BEHIND THE CURTAIN: A Q&A with Maureen Brady Johnson
What sparked the idea for this play?
This play was written about the time that the Beatles came to Cleveland (1960's and 70's) and their fans slept outside the hotel where the Beatles were staying.
If you had to describe this play in three words, what would they be?
Entertaining. Meaningful and it has Heart.
Which character was the most fun to write and why?
Cynthia. She is The Leader of the Pack. ( And I named each of the girls after the girlfriends of the Beatles at that time. She introduces almost all of the conflict that drives the characters.)
Is there a moment in the play you especially love seeing in rehearsal or performance?
The Coffee cup spiked with mouthwash.
What do actors seem to enjoy most about performing this show?
The actresses enjoy wearing clothes from the 1970's and going back in time to really enjoy and understand Beatlemania.
What’s something directors should know before staging this play?
In staging this play, a lot of the FUN depends on props and costumes of the '60's and 70's.
What was the biggest challenge in writing this play?
I had to research the Beatles and go back in time to set up the mood of the play.
What do you hope audiences walk away feeling?
The audiences will walk down memory lane...and laugh at the 4 girls as they relive it.
Just for fun: If this play came with a warning label, what would it say?
Warning: If you watch this play you will take a trip in time and may even get BEATLEMANIA.
Anything else you’d like to share with theatres considering this play?
Audiences walk away laughing...and shaking their heads about the effects of Beatlemania. And you can't go wrong with an award-winning play that was produced in Liverpool, England as the only play from America in the theatrical event TICKET TO WRITE.