Q: Where did "Just Frank" derive?
A: Back in 2003, I wrote the show after we had done the first two murder mystery comedies, Murder at Mama's and Mama's Revenge! I had been wanting to do a solo show, and I really loved this character. I wanted to dig into "Frank" and peel back some more layers.
Q: Did you perform the show back in 2003?
A: I did a couple of readings for friends and family - an invited audience. I was ready to roll with the full production, but we could never find the right time to fit it into the schedule. Eventually, it just went back into the filing cabinet. But - I've never forgotten it! I think it's probably the funniest thing I've ever written to be honest.
Q: Really? Did you revise it for the upcoming production?
A: Yes. I mean it's been twenty-two years since I wrote the original script. There's been a lot of changes since then. Lots and lots of things to bring even more comedy to Frank's situation.
Q: Like? You're not going to tell us, are you?
A: I don't want to spoil it! There's so many rediculous twists and turns for this guy. I mean, there's a lot that's...let's just say..."unexpected."
Q: Okay - so, what's the set-up for the story? Can you tell us that?
A: Absolutely. Frank has just returned to his apartment in Hells Kitchen in New York City. His stepmother, Mrs. White-Clark-Lash-VonSchmidt has passed away, and her last will and testament has been read. Frank has finally inherited the money his father left him which his stepmother has kept from him all these years.
I mean, this guy has had to live day to day, paycheck to paycheck for most of his life. In reality, he had millions waiting for him after his stepmother died. But, he never really knew if he would get it or not. So, like anyone who dreams of wealth, Frank had huge plans of what life would be like when he had money.
Now, he returns to his little apartment in New York ready to live it up! But that's the catch - he's not sure what he wants to do with his life. He's lost. No clue what his purpose should be.
In a fateful twist, Frank hurts his back and takes something for it. Well, the medication takes him on a crazy, hilarious dream induced journey into all the things Frank "could do" with his life.
And that's all I'm going to say...
Q: So, it's a one man show?
A: No. Frank is the main character, but there are other people who make an appearance both onstage...and in other ways. Let's just leave it at that.
Q: I think I read where's there's food?
A: Dessert actually. I can't say too much because it would give away one of the funny parts, but each member of the audience will have a really tasty goodie to eat during intermission. If you want dinner, you'll have to visit our friends nextdoor at Waffles R Wild - The Speakeasy. They're going to be offering some great specials for people who have tickets to the show. Go grab dinner with them at 6:00 or 6:30 and then step nextdoor to The Gulf Coast Rep and be ready to laugh at 7:30!
Q: I saw where the show is "interactive." Can you elaborate?
A: Sure. It's a little like the murder mysteries. Audience members will have the choice to interact with the show, or they can just laugh and enjoy it. No one is going to pull you onstage...unless you want to be onstage that is...
