Finally

I'm going to go only slightly out on a limb here and declare that there WILL be a stage version of Whit's life and death at USP Terre Haute this summer. I have connected with a production company in Cincinnati - Unity Productions - who are committed to writing an entirely new script and having it on stage by this summer. Jon Kovach, the founder, and I have agreed on the basic direction and approach, and I am very excited about the experience, understanding and enthusiasm and commitment he brings to this project. Stay tuned; you're all invited to the performances.

Also, I see many new visitors to this, Whit's blog. I do strongly encourage first-timers to actually read all of Whit's entries, beginning in November 2008. I know, it's a bit cumbersome, but worth it. The best way is to click on the arrow next to 2008 so that it points down, then click on November and read those first entries (scroll to the bottom and read up), then same thing with December. Then drop the 2009 arrow down and open up the months in order. Whit's own last entry was "Crap Week, Pt. 3", posted by me on March 25, 2009 (Whit hand wrote all his entries and mailed them to me for posting, he had no computer). We lost him in the early morning hours of April 4, six days before his 25th birthday. Posts beginning with April 2009 are mine, mostly of words spoken at Whit's memorial service.

As a reminder, in case you haven't seen the post, I am happy to send anyone a PDF version of the blog including Whit's entries only, in chronological order to make it easier to read. You are welcome to share that with anyone you like, just bear in mind that republication in a commercial context isn't allowed.

Jeff
Whit's Dad

Edited 3/19/14

The play will be performed in Cincinnati over several nights between around May 27 and June 8, 2014. It's really happening! Please contact me for more details.

Progress. I think.

It's been a couple of years of fits and starts, hopes and disappointments, but I'm happy to report that there is positive movement. A fine, relatively new, socially conscious production company in Cincinnati has stated their commitment to producing the play, and is currently going over the script to suggest alterations they'd like the author to make so that it better fits their vision. To quote Twain, "There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist, except an old optimist", and this won't actually get off the ground if the author and the production company don't get along, so I'm not counting chickens here, but - once again - there's reason enough for hope at least.

Also a statistical tidbit for Whit's blog:

  

Four years ago today

This is for Whit. He and I had promised to go to Scotland together when he came home. Last year I finally managed to go, without him.

Do you have any theater contacts? Or know someone who knows someone? Repertory companies, college/university drama departments, community theater, anything, anywhere, in or out of the country. Let me know, I'll send you the script of the play written about Whit's life and death, or send it to whomever you think should receive it. Feel to PM me also.

Gerry has officially "made it"!

This intro is unnecessary for those closest to me, but those others of you who have read Whit's blog may remember "Tiny," his only true friend at Terre Haute. His name is Gerald Duggan, and he was released a couple of years ago. In the meantime Gerry has become a close friend to me and a good friend to others in Cincinnati and elsewhere who have gotten to know him in the aftermath of Whit's passing.  Following his Associate's degree from Sinclair Community College last spring, Gerry has just received certification from the OCDP board as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant. He's currently working on his Bachelor's degree. I can't tell you how proud I am of Gerry. I know Whit is smiling too.

(No) Workshop

There will be no workshop in January. Given how well (that's an understatement) the reading was received last April, I had really hoped that it would be a straight line to the workshop, but I'm afraid it's not so. We're back to looking for a theater outside of Cincinnati to pick the piece up. I'd rather not talk about what led to this situation here on Whit's blog, but PMs are welcome if you'd like to know.

Jeff