Table Read II

"Again! Step kick turn block spear jab, again!"...? Really?

I apologize to the teeming dozens. I've posted nothing new since February, and my understanding is that there is no worse sin in today's world than silence.

But to be fair, I've been intensively engaged in this show's developmental journey, and I mean intensively.

We're now approaching the show's second table read, to be held in the Dallas-Fort Worth area sometime in July 2026, ahead of a staged reading, also in the DFW area, to be held late in 2026 or early in 2027. From there, we'll see the landscape of possibilities for '27!

If you're a reader on New Play Exchange, the table read script is up now (and by all means, leave a review!)

What's the difference between the table read and the staged reading? I'm glad you asked.

For a table read, actors read the script, including lyrics, more or less cold. Yes, they read, rather than sing, the songs. It sounds crazy, but it lets you hear the show "at speed" (or close to it), from the mouths of real actors -- not mumbled to oneself for the thousandth time.

Then the actors become a ready-made feedback group, telling you what they liked, what they hated, what they absolutely wouldn't part with, what they want you to 86, and so on. Then the dramaturgs add an analytical eye to the feedback, on the way to crafting one more draft before the staged reading.

A staged reading is like a production of the musical stripped down to what writers think the musical is (Sung words with minimal accompaniment, without frivolous extras like blocking, scenery, choreography, costumes and the like.) It's sort of a play, but not quite.

Oh, and dramaturgs are basically people who've been to a few rodeos and can tell you whether you're the cowboy that's got everything under control, the bucking animal trying to throw him off, or the rodeo clown. They're sort of like editors, but the edits are ultimately optional and dramaturgs explain why.

Unlike my first table read in February 2023, this time the dramaturgs are gently guiding me closer to relatable drama and away from artsy-fartsy flourishes.

Some songs have dropped out and others needed writing. New collaborators started working on the sheet music and accompaniment. After the table read and before the staged reading, outside reviewers will review lyrics and music. My present goal is to give them at least adequately constructed pinatas to whack just after the table read.

And you, gentle reader, are along for the ride. So, I promise to check in and let you know what feedback I get back from the read!

Also this summer, don't forget to check out that other Odyssey project. You don't get to own the Odyssey!