabet—he drew pictures. After languishing in the nether-regions of the publishing industry for years, working as an acquisitions editor for a literary agency, he chose, as an experiment, to combine his passion for writing with his hobby of Theatre, and in the process, by accident and Providence, discovered his life’s purpose: to be a showman.
Describing himself as a cross between Edgar Allan Poe and P.T. Barnum, Miller is a devotee of Ed Wood, the “worst director of all time!” who inspires Wayne due to his unflappable dedication to his muse and unrestrainable creative drive.
Wayne Miller and Tanya Miller of Evil Cheez Productions for allowing me the honor of producing and directing this amazing play. Through his script, Wayne has done a wonderful job of bringing these women back to life, even if just for a few minutes, to tell their story. Make sure you check out Evil Cheez online and learn about their upcoming productions.
Theatre Huntsville for letting us use The Studio Theatre space at Lowe Mill and for providing the professional lighting design. You can find them, and their upcoming productions, online by clicking HERE or on Facebook.
Please like, share, subscribe, and comment so more people can share in this virtual theatre experience.
To read the actresses comments about their characters, click on the links below and you’ll be taken to the individual posts!
Nina Soden 