The play's the thing

I'll have grounds More relative than this—the play's the thing Wherein I'll catch the conscience of the King.
Hamlet Act 2, scene 2, 603–605

I am taking an online playwriting class from Writers University because I know absolutely nothing about playwriting and I am attempting to adapt part of my book, Water and Fire, as a play to be produced at the .Dana-Thomas House next spring. It is very exciting to me and this opportunity comes at a good time. Chelsea went back to school today and working on those makes me miss her a little less.

The assignment for this week, the last week of the class, was to write the first five pages of the play. I worked on it this afternoon and got a first draft done. Ron read it tonight and pronounced it good. I think the only obstacle to overcome is the physical one -- the play needs to be put on in the Dana-Thomas House and therefore the settings are limited. However, I believe it can be done and it is a wonderful opportunity for me as a writer.

Like almost every other writer, I have cast my novel as the screenplay with all my favorite actors. Here for my enjoyment is my "dream team":

Sheba -- Thandie Newton






Mrs. Dana -- Ethel Barrymore (yes, I know she's dead, but I saw her in Rasputin and the Empress last night and I really think she would be great)




Frank Lloyd Wright -- Sean Penn








Vachel Lindsay -- Vincent Kartheiser (from Mad Men)








Thomas Cartwright -- Tristan Wilds (just found him online and thought he looked nice)





Cousin Flora -- Agnes Moorehead (yeah, she's dead too)





Ok, I couldn't think of anyone for Governor and Mrs. Dineen or the medium!