Wetumpka Depot Players, which is becoming known for championing new work, will present a “test production” of a new comedy by Kenneth Jones, who wrote “Alabama Story.”
“Ten Minutes On a Bench,” a comedy about a match-making app that has singles meet each other for a chat on a park bench, will be presented Aug. 8, 9, 10 and 16 at 7 p.m. at the Depot.
“It’s been a summer of celebrating new work at the Depot. When looking for a ‘season extra’ for our artists and patrons, it was easy call to turn to Kenneth Jones,” says Kristy Meanor, artistic director of Wetumpka Depot Players. “I’d been reading about the development of his new play, ‘Ten Minutes On a Bench,’ and it lined up to be a perfect fit. Since the piece is a series of two-handers, it worked well for busy summer schedules. The theme is relevant, staging is simple and the chance to work with Kenneth again was appealing. We kicked off our 2023 season with his ‘Hollywood, Nebraska’ and appreciated not only the fantastic play but also working with Kenneth. We are equally excited to be a part of the early production history for this new work.”
Under Tony Davison’s direction, the Wetumpka cast includes Renee Lewis, Jean Webb, Sydney Burdette, Laura Smith, Seth Maggard, Todd Tasseff, Isaac Garrison and James Ward.
Jones is pleased the Wetumpka theater is producing his work.
“I’m thrilled that Wetumpka Depot Players will be presenting this test production of my new comedy in a part of the country that’s been so hospitable to my other plays,” Jones says. “Wetumpka Depot presented the world premiere of my comedy ‘Hollywood, Nebraska,’ and this play shares some of the DNA of that script; it has elements of romantic comedy that will make you feel good.”
In addition to “Hollywood, Nebraska,” other new plays Wetumpka Depot Players has produced have included “A Storm Came Up” and, most recently, “Hooray for Harry Wood.”
Jones’ “Alabama Story” had its first reading at Alabama Shakespeare Festival’s Southern Writers Festival and has seen full productions at ASF and Red Mountain Theatre, with others planned for Southeast Alabama Community Theatre and Theatre Huntsville. Red Mountain recently produced Jones’ “Two Henrys.”
“Ten Minutes On a Bench,” at Wetumpka Depot Players Aug. 8,9, 10 and 16.
