As a self-proclaimed creative-aholic, I’ve learned that juggling multiple projects can be both exhilarating and exhausting. It’s a balancing act of momentum and chaos, but there’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a long-dormant idea come to life. Last night, that thrill hit me full force during the first rehearsal of The Maurine & Maurice Show—an immersive mob comedy featuring an eclectic ensemble cast of characters.
This journey began many years ago, back in the haze of COVID-19. Like so many of us, I found myself with time to spare and a need to channel my creative energy. Before the pandemic, The Maurine & Maurice Show was just an idea—one born from observing the growing demand for immersive experiences in New York’s tourism industry. But with the world on pause, I seized the opportunity to write the first draft and even hosted a Zoom reading. It wasn’t the fully realized vision I’d hoped for, but the actors’ performances and the story’s potential lit a fire in me.
Then life resumed its relentless pace, and the project was shelved. Creative-aholism is a double-edged sword; while it keeps the juices flowing, it can also mean that some projects get sidelined as others take center stage.
Fast forward to summer 2024, when everything changed. I joined an actors' collective—a creative gym where members bring in work they want to develop. It felt like the perfect moment to dust off The Maurine & Maurice Show. Hearing it read live again rekindled my passion for the project, and the collective became the ideal space to iron out its kinks.
Last night, at the Dramatists Guild Foundation (DGF), we held the first full read-through since COVID. The DGF provides playwrights with free space for readings and rehearsals, a blessing for artists navigating the financial hurdles of creation. I cast the play easily, thanks to the talented actors in the collective, and they knocked it out of the park.
The Maurine & Maurice Show is a scripted-unscripted hybrid, with about 10% of the performance improvised to keep the energy fresh and spontaneous. The actors leaned into this with remarkable enthusiasm, bringing the script—and its moments of humor—to life in ways I could only dream of. Hearing them laugh at the lines I’d agonized over reminded me why I love this art form. Sharing your work is always a little terrifying—will they like it? Will they laugh where they’re supposed to? But the room was alive with energy, and I left with a deep sense of validation.
We have two more rehearsals this month, and then, fingers crossed, a public reading in mid-to-late February. Finding a venue is my top priority this week, though it’s one more task on an already packed plate. Between this project, auditions, my book launch, and everyday life, I’m busier than ever—but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
2025 is off to an incredible start. Two big auditions in January, a supportive creative community, and the chance to revive a dream project like The Maurine & Maurice Show. It hasn’t been an easy journey—I’ve faced fears, doubts, and the inevitable moments of crashing and burning. But those challenges have only made this moment sweeter.
Now, it’s time to fly.
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