F.J. Hartland’s “For the Record…” and TK Tansey’s “The Next Thing”

Poster for Beginnings Short Play Showcase

“For the Record…” tells the story of an estranged father and son who reconnect through their mutual love of their wife/mother.

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The cast and director of “For the Record…,” from left to right: Mercer Bristow as Arlo, Brandon Smith as Spencer, and me as director
Arlo (Mercer Bristow) surprises his estranged son Spencer (Brandon Smith) by arriving after a show
Spencer (Brandon Smith) recalls feeling like he never lived up to Arlo’s (Mercer Bristow) expectations as a son
Arlo (Mercer Bristow) shares memories with Spencer (Brandon Smith)

“The Next Thing” explores big questions about the afterlife, death, existence, meaning, etc. as a recently deceased character moves through the afterlife’s waiting room.

Cast, director, and playwright of “The Next Thing,” from left to right: TK Tansey the playwright, Tara Caimi as Jaime, me as Gene and the director, and Rod Egan as Morgan
Morgan (Rod Egan) trying to orient Jaime (Tara Caimi) to her new existence
Jaime (Tara Caimi) trying to work out what’s going on, with Morgan (Rod Egan) in the background
Gene (me) explains his philosophy to Jaime (Tara Campbell), with Morgan (Rod Egan) in the background