Black Box Theater

Mansfield, MA January 10, 2007—The Mansfield Music and Arts Society is pleased to announce the production of a body of short works by Quincy-based playwright John Shanahan.

Consisting of three one-act pieces, the production will showcase some of Shanahan’s finest early work, including “The Worst Possible Time for Writer’s Block,” directed by Rachel Fisher-Parkman, in which Peter (Jim Martin) is dying. All he wants to do is write one more poem. But the clock is ticking, and it doesn't help that a Minion of Death (Jon Warriner) is in the corner, being a smartass. Will Peter find one last poem? Can his sister (Jennifer Mischley) bargain with death for more time?  “Brushstroke” is directed by Ken Butler and features Alice Springer as an artist who is one brushstroke away from completing her masterpiece, and Kelly Warriner as the friend who tries to help her understand why she can’t quite finish the painting.  The final piece is the multi-award-winning comedy “Bob’s Date,” in which Bob--who's not actually in the play--is going on his first date in two years. His internal attributes--Nerves, Logic, Libido, Confidence, and Bull--rally to prepare for the night. But when a love-at-first-sight moment awakens Emotion, she and Memory threaten to throw the night into chaos.  Directed by Ken Butler, it features Jim Martin, Bob Emery, Jay Silvi, Kevin Mischley, Mickey White, Rachel Fisher-Parkman and Kelly Warriner. 

The production will run February 16, 17, 23 and 24 at 8pm, and February 18 at 2pm.  Ticket prices are $18 for general admission, $16 for seniors, and $15 for students.  The playwright has generously allowed MMAS to produce this series of short works royalty-free, meaning that 100% of the proceeds benefit the society and the Blackbox Theater. Due to adult subject matter, these shows are not recommended for children under the age of 15.

For further information, contact Ken Butler at 508-339-2822 or Ken@mmas.org