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).
Current: 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.
2006 (9th
draft)
World Premiere at _____________________
?