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Playwright
  ATLANTIC
CITY STORY is a mordantly funny, seemingly misogynist,
politically incorrect, "well-made", two act play about
a couple of con men from Manhattan who check into the old Marl borough-Blenheim
Hotel on the evening of the Beatles Concert at the Steel Pier in
1964. (1 was there.). It is written in the George Abbott style of
well constructed comedies of the '30's and 40's and is concerned
with identity, risk and brotherhood. I directed the production at
the Quaigh Theater in the Diplomat Hotel (NYC) in 1986, and was
well-pleased with the cast, the setting and the audience response.
Some reviewers were also pleased, but some fellow for the NEW YORK
TIMES crucified it mercilessly making mention throughout of my success
as a producer and director in what he obviously considered the hinterland
of Chicago, but questioning by right to write a play.
 GEORGE
JEAN NATHAN IN REVUE was a great success when produced
at Stage 2 of the Goodman Theater by Gregory Mosher. I directed
the production, which featured the noted actor, Chicago resident,
Tony Mockus, complimented by a chorus of four others (Geraldine
Kay, Tony Lincoln and Chicagoland's beloved Ray Rayner) alternating
in a variety of roles including H.L. Mencken, Eleanora Duse, Clarence
Darrow and Sinclair Lewis, among others. The marvelous setting by
Michael Merritt included colorful rear projection slides of all
the famous theatrical figures of the period. (I inherited this part
of the physical production). The  play
was a great favorite that season (via audience surveys) with the
sophisticated, largely subscription audience, proving to be wonderful
fare for regional theaters, but, rather than pursue that venue,
and having found H.L. Mencken (and his relationship with GJN) to
be of such interest, I decided to develop their relationship and
their founding of the AMERICAN MERCURY, with another play
entitled MENCKEN, NATHAN & GOD. Currently, I am reworking
the material back into a one man show and am thinking of playing
GJN myself.
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