Playwright Benjamin Schmitz of Thief River Falls saw his play come to life for the first time at one of the largest fringe festivals in North America.
When he showed one of his plays to dramaturge Nancy Drake in February, he got a lot more than critiques.
"Nancy Drake read it and wanted to direct it right away," Schmitz said. "I was actually kind of shocked. It wasn't anything I expected to happen."
They started casting the play in May, and now, seven experienced actors from the United States and Canada, are performing Schmitz's "The Soaring Height of Marshall Malone" at the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival.
The play is a dark comedy about a 17-year-old boy who has grown up believing he is an eagle. While his mother fully supports him in his eagle-hood, a visit from Malone's grandfather changes everything. With comical twists and turns, Malone's parents realize they may have let their son's imagination run wild too long.
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Several actors from the Canadian Actors' Equity Association bring Schmitz's play to life for the first time ever. His plays have been read at workshops and small theaters, but this is his first full production.
"It's such an honor to have such a talented cast," he said. "There isn't anyone famous per say, but the number of people they've worked with is incredible."
Drake, the director, worked with Renee Zellweger and Harry Connick Jr. when she played Flo in "New in Town." Actor and producer Jeff Singer, who plays Malone's father, has produced Lifetime movies and worked with many famous actors such as Robin Williams.
Schmitz said there is also another playwright, Muriel Hogue of Winnipeg, acting in his play, which Schmitz considers a huge honor.
His play will be performed a total of eight times throughout the Winnipeg Fringe Theatre Festival. There are two performances left, 7:15 tonight and 4 p.m. Sunday.
His play is just one of 169 plays being performed at 32 different venues during the 12-day festival, which is the second largest fringe festival in North America.
Schmitz said people don't think of Winnipeg for its arts, but it's a wonderful resource for developing one's craft.
Maki covers Arts & Entertainment and Life & Style for the Herald and can be reached at (701) 780-1122, (800) 477-6572, ext. 1122; or jmaki@gfherald.com .
