Playwright
Maggie was raised in Independence, Missouri. Maggie "escaped to New York after graduating from Southwest Missouri State University." Among several exciting escapades, Maggie was the Director of Children's Theatre at the Manhattan Theatre Club. At the New York Association for the Blind, she taught acting to all age groups and directed several of the Lighthouse Players productions, including Little Foxes. She also performed for three years with Time & Space, Ltd., an Off-Off Broadway repertory company. She has performed in over 250 commercials, and appeared on various television shows including "Barney Miller,"" Dallas," and "Highway to Heaven.." " Sophisticated Nuts and Dried Fruit" was her first script, written 18 years ago. Written originally as an audition piece for friends, the piece was expanded, and produced in Los Angeles as three, one act plays. Maggie's other works include "Pat the Cat's Last Fling," "Country Songbird with Wife," and the screen plays "Deadly Amusements," and "The Love Babe," all co-authored by Kenn Salmon.

Sophisticated Nuts and Dried Fruit

LAST ON BOARD ON THE BOARDS OF THE HARRY HOPE

"Sophisticated Nuts and Dried Fruit" written by Hollywood playwright Maggie Brown will be presented as the last fun offering of the Harry Hope Spring 2001 season on May 11th through 13th; Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 pm with a Sunday matinee at 2 pm. Playwright Maggie Brown will be coming to ECSU from California to see the Harry Hope Theatre production of "Sophisticated Nuts and Dried Fruit" along with Harry Hope Theatre patrons Susan and Kent McCray. Two years ago, successful Hollywood Casting Director/Producer Susan McCray established a special Theatre fund to benefit ECSU students who aspire to careers in the field. Susan McCray facilitated the guest residency of Henry Darrow at ECSU in March and has made this production possible by introducing the playwright and her play to the ECSU Theatre program.

"Sophisticated Nuts and Dried Fruit" is being directed collaboratively by ECSU Advanced Directing students - Renata Almeida, Adam Brandt, Ryan Cassell, Phil Dias, Ole Hermanson and Dan Whelton. Jesse Gumpert is acting as a teaching assistant to Director of Theatre Ellen Brodie and liaison director for this show. Technical Director Bob Ritz is coordinating all backstage work.Sabrina Notarfrancisco is the costumer who will outfit the characters fancifully in 1970's garb. Lighting Designer Deb Siegel along with Shawn Wysocki and Sound Designers Ole Hermanson and Joanne Terragna will help create the in flight airplane ambiance.

In addition to the show, the McCrays will be visiting the campus earlier in the week and participating in "Conversation With... Susan and Kent McCray with Stan Ivar" on Monday, May 7th at 3 pm in Webb 110. They will speak with students et al about work in TV and film from the perspective of producer, casting director and actor. For show tickets, please call the Harry Hope Box Office at (860) 465-5123. For more information regarding the show and/or the McCray question/answer session, please call Ellen Brodie at (860) 465-5122.