Directing a world premier production can be quite a challenge, especially if the script involves heavy emotion and a bit of energy as the world premiere of Expecting to Fly will bring to the stage at The Elephant Space beginning Jan. 21.
“We were fortunate to have our sets built over the Christmas break, so we got to rehearse on the actual sets,” Scholl said. “That’s critical in this high-energy piece.”
The two-man, one- act play was written by Michael Hyman, who participated in the theatrical rewrites during rehearsals. Expecting to Fly is a dark, sometimes humorous, journey through the young minds and memories of Jared (played by Justin Mortelliti) and his former lover, Sean (played by Casey Kringlen). The two men look back on their time together trying to find what was lost and come to terms with their separation. It’s a film that speaks to all audiences and can mean many different things to people.
“This is not the typical living room drama/comedy that we see so often,” Scholl said. “This is a genuine love story…a story about two people…a story about life’s decisions.”
That posed some initial challenges, because Scholl didn’t want the play to mimic other types of productions. “I didn’t want this to be a stereotypical play. This is, first and foremost, a love story…we had to discover how to tell a love story between two people in a very special way…I think we accomplished that.”
Expecting to Fly is a raw look at love and separation that demands an intense emotional commitment from the actors that releases their inner feelings as they draw the audience into their journey.
“It’s a very physical play,” Scholl said. “It’s a story that has universal appeal. It’s not just about Jared and Sean; it can be about people we know…everyone can relate to what’s happening on stage.”
“When I signed on to do this play, I explained to the playwright that I wanted it to be very physical…with lots of action,” he said. “We accomplished that with some incredibly dynamic staging…and two very physical actors.”
Choosing the right actors was essential to communicate Hyman’s true intent, so Scholl said they paid close attention to personal interaction between the actors who auditioned.
“From the first audition and through the call backs, we just sensed a special chemistry between (Mortelliti and Kringlen)…we’ve watched the chemistry between them mix and actually effect the other…It is great!”
Expecting to Fly has preview performances beginning Jan 21. Opening night is Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. and will play through March 4. For tickets, visit www.plays411/fly or call (323) 960-5772.