Springville Playhouse is in rehearsals for its new play, ‘Super.’  ‘Super’ is a contemporary story of love, action and adventure, told with the help of special effects never before seen on the local stage.

This workshop is a unique theatrical experience in that the writer and the actors will work together throughout the process.  The author’s perspective, not just his words, is available to help answer questions and provide insight into the characters’ back-story and motivations.  Likewise, as the actors take on their characters their suggestions and insights can be used to enhance the script.

We will be rehearsing through the end of December, while giving the Holidays wide berth, with two free public performances on January 10 & 12. Due to the relatively short time frame, it is not required that the actors ever be fully “off script,” even for the performances.  Rehearsals will be 2-3 times per week and scheduled to respect the actors’ time.
Everything will take place on stage with blocking beginning right from day one.  Props and costumes will be simple, but this show will debut effects such as virtual backdrops, computer controlled lasers and lights, (not to mention gun play) that will be fully implemented.  We have full, unfettered access to the theater during the time of the workshop, and the sets and scenery are ready to go.

Can you tell me anything more about the play?
Here’s the synopsis:
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Super takes situations and special effects that audiences have enjoyed for years on the screen, and makes them real on stage.  The family- friendly story immerses the audience in conditions found on the TV shows: 24, Heroes, and The Office.

Act 1 plays very much like an ensemble sitcom.

The setting is a big city, energized by the actions of a new superhero dubbed “Super” - that has never been sighted.  We’re introduced to a man and woman, married 10+ years, with two young sons. The man is a former Marine who worked covert-ops until he was seriously wounded and forced to retire. The woman is a successful marketing executive that is struggling to adjust to her husband’s condition. The husband has found a friend in a neighbor/housewife that is helping him through the adjustment from killing machine to full-time dad.  The wife’s closest friend is a blonde-bombshell in a business suit who gets any man she wants, even if he’s an “invisible” superhero. By the time Act 1 has finished every character’s life has been changed by a personal encounter with Super.

Act 2 switches into high gear with a neck snap as the main characters’  relationship with Super provokes a powerful enemy, and they all must race in real time (ala 24) to undo the damage.

Replete with stage effects and misdirection, the audience is taken on a thrill ride as the wife and husband must work together to save a city that has turned against them. Along the way they’re helped by loyal friends who refuse to believe the sensationalized news reports that are whipping up public outrage. 
Ultimately, the final showdown takes place in the enemy nerve-center.   A high-tech hive, hidden in plain sight in the heart of the city.  Trapped inside, all our heroes must use the might of their minds to escape and prevail.
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Cast Attributes (some doubling is assumed):

WOMAN
(35-45) Married to Man.  Mother of Boy Older and Boy Younger.
Attractive, but modest.  Senior executive in Marketing.  Direct supervisor of Work Friend and Subordinate.  Very pragmatic, self- reliant, responsible and resourceful.  Loves her kids, but not a traditional/natural mom.

MAN
(35-50) Married to Woman.  Physically fit former Marine.  Wounded vet.  Father of Boy Older and Boy Younger.  After disability discharge became full-time parent to two boys.  Upbeat.  Tries very hard to do the right thing, but worries that he doesn’t have everything it takes to be a nurturer.  Alpha, but has learned how to live with Woman’s strong, opinionated personality.

WORK FRIEND
(25-35 Female)  Single.  Strikingly attractive and knows it.  
Intelligent, but still blonde.  Professionally competent marketing manager. Direct report of Woman.  Self-absorbed.  Clothes horse.

NEIGHBOR
(25-40 Female)  Married, but spouse is never introduced.  In good shape. Must be able to affect two personas, Mary Poppins and G.I. Jane.

SUBORDINATE
(25-35 Male)  Single.  Direct report of Woman.  Pensive.  Reserved,  but not a doormat.  Professionally competent marketing manager.   Prefers flight to fight.

POLICEMAN OLDER
(40-60 Male)  Character.  Senior partner of Policeman Younger.  Good with accents, especially New York and foreign.

POLICEMAN YOUNGER
(20-40 Either)  Subordinate to Policeman Older.  More polished and educated, but respectful.

SUPER
(35-45 Male)  Physically fit.  Costumed and masked.  Moves jaw to synch with reverb V.O.

COLONEL
(40-60 Either)  Character.  Career military.

REPORTER
(20+ Either)  Character.  TV reporter.

BOY OLDER
(6-10 Male)  Typical older brother.

BOY YOUNGER
(4-8 Male)  Typical younger brother.