Fall,
1992
Began research and writing outline, under the original title of “My Controllable
Zombie" Spring,
1994
Dvorak & Co., Los Feliz, CA
This was the first staged
reading infront of an invited audience. In this version, the entire story
is told as a flashback by Dr. Popov (from his padded room in a mental asylum).
September
27 & 29, 1994
Dvorak & Co., Los Feliz, CA
Second
staged reading for invited guests. Added masks to actors in the Netherworld
scenes (to clarify to audience that company is portraying different characters
here). Cut 3 characters (Doasey Doates, Clark "Slugger" Johnson and Henri
Mojeaux). Expanded the song “Just Tonight”. Added dialogue within
the song “The Lap Of Luxury”. Cut Dr. Popov's asylum scenes at very top
of show (now the show opens at Chip & Maresy's engagement party).
April
10, 1995
The HBO Workspace, Hollywood, CA
Third staged reading.
Added new scene (with Chip talking to his dead Mother's portrait) at the top of
the show, including a new song, "Where Ever You Are". Added additional dialogue
to scene with the song “Madeline” (showing better detail to Chip and zombie
Madeline's personal life). Continued to reshape “Ceremony Of The Dead” (less
comedic, more dark). March
3, 1996 (6th Draft)
Theatre Geo, Hollywood, CA
Fourth staged
reading, for members of Theatre Geo.. Used Theater Geo company members (which
included 2 of our original actors). Cut Chip & Poker scene at sea, and
their song “Over My Dead Body”. Added the company song “Keep It Out
Of The Papers”. Developed love interest between Cameron & Diabolique,
and gave them a song, “When Love Calls”. July
1998 (7th draft)
(No public performance)
Fleshed out all
secondary characters. Changed title of show to: “'Til Death Do Us
Start”. July
1999 (8th draft)
(No public performance)
Informal reading with company member's of Theatre Neo.
Cut 2 more characters (Poker and Hazel), integrating their dialogue and song parts
into the roles of Senator Payton Ivy (making Poker his nick-name), and his wife,
Lamby (making her more integral to Maresy's plot line).
March 18,
2002 (9th draft)
(No public performance)
Reading with and
for company member's of Theatre Neo. Reworked "Just Tonight"
reprise, "Ceremony Of The Dead" and "Ceremony Of Re-Animation"
by adding dialogue within these songs (to clarify the character's motivations).
Added new underscoring to several scenes. CURRENT
2009 (9th draft)
World Premiere at _____________________ ?
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