A Note from the Director
Welcome to Popcorn Falls!
This play has become very special to me in such a short time. Not only is it my directing debut in our local MA theatre scene, but this process also started from a very special place in my heart. When I read it for the first time, I was reminded of when I was younger and my grandmother would take me to see these theatre-for-young-audience plays where the set-up was similar to that of Popcorn Falls: two actors playing multiple parts (one playing Cinderella or Robin Hood and the other playing all the other characters) in front of a simple set. They were so fun to watch and left such a mark on me that I was able to thoroughly enjoy my first read of Popcorn Falls. So when applications for the Beverly Fringe Festival came around, I knew that this was the perfect play to propose. A low tech, actor-driven comedy with a heartwarming story? Sign me up!
I love theatre about theatre, and Popcorn Falls is a beautiful tribute to all aspects of theatre: the obstacles, the triumphs, the impact a show can have on others, and above all the creation of a unique experience for all involved that will never happen again. I've been performing and working for many different community theatres in recent years, and Popcorn Falls is a loving tribute to community theatres and other low-funded theatrical groups who make the best out of what they have, which is often just as good as any professional-level show you can find in Massachusetts.
But I would be remiss if I didn't mention that Popcorn Falls is also very much a tribute to small town life. All who worked on this are great fans of small-town media like Parks and Recreation and Schitt’s Creek — shows that poke fun at a small town and its eccentric inhabitants, but also show the gift of having a group of people around you to help when times are tough. Even when you think all hope is lost, think again: there's always someone there to help you see things in a different light and fight the battle alongside you.
I am so endlessly grateful to all members of Team Popcorn and BevFringe for helping put this crazy and amazing show together in such a short amount of time. To you, the person reading this: get ready to laugh, and enjoy your stay in Popcorn Falls!
~ Michael Gravante
