Playwright Sean Grennan’s show Making God Laugh kicks off the 2012-2013 season at the American Heartland Theatre Sept. 7 to Oct. 21.
This Kansas City premiere marks the sixth show of Grennan’s to find a place on the local stage. He has had five shows open in Kansas City at the American Heartland including two last year – Beer for Breakfast and As Long As You Both Shall Live during the 25th season. The show stars Kathleen Warfel, Don Richard, Brian Miller, Jessalyn Kincaid and William Warren. The play is spawned by the Woody Allen quote, “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”
Grennan says he sees Director Paul Hough as a mentor and someone who understands comedy on that sort of DNA level. While this show debuted last year, Grennan sent Hough new lines.
“I get writer’s crushes on actors and the Kansas City actors rise to the top of these crushes so I am ready to tweak lines. I look forward to this communication.” The play looks at two parents and three children over the span of about 30 years. Thanksgiving 1980 looks at the newly raised kids and their plans for life, Grennan says. In 1990, it is Christmas and 2000, New Year’s. The Easter scene is contemporary, he says. “Families unite to celebrate holidays but there is always this odd repetition to the topics. It seems like the same stuff, even down to the beloved dishes and meal choices or those that aren’t so beloved.”
Grennan says playwrights often write about their families. “I hope people see the same sorts of families where you realize you can run, but you can’t hide from family. It’s emotionally biographical and I feel like this is my best show. I hope it is well received.”
