Scene One presents tales of two grieving friends

Jerico Whitaker, left, and Mark Wegman work on a scene involving their characters Ty and Ronny during a recent rehearsal for the upcoming Scene One Theatre production of "The Upper Hand."
Jerico Whitaker, left, and Mark Wegman work on a scene involving their characters Ty and Ronny during a recent rehearsal for the upcoming Scene One Theatre production of "The Upper Hand."

An original play written by Mark Wegman is the current show produced by Scene One Theatre in Jefferson City.

At a glance

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The drama is about the lives of two lifelong friends dealing with the third anniversary of their wives' deaths in an auto accident. The plot deals with the issues of the wreck and how the friends have dealt with it in the past three years and at present.

The show deals with adult themes, and Wegman said parents should judge what ages might enjoy the play.

"I don't know where the idea came from to write this play, but I sat down one day in 2013 and it just started to come to me," Wegman said.

Wegman is directing the show in addition to playing a role.

"It is interesting to put on three hats for this show. I see something as a writer and then when I am on stage I feel things that need to be changed as an actor and director. It allows me as an author to tweak the show constantly to get what I want," Wegman said.

Wegman's wife, Tracy, is also helping by watching rehearsals to to deal with blocking and how the characters appear on stage.

"Audiences who saw my first original play "The Day Smokey Died: A Memoir of a Bookmobile Driver," will see a big difference. This show is definitely a drama and deals with deeper issues," Wegman noted.

Wegman said it is exciting to be a part of something original and to see the play come together.

The other actor appearing with Wegman is Jerico Whitaker.

"Jerico is a wonderful person to work with. He is very dedicated to this project," Wegman said.

This play replaces "Short Attention Span," which was originally scheduled in this time slot.

Wegman said when he began Scene One Theatre, the idea was to offer authors the forum to show original works.

"Scene One Theatre is pleased to bring this original play to local audiences. I encourage anyone who would like to submit a play to contact the theatre at the ticket line and I will talk with them about producing an original play," Wegman said.

What: "The Upper Hand," presented by Scene One Theatre.

Where: 121 E. High St. in Jefferson City

When: 7:30 p.m. March 19-21 and 26-28

Tickets: $10 available at 573-635-6713.