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Posted 4-15-11

Forward Theater's rehearsals for its upcoming comedy Moonlight and Magnolias, about the writing and re-writing of the epic film Gone with the Wind, began last week. Moonlight and Magnolias will run April 28th – May 15th in the Playhouse at Overture Center. Check out these photos from our first rehearsal and learn a bit more about this “clash of titanic egos that’s both hilarious and entertaining.”

The cast, production crew, and invited guests gathered for FTC’s first rehearsal of Ron Hutchinson’s comedy Moonlight and Magnolias. 

Legendary producer David O. Selznick has shut down production of his new epic, Gone with the Wind, dissatisfied with the adaptation of Margaret Mitchell’s 800-page book. In desperation he locks himself in his office with screenwriter Ben Hecht and director Victor Fleming, determined to fix the script.

Act One, Scene One
The lights rise on an office on a Hollywood studio lot in 1939.  It’s the office of legendary producer David O. Selznick.  Selznick looks as if he’s just had some very bad news –

SELZNICK:  You didn’t read it?
BEN HECHT:  No.
SELZNICK:  You didn’t read it?
BEN HECHT:  No. (Selznick thinks for a moment, tries again)
SELZNICK:  You didn’t read the book?
BEN HECHT:  No.
SELZNICK:  You know what book I’m talking about?
BEN HECHT:  Yes.
SELZNICK:  This book?  (He grabs a thick volume of Gone with the Wind from a shelf)
BEN HECHT:  I didn’t read it.
SELZNICK:  Then what are you doing here?
BEN HECHT:  You said you needed me.
SELZNICK:  I need you to read the book.
BEN HECHT:  Okay – (takes the book, curls up in the armchair, as if settling down for a long read.)
SELZNICK:  What are you doing?
BEN HECHT:  Reading the book.
SELZNICK:  You’re reading the book?
BEN HECHT:  Yes.
SELNICK:  You don’t have time to read the book.

From left:  Mark Ulrich, who plays producer David O. Selznick; FTC advisory company member Celia Klehr; Jim Buske, who plays director Victor Fleming; Colleen Burns, who portrays Ms. Poppenghul; and Michael Herold who plays  screenwriter Ben Hecht. On a break, they enjoyed the first of many, many bananas and peanuts!

SELZNICK:  I want bananas, lots of bananas, peanuts, get me peanuts.

From left:  FTC artistic director and Moonlight and Magnolias director Jen Uphoff Gray, actor Mark Ulrich, FTC director of communication Gwendolyn Rice, and actors Jim Buske and Michael Herold.

VICTOR FLEMING:  You know what the odds are against this movie, even if you don’t kill Hecht before he’s done.
SELZNICK:  I’ll remind you you said that -- when you pick up your Oscar.
VICTOR FLEMING:  So that’s why we’re being put through this? (He cradles an imaginary Oscar)
SELZNICK:  Feel pretty good wouldn’t it – having that little fella on your desk?

From left:  actor Mark Ulrich, invited guests, and actor Jim Buske

SELZNICK:  I need this, guys.  I need it. You have no idea how bad I need it.  My father-in-law is just waiting for me to fall on my ass. He told Irene, “Keep away from that schnook.  He’ll be a bum, just like his old man.”  (He’s naked, desperate).  Give me a hit, fellas.  A hit.

Sasha Augustine talked about the inspiration for her set design.

“David O. Selznick is a powerhouse, and the look of the set (his office) is meant to convey his power and status through its strong lines and wood paneling -- giving it an air of masculine luxury.  The interior is circular with no corners.  The characters are locked in there . . . there’s nowhere for them to go . . .and no corners for them the hide in.  And, the warm wood colors are intended to make the space feel confined and hot.”

Ann Archbold’s lighting design will support the time of day the scenes are taking place. Outdoor lighting will come in through the large window by Selznick’s desk, and there will be lighting on the stage itself.  She’s looking to the bold colors of the California sky for inspiration as well as burning skies that will echo the burning of Atlanta in Gone with the Wind.