Scene One Theatre in Jefferson City is presenting the drama "Grounded" by George Brant.
This is a one-woman show about an F-16 fighter pilot whose career in the sky is ended by an unexpected pregnancy. She is reassigned to fly remote-controlled drones in Afghanistan from a small, windowless trailer near Las Vegas. The story is about the conflict of the woman hunting terrorists by day and going home to her family at night.
Director Mark Miles said he read the play and knew immediately it would perfectly fit the Scene One venue. He gave the play to executive director Mark Wegman, who also was impressed with the play and its theme.
Megan Wadley holds the stage with a monologue and uses the audience as her confidants. Throughout the monologue she addresses her husband, daughter, commander and various other characters.
The play is done on an eight-foot platform with a chair and a few other pieces as the set. Miles has done all of the technical work for the play including set, lights and sound.
"The show is a challenge for an actress and requires that she be at her peak," Mile said.
It is done without intermission, which also makes the production challenging.
Wadley said she has never done a one-person show.
"Once I start it just happens. You don't have time to think about it. You just do it," she said.
Memorizing was hard because she is used to getting cues from other actors, and this helps to put the lines in her mind.
"Once I began it got easier," Wadley said.
"The script was awesome and this influenced my decision to accept the role. It is so relevant for today and the character is so strong," she said.
Her pilot's uniform is a great part of her character.
"To be a female F-16 pilot is so difficult. It takes so much work and strength. The flight suit is such a part of her character and is her life," Wadley said.
"The show is definitely adult in language and content. The pilot does drop the "F" bomb quite a bit and is frank about relationships. Parents can decide what age is suitable for attendance," Miles said.
IF YOU GO
What: "Grounded" presented by Scene One Theatre.
When: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 27-29 and Sept. 3-5
Where: 121 E. High St. in Jefferson City
Tickets: $10 at 573-635-6713 or www.sceneonetheatre.com