News Summary
The LAB Theater Project introduces ‘Green Cheese,’ a dark comedy by Guy R. Newsham set in Tampa. This gripping play explores friendship, job stakes, and a competitive game of Trivial Pursuit, showcasing the tension that arises when personal and professional lives collide. As Olive faces a challenging decision regarding her husband’s employment, audiences are invited to experience the dynamics of camaraderie under pressure. With insights on evolving relationships, ‘Green Cheese’ promises to be a night full of humor and reflection in Tampa’s vibrant arts scene.
Tampa Takes Center Stage with New Dark Comedy ‘Green Cheese’
Tampa is buzzing with excitement as the LAB Theater Project brings to life a brand-new dark comedy titled Green Cheese. Written by playwright Guy R. Newsham, this thrilling play dives deep into the intricacies of friendship, job stakes, and a bit of humorous drama—all tied together by the ever-competitive game of Trivial Pursuit.
Meet the Characters
At the heart of Green Cheese are two long-time buddies, Phil and Mike, along with their wives, Olive and Nora. The quartet finds themselves wrapped up in a game night that carries significantly more weight than your average trivia throwdown. Olive, who just happens to be Phil’s wife and the CEO of their tech company, faces a tough decision ahead. With the company in dire straits, she’s been put in the unpredictable position of having to let one of the two men go. And how does she plan to decide who gets the boot? You guessed it—via the results of their Trivial Pursuit game!
Setting the Scene
The play kicks off with a nail-biting moment: Nora is about to roll the dice, tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Audiences will find themselves perched on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating not only who will make it through this makeshift selection process but also how the dynamics of friendship will play out under such pressure and a sprinkle of humor.
A Play of the Times
Newsham, who calls Ottawa home despite hailing from England, draws inspiration from his own experiences with online gaming and reflects on how friendships evolve as time marches on. One central theme that unfolds throughout the play is whether these friends would even recognize each other if they were to meet for the first time today—definitely something to ponder as we navigate our own complex relationships.
Comedy Meets Reality
The world of reality television often serves as a backdrop to Green Cheese, with Newsham cleverly weaving in commentary about the absurdity of certain shows—especially when they start involving public job terminations. The humor that underlines the high-stakes drama is sure to have audiences chuckling while considering the serious undertones that the play presents.
The Vision Behind the Production
Under the meticulous guidance of director Katie Calahan and producer Owen Robertson, Newsham has successfully collaborated with the production team through Zoom sessions filled with table reads and script refinements. This has become a new norm for playwrights navigating the theater world, especially when working with teams across different locations. LAB Theater Project is well-known for specializing in fresh, original works, making Green Cheese an ideal fit for their lineup.
Getting It on Stage
With over 100 productions of his works featured globally, Newsham is no stranger to the theater scene, but the opportunity with LAB is especially exhilarating given the highly competitive nature of the industry. With a low acceptance rate for new works, getting selected is no small feat—it’s a testament to the creativity and innovation behind the piece.
Don’t Miss Out!
If you’re intrigued by a mix of humor and the examination of friendship under duress, Green Cheese is an event not to be missed. To grab your tickets and learn more about this exciting new production, simply visit the theater’s website. It promises to be a night of heartfelt reflection and hearty laughs as Tampa welcomes the latest theatrical masterpiece to its vibrant arts scene.
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