Perfectly Normel People: A Fringe Hit!

Guest Grit post by Judy Heath (#3 in series: Read #1 here, #2 here)

Last night, as Thomas and I sipped cocktails on a beautiful rooftop garden, discussing theater with a charming group of actors, directors, and writers (friends of Beth Lincks’), no one would have imagined the insanity of the past several days. Our 10-person cast and crew had 15 minutes to load in our props and most of our set after the show before us. Stage Manager John Bamond coordinated this massive undertaking, with actors carrying their costumes (not to mention getting into them), everyone carrying props, and a porch swing which must be constructed anew for each show. Crazier than Piccolo, with stricter rules and less time, we were up to the challenge and made it with a minute to spare.

Opening night: the actors rocked the room!

The audience responded with laughter and tears. Thomas and I felt like proud parents as we looked at one another and breathed deeply for the first time since we took our seats. And I thought acting was stressful! Show’s over and it’s time to push people out the door, to strike the set before the next show comes in right on our heels.

We were grateful to receive a favorable review in NYTheatre.com (read it here) and were chosen as one of Fringe’s Top Ten picks by TheaterMania.com. Our Sunday Matinee sold out!

Behind the scenes? Not so glamorous. 

Our Brooklyn pad defies description with piles of PNP tee-shirts sorted on the floor, wardrobe hung on a rack, and laundry piling up. 

Young cast members (not to be mentioned) saunter in about when the older ones are cooking breakfast. But hey, our play is about family, and I guess that’s what we’ve become.

{ Judy Heath recently co-authored two full-length plays with husband Thomas, the second of which, "Perfectly Normel People," is headed to New York for its off-Broadway premiere at The New York International Fringe Festival. She's best known as a psychotherapist and bereavement specialist who has authored two books in her field, but her interest in theater has been ongoing. In fact, she and husband Thomas met acting in New York. “There is a natural correlation between theatre and psychology,” she explains, “One must understand human nature to develop believable characters.” }