If you're going to be in Pittsburgh in the next few weeks, you absolutely must run and see Tammy Ryan's play, Lost Boy Found in Whole Foods. Below, I'm posting a little promotional video of the playwright being interviewed about her play. The odd thing about the video is, it's very calm and centered and rational, just as the play's writer, Tammy Ryan tends to be. The promotional video discusses themes in the play and the origins of its creation. What the video cannot capture is the velocity of the play, the energy and pathos and fear and terror and love and heart of this wonderful play. For that, you'd have to go see the play.
But it makes me wonder in general about this mode of promoting new plays online. Sit the playwright and/or director down for a sensible chat about the work and videotape it and post it on the web to sell tickets. But if the tone of these very reasoned measured videos is so completely at odds with the tone of the play, are these promos going to bring in the right audience? When I read Tammy's script, I wept, almost from beginning to end. And I also laughed quite a bit too. But the overall effect of the play is to rip your heart in two. Makes me wonder. What's the smartest way to promote a beautiful and painful new play? What do you think? Here's the video:
