EXIT Stage Left

This is the story of an off-Broadway show and the trials and tribulations that the cast and crew survive in order to get the doors open. In many ways this is the story of Ronny Simons, who, as the director of the play is forced to keep the various personalities, problems and power-struggles from overwhelming the chance at crafting a quality production.

Ronny while known for his stagecraft, left Broadway over two years ago to pursue television directing (failing miserably and responsible for three trashed pilots this year alone), he has been called back to Broadway (or a close approximation thereof) to save the production of A Wonderful World for The Lowry Theater Company.

The acclaimed novelist Tim Haggard, is struggling to become the playwright Tim Haggard, by turning one of his award-winning worst-sellers into the aforementioned play. Still having problems with the last act, Tim has ideas of his own on how the play should be run, unfortunately he has no clue what it takes to make a show stand up on its own. For that we turn to the young, yet incredibly proficient stage manager, Jill Baynor. Having grown up in and around The Lowry Theater Company, she represents the can do attitude that is desperately needed to keep a show like this running. As a 20% owner in her grandfather's theater, she takes the business very seriously and along with Courtney Nguyen, the company's set dresser and wardrobe specialist, they struggle to maintain peace, keep the rehearsals running on time and help out whenever possible.

Unfortunately for Ronny, the Tony-nominated (it was stolen, all politics, just ask her) Terry Nichols, has garnered enough of a name for herself, that the investors have bankrolled the production, as long as she was attached. An actress with a very unique perspective on how to play a role (she only memorizes her lines, never reads the story and performs on instinct), it turns out that Terry was a bit player a few years back on one of Ronny's shows, smitten and unable to share her "love" for him (not that he ever noticed), she is here for one reason and one reason alone, fate has reached out and given her the ever elusive, second chance.

With the remaining actors Charlie, Roger and the ingenue Ava waiting in the wings, the director's right-hand assistant (the lovely Mara Lansing) standing by, EXIT Stage Left is a story told from many perspectives, the least of which, being through the lens of NYU documentary filmmaker Pam William, as she attempts to follow the making of, the making of the production.

Confused? We understand, but think of it this way.

EXIT Stage left is a look at the men and women behind the curtain, from the auditions to opening night, a series with a bit for everyone, comedy, drama and touch of madness all coming from the stages of The Lowry Theater Company.

C'mon in, we have your ticket right here!