Play Suggestions: Can't remember name of show

Can't remember name of show

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Topic: Can't remember name of show

Posted By: WrenCharlie
Subject: Can't remember name of show
Date Posted: 4/23/09 at 12:08pm

Hi. First of all, the show I'm about to describe is NOT "Noises Off." I'm familar with that title, and though there are some similarities in the plot, there is a different one.

The setting is a "show within a show." The action takes place downstage, and upstage is a curtain. When the curtain is opened, the upstage wall (this production i saw had a mural of an audience) becomes the audience.

I saw this show back in the early 1980s on Showtime Network when Showtime had a "Showtime on Broadway" series. Other shows that appeard in this series was "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Something's Afoot," and "Sweeney Todd."

The show i'm describing is a comedy. All sorts of things happen that the "real audience" sees. I remember a cast member drinking a glass of water and realizes it is commode water. He turns away (toward us) and slowly empties the water from his mouth back into the bottle. Granted, it was 25ish years ago, but i remember it being funny.

If anyone can takes these minimal clues and recall the show i am thinking off, i would appreciate your help.

Replies:

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 4/23/09 at 12:27pm

I believe the play you're describing is called "Footlight Frenzy" created by the Low Moan Spectacular group. I saw it 25 years ago, too and remember it being every bit as funny as "Noises Off" without the complicated set requirements.

It is written by Ron House and Alan Shearman, the same people behind the wickedly funny "Bullshot Crummond."

Here's a couple links:

http://www.lowmoan.com/
http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsS/shearman-alan.html

Hope this helps.

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: greenphoenix
Date Posted: 4/27/09 at 5:14pm

This is not the play you are describing, but another "show within a show" that is cute is "Play On".

Posted By: tristanrobin
Date Posted: 4/28/09 at 11:14am

I found the list of plays that were filmed for Showtime on Broadway here
http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/series/38073 - http://ftvdb.bfi.org.uk/sift/series/38073

I believe I know all these plays, and none of them seem to be what you describe

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http://tristanrobin.blogspot.com

Posted By: Melvin
Date Posted: 4/28/09 at 2:25pm

Yeah, it's Footlight Frenzy. I saw it a long time ago, but I'll never forget the strange set with the "audience" staring at you and the mechanical hands clapping after each scene.

Posted By: WrenCharlie
Date Posted: 5/21/09 at 1:38pm

Thanks Melvin and Tristan! It was "Footlight Frenzy." I did a Google search and the images brought back memories. Thanks!