A Life on the Verge of the Verge
Written by Jack Neary.
>>> Check out a little video preview HERE! <<<
A few months ago, I went to see Ernest Thompson (who is of course the author of On Golden Pond) perform his superb one-man show, Archie Parish’s Parting Words. After the show, I went backstage to congratulate him. He looked down at me — and when I say “down,” I mean Ernest stands about a foot taller than I do — and said:
“When are you going to do yours?”
Well. When Ernest Thompson throws down a challenge like that, you’d better pay attention.
So here we are.
The show is called Almost Almost Famous: A Life on the Verge of the Verge. I’ll be taking the stage, not alone, but accompanied by the brilliantly talented pianist and performer Jon Abrams. Together, we’ll attempt to make some sense, in story and song, of whatever the hell it is I’ve been doing since the 1970s.
I am a director, a producer, and a playwright. I’ve written more than thirty full-length plays, countless shorter works, and scripts for kids and families that have found stages across North America, Europe, and even Australia. Now, with friendly impetus from Ernest, I step onstage myself and hope I remember what life was like when I was an actor and a singer. Hey, it’s showbiz. Whatever pays the bills.
The evening features songs by Rodgers and Hammerstein, Johnny Mercer, Hoagy Carmichael, Frank Loesser, Barry Manilow, and a young upstart named Sondheim. I briefly considered adding rap or hip-hop, but I don’t think my blood pressure medication could handle it…
As for Jon Abrams: He teaches music in the Lowell area to private students, and serves as Music Director at Messiah Lutheran Church in Amherst, NH. He also performs throughout New England as a pianist and music director for theatre productions, wedding and event bands, and dueling piano shows. His repertoire spans Broadway, jazz, classical, classic rock, and the Great American Songbook — with a particular affection for Billy Joel and Elton John.
So come join us for one of our July 19 performances. There will be stories. There will be laughs. And there will be some music to hum in the car on the way home.
Jack Neary
Produced by Acting Out Productions
Photo: Jack Neary as “Professor Plum,” VCR CLUE and CLUE II, MURDER IN DISGUISE
