Neil Labute’s play “Fat Pig” wittily asks the provocative question, “Does size really matter?”

Tied to that question is a deeper, more powerful question, “How many of your life decisions will be driven by what other people think?”

“Fat Pig” is a must-see this week at 8 p.m., Thursday, June 16, Friday, June 17, and Saturday, June 18, at M.T. Pockets Theatre Company, at the theatre’s new location, 203 Parsons St., Morgantown (the former Woodburn School, near Charles and Richwood avenues).

The play, directed by Tawyna Drake, stars Rion Hammond as Tom, Mara Monaghan as Helen, Tracy Lynch as Jeannie, and John Johnson as Carter. The show was also made possible by Nicki Davis, assistant director; David Beach and Sean Marko, directing consultants; Seret Cole, stage manager/props master; and, Bobby Wolfe and Jeff Ludwig, set construction. (I personally want to thank Vicki Trickett, producing artistic director, for her organizational skills ensuring a thriving M.T. Pockets Theatre. Vicki saw me taking notes at the June 10 opening and asked me to write this review.)

I thoroughly enjoyed attending the play's June 10 opening in Morgantown.

I’m a huge fan of Labute’s “The Shape of Things.” “Fat Pig” followed similar themes regarding society, appearance, superficiality, personal courage (or lack thereof), etc.

“Fat Pig” has plenty of conflict, both personal (inner conflict) and interpersonal (among the coworkers), to keep audiences engaged.

Labute’s play centers on the character Tom and his relationship with Helen. Tom’s co-workers, particularly his co-worker buddy, Carter, judge the relationship harshly, telling Tom he’s “too good” for Helen. The play makes us wonder, however, whether it is actually Helen who is too good for Tom!

Thankfully, Labute offers us not caricatures, but well-developed characters with varied motivations. The audience gets to know Labute’s characters intimately; thus, we’re never lost as the plot develops.

Although dealing with a difficult subject, “Fat Pig” offers the correct amount of humor, with references to Helen of Troy, etc. (I won’t give any more away, you MUST see the play!) The humor goes a long way in keeping the play from getting too serious or bogged down in philosophy.

I’m usually able to guess what happens in plays, but I’m thrilled to say I wasn’t able to guess the outcome of “Fat Pig”! Audiences will be aware of at least two possibilities, but they will not be able to guess what will happen. Labute leaves us guessing until the powerful ending. Audiences will be left debating the final scene and the characters’ actions (which is a good thing for a play).

One thing is certain:

You will FEEL SOMETHING when you see this engaging play.

When he’s not being kidnapped by aliens, THEODORE WEBB promotes writing, poetry, theatre and the arts in the community of Morgantown, West Virginia. Webb’s stage comedy, “Zombie Texts from the Future,” premiered October 2014 in Morgantown. Webb is a co-founding member of Morgantown Poets. Webb’s poem, "America in Dreams" was published in Pine Mountain Sand & Gravel (summer 2007) and his “Spirit Horse” was nominated for a Pushcart Prize after appearing in amomancies (Nov. 2014). The author spent most of his childhood in Appalachia. He is author of the novella, “The STARLING Connection,” and short stories, "Family Hour" ("The 3rd Era Stories"), "Desperate Engine" ("The Fred Caliber Stories") and “Is Freedom on the Menu?” (Diner Stories anthology, Mountain State Press) which are available via Amazon.com. Webb blogs at http://www.theodorewebb.com. Like his author page at http://www.facebook.com/theodorewebbauthor and follow him on Twitter @theodoretedwebb.
 

Cheryl Strayed's memoir, "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail" is gripping in its honesty.

I had the opportunity to read "Wild" cover-to-cover over the Christmas holiday. A friend of our family had left "Wild" on our kitchen table. Having grown up in the mountains with a longtime interest in the Appalachian Trail, the words "Pacific Crest Trail" (which I knew little about) hooked me. Not being able to resist an interesting journey story, I picked "Wild" up & began wildly reading, not setting it down for two straight nights.

Cheryl's writing is exceptionally thoughtful, engaging, authentic & personal. "Wild" kept me awake reading until 3-4 in the morning (it's been awhile since a book has done that to me!) "Wild" is one of those books that once you start reading it, you can't stop until it's finished.

Much has already been said & written about "Wild" (Oprah interviewed / discussed the book with Strayed check out the Youtube video) thus I don't want to re-hash anything too much.

I simply want to let my friends / fellow readers (& hopefully the author Cheryl Strayed, who I don't know personally, but want to thank for writing this wonderful book) know how much I enjoyed "Wild" & recommend it to others.

On the surface, "Wild" chronicles Strayed's journey in her 20s hiking the Pacific Crest Trail from California to Oregon.

However the book is about much, much more than only a long arduous hike.

On a deeper level, "Wild" is about dealing with tough life challenges. These challenges caused Strayed to undertake the soul-searching, grueling hike over the length of California & Oregon, following the loss of her mother.

If I can pick any word to describe "Wild," that word is "honesty." Strayed's honesty in the personal allows her to connect so well with her readers, both women and men alike, young and old.

"Wild" is written in a very open manner & not holding back on the author's thoughts, feelings & key details. The book addresses, as the old saying goes (and something which relates to us all, though some of us may not choose to face), "the good, the bad & the ugly," to get to a deeper truth about our shared humanity, how it feels to be dealing with hard situations during our tumultuous youth & more.

Strayed's sincerity & strong dedication against many odds in the journey to fully face oneself give the book an enduring power.

"Wild" is a special memoir anyone who has ever undertaken such a soul-searching mission, or journey to know & understand one's heart, can relate to. The story that unfolds is about getting to know one's true self, or putting in the hard work to deal with one's life, to "get to the other side," so to speak, as a whole person, spiritually, emotionally and mentally.

On a personal note, I particularly enjoyed the parts of the book that described Crater Lake in Oregon, a place I visited with someone I loved while living in the Pacific Northwest. Much like Strayed's too-heavy backpack represents the carrying of an overwhelming personal burden, the deep lake which rests in the middle of a Cascade mountain / volcanic crater takes on a larger symbolism in "Wild."

"Wild" is enjoyable reading for anyone who loves the outdoors & who respects the truths that being out in wild Nature can give us. Hikers, backpackers, trail runners, bicyclists, swimmers, mountain climbers, and folks who've hiked either / or the Pacific Crest Trail or Appalachian Trail, will find much to savor in "Wild."

The author has shared an excerpt from "Wild" titled "The Ten Thousand Things" on her website (follow link). I encourage folks toread this & see pics/reviews & further information about Cheryl Strayed's memoir.

Thanks to Cheryl Strayed for writing "Wild"!

THEODORE WEBB, a co-founder of Morgantown Poets, actively supports authors of all genres, songwriters, artists and all human beings, in sharing their voices. A poet,  short story writer, and aspiring playwright, Webb is the author of the Dystopian fiction short novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” which represent “The STARLING Series," available for ALL DEVICES VIA the FREE Kindle Reading APP: smartphone, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. All 4 books are also available as 1 volume, "The STARLING Connection." Webb's short stories are online, including "Desperate Engine" (Amazon) & "Family Hour" (Smashwords).

For anyone in denial, or who hasn't been paying attention to the current economic and social conditions in America and the world, you can get up to speed quickly in a two-step process:

1) Read "The Pitchforks are coming... for us Plutocrats" by Nick Hanauer (Politico July/August 2014)

2) Watch the 2013 film "Elysium" written and directed by Neill Blomkamp ("District 9") and starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster.

Humorously addressing his op-ed as a "memo to my fellow zillionaires," Hanaeur shows us how, from a business standpoint, so-called "trickle down economics" is a fundamentally flawed idea. A robust middle class are the true job creators of the economy, not "rich businesspeople," Hanaeur explains in common sense terms:

"The divide between the haves and the have-nots is getting worse, really really fast," Hanauer writes.

Hanauer has a keen sense of history, mentioning how the super-zip "America" of 2014 of ever more unequal national income distribution resembles 18th century aristocratic France. He says folks, particularly the ultra-wealthy in denial, should re-think their beliefs that an "Arab Spring" or other such revolution couldn't happen in the U.S. should the living conditions of the masses reach "a tipping point" from bad to worse.

Which brings us to the second part of my "get-informed" recommendation: Watch "Elysium." As a guy who wrote about the police state, surveillance, inequality, future technologies, etc. in my "STARLING Series," "Elysium" is close to home.

A hard-hitting action thriller set in 2154, "Elysium" has a strong take on dystopia, depicting what happens without fundamental, foundational, across-the-board reform.

Elysium is a space habitat reserved for a relatively small population of ultra wealthy.

Talk about your aristocratic 18th century France projected into 2154: Elysium has ginormous mansions, swimming pools, perfectly manicured lawns with marble statues, robots to cater to your every whim and state-of-the-art health pods that can do all sorts of miraculous cures to many conditions, such as curing leukemia and rebuilding tissue. As a result the citizens of Elysium live very long lives and have a young appearance.

In contrast, the rest of humanity is stuck on Earth, an impoverished over-populated police state.

And don't even think of talking back to the robot cops as Max does, or trying to immigrate to "Elysium." You'll get your arm broken immediately without any due process and your "illegal" Elysium-bound space ship will get blown out of the sky, children notwithstanding. Remember: You and your family are not Elysium "citizens."

Neither the world I wrote in "STARLING" or the world of "Elysium" are worlds we want. It's not "trickle down" ideology that will set us free, but the truth of our connection, that everything is connected.

A policy I recommend is that we, as a society, should examine replacing the fake "minimum wage" with a REAL mandatory across-the-board national standard living wage that can serve as a baseline for the economy and which can tie a real, foundational value to the dollar. (For some ideas on how this can be done, read "There's More to Fixing the Minimum Wage Than Just Raising It" and "Adjusting for Price Inflation Isn't Enough.")

To be clear, no I don't believe that everyone should be paid the same (you hear some people who are likely among those unduly profiting and thus against paying people for their work go crazy with reactionary propaganda "well why don't you just pay people $1,000 an hour?"). No one is suggesting everyone be paid $1,000 an hour. But even those who are against raising the "minimum wage" must admit that there is such a thing as "low-balling." Every business person knows what "low-balling" is. And right now, there is no excuse for "low-balling" your workers to this brutal, obscene extent. This is nothing but taking full advantage of an entire segment of the population's lack of bargaining power. At it's root, this is not "business." It's the same thing as slavery. The so-called "minimum wage" is not a real wage. It is far, far too low. People can't live on it, let alone buy anything beyond the basic necessities, no matter how many hours they work or how many part-time jobs they can manage to string together. The numbers of people in low wage work at this point are so many (and growing) there is no way this "system" can sustain the economy in the long term. The masses will not be able to afford to shop at Wally World. There is a limit. Don't believe liars or Pied Pipers who claim "there are no limits." There are limits to everything.

Friends, the only thing I'm suggesting is that everyone must be paid for their work. Paying people for their work isn't the only thing that needs to be done to make this truly an America that works for everyone. But it's an important, key step that should be part of structural, foundational reform. I believe many problems (many problems not immediately obvious to everyone, from the corrupt criminals at the top getting away with orchestrating the fiasco of the Iraq War to obesity) are rooted in the fake "minimum wage" and modern slavery in America. People stuck in survival mode have no money or means to fight for their rights, or follow what's going on enough to be truly fully involved in their democracy, and I will never support such an evil "system" that keeps this many people down or steals this many opportunities. Such a "system" is insane and against both God and the truth: It takes everyone to keep a nation going. We're all in it together.

Everyone should be paid a real value in return for the real value of their work.

I do not support in any way this current corrupt and artificial crony, phony "economy," and you shouldn't support it either. The big scam and the massive funnel over the country that unduly funnels the wealth of the people into the pockets of a few is costing us all too much. We are losing our freedom, our middle class, our human rights, including our right to privacy. There is no way this is anywhere near a "free market" or real economy that works for everyone (a level playing field with a more even level of equal opportunity) or even a true, legitimate "democratic Republic" when Wally World is as large as it is and in every community everywhere (among other monopolies), numerous banks on every corner even in relatively small towns, young people seeking a college education in debt for decades or the rest of their lives, unable to start businesses or families, the State "bailing out" huge banks and investment houses that gambled with people's money and lost, while writing off poor people and whole cities and regions of the country with no jobs and falling apart, cheap fast food everywhere (likewise the result, vast numbers of obese folks), the vast diversity of jobs and American industry that has been shipped overseas under "free trade agreements" that are only "free" for the people at the top, or 1 in 100 Americans behind bars and billions of dollars flowing into an unaccountable prison-military-surveillance-pharmaceutical industrial complex.

As it is now with never-ending inflation and insanely low wages, the dollar has little real value but paper... People are "paid" an extremely low amount of paper that is virtually worthless for hours and hours and years and years of their lives and labor, time, ideas and energy. If a revolution begins, it will immediately show the corrupt Hall of Mirrors illusion for what it is.

In the U.S., our nation suffered the catastrophic Civil War which shows us the truth:

No society can truly afford not to pay people for their work.

THEODORE WEBB, a co-founder of Morgantown Poets, actively supports authors of all genres, songwriters, artists and all human beings, in sharing their voices. A poet,  short story writer, and aspiring playwright, Webb is the author of the Dystopian fiction short novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” which represents “The STARLING Series," available for ALL DEVICES VIA the FREE Kindle Reading APP: smartphone, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. All 4 books are also available as 1 volume, "The STARLING Connection." Webb's short stories are online, including "Desperate Engine" (Amazon) & "Family Hour" (Smashwords).

Admittedly, I'm far behind the curve when it comes to discussing "Rent," the rock musical written by Jonathan Larson.

As a youth growing up in rural Appalachia, I didn't have much exposure to musicals. Today I'm developing a stronger interest in the musical as a high-level art form, combining storytelling, songwriting-music, dance-choreography, theatre, etc.

Yesterday, I finally saw the 2005 film version of "Rent" (Sony Pictures, DVD). I highly recommend this film (and the stage version as well, if you ever have an opportunity to see it performed live) to anyone who hasn't yet seen it.

"Rent" is among the best works of art I've ever seen. Listening to Jonathan Larson's songs is like diving in a submarine to the deepest part of the ocean, then seeing light in the murky darkness.

Consider the following excerpt of lyrics about opening one's heart from Jonathan Larson's song "Another Day":

"Rent" impressed me in a deep, profound way. It expressed the main idea of love I've felt for a long time, the feeling I do my best to express in my own writings (for example, "The STARLING Connection.")

The story of love in the face of tough social and economic problems expressed by "Rent" moved me to tears several times. (Tears being the throat-tightening, choking up, gut-punching watery eyes you can't stop.) I could personally relate to numerous elements of the story: the pursuit of an artistic vision (ultimately a vision of our humanity) in the face of overwhelming odds and difficulties, relying on your friends and the family you make...

The philosophical questions surrounding "renting" are worthy of everyone's thought, in particular: How do you measure a life? Do you measure your life through money and possessions? Or through the meaning of our humanity? Through love?

THEODORE WEBB, a co-founder of Morgantown Poets, actively supports authors of all genres, songwriters, artists and all human beings, in sharing their voices. A poet,  short story writer, and aspiring playwright, Webb is the author of the Dystopian fiction short novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” which represents “The STARLING Series," available for ALL DEVICES VIA the FREE Kindle Reading APP: smartphone, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. All 4 books are also available as 1 volume, "The STARLING Connection." Webb's short stories are online, including "Desperate Engine" (Amazon) & "Family Hour" (Smashwords).

If you like fast-paced contemporary music, amazingly choreographed dance and incredible cheerleader acrobatics, then you'll love "BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL."

Thanks to a good friend, I had the opportunity to catch the April 7 showing at the Creative Arts Center of West Virginia University (via WVU Arts & Entertainment).

As an aspiring playwright and poet with an appreciation for music, I'm growing more interested in the art of musicals (I'm interested in performance art that includes various combinations of dance, music, theater, poetry & story-telling).

To say "I GREATLY enjoyed this show," is an understatement. I LOVED it! (Taking it all in with a writer's eye, of course.)

"BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL" (inspired by the 2000 motion picture "Bring It On," written by JESSICA BENDINGER) surprised me with its thoughtful storyline and strong character development.

Not to give too much away here, but the story revolves around a teenage girl named Campbell (played by NADIA VYNNYTSKY) who is the captain of the Truman High School cheerleader squad. Campbell is faced with a challenge that completely disrupts her life. Through facing that challenge, Campbell has the opportunity to make/learn from mistakes. I found Campbell (and the other characters) to be 100 percent easy to relate to, complex enough to be believable, compelling.

The cheerleader costumes, acrobatics, music and dance grabs your attention right away. The cheerleader stunts are incredible! When you see beautiful girls flying at least two stories high in the air, what's not to like?

The male cast members are strong enough to lift these girls up and toss them, just like a real-life competitive cheerleader high school squad. There are high flying twists in the air, spins, back-flips and more.

These stunts are even more incredible when you consider they are all done on various stages on the tour; stages which are inherently limited spaces. The cast must be even more careful and thorough with the routines. I can't imagine the amount of work that has gone into getting this show right, but get it RIGHT they do!

The music rocks; it moves; it shakes you, and compliments the story perfectly. The lyrics of the songs are brilliant; shedding light and new dimensions on the story (the character's inner thoughts) that you wouldn't feel or know otherwise.

There's fun comedy in this production (Campbell gets the nickname "soup," for example). Likewise there are some great, hilarious lines, such as "You're serving junk in the trunk realness, baby," and "I want to carry her in my purse like a shih tzu." Other great lines, which attest to competitiveness include, "Being a cheerleader is like being a Marine. You sign your life away," and the limits of being competitive, "You're all about the rules when you can win, but friendship has rules too."

You can find out everything you need to know about "BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL" here at the official website, http://www.bringitonmusical.com/. There's a great video on the website that gives you a sense of the athletics, the tremendous amount of rehearsal, practice, skill and work that has gone into this production. Everyone involved is to be commended on their incredible achievement with this show.

The musical is directed and choreographed by ANDY BLANKENBUEHLER, withLibretto (original story) by JEFF WHITTY; Music by TOM KIT and LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA; Lyrics by AMANDA GREEN and LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA.

I'd love to name every member of the cast here by name, but the cast is so large, and I don't want to inadvertently leave anyone out. They're all wonderful! And, they're all listed on the "BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL" website, along with their photos. Go to the tab at top that says "Cast & Creative."

To those who are already familiar with the storyline, the other main characters/cast members are: Danielle is played by ZURI WASHINGTON; Randall is TYLER BERTOLONE; Eva is EMILY MITCHELL; Skylar, BAILEY PURVIS; Kylar, MIA WEINBERGER; Bridget, MAISE SALINGER; Steven, ANDY WHITE; Twig, ERIN L. FLEMING; Cameron, AJ LOCKHART; Nautica, JENNIFER GELLER; La Cienega, SHARROD WILLIAMS; Burger Pagoda Girls, VICTORIA CYZEWSKI, SARAH NATHAN.

Be sure to go to the Tour Dates tab at the top to see when the next show is (it's on tour at least through July, but you need to check the schedule; I highly encourage you to see this show if it's coming to your area).

Have you seen either the film or "BRING IT ON: THE MUSICAL"? What did you think about it? Share your thoughts in the comments. And share this post!

THEODORE WEBB, a co-founder of Morgantown Poets, actively supports authors of all genres, songwriters, artists and all human beings, in sharing their voices. A poet,  short story writer, and aspiring playwright, Webb is the author of the Dystopian fiction short novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” which represents “The STARLING Series," available for ALL DEVICES VIA the FREE Kindle Reading APP: smartphone, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. All 4 books are also available as 1 volume, "The STARLING Connection." Webb's short stories are online, including "Desperate Engine" (Amazon) & "Family Hour" (Smashwords).

THEODORE WEBB.COM supports fellow authors, indie authors and small presses by writing reviews, participating in promos and cover reveals which might be of interest to readers of this blog/website.

THEODORE WEBB, a co-founder of Morgantown Poets, actively supports authors of all genres, songwriters, artists and all human beings, in sharing their voices. A poet,  short story writer, and aspiring playwright, Webb is the author of the Dystopian fiction short novels, "Lifeline,” “Crucible,” “Colossus” and “Inferno,” which represents “The STARLING Series," available for ALL DEVICES VIA the FREE Kindle Reading APP: smartphone, PC, MAC, via Amazon.com. All 4 books are also available as 1 volume, "The STARLING Connection." Webb's short stories are online, including "Desperate Engine" (Amazon) & "Family Hour" (Smashwords).

Ginger Hamilton's "Monsters Welcome Here" is a fun, fast-moving short story that quickly gets readers in the mood for Halloween. The story centers around a guy named Dwayne who purchases an ancient house some believe is haunted. Annoyed by children peeking at him through the windows, Dwayne decides to scare the neighborhood kids for Halloween by dressing up as a scarecrow. 

Out of respect to the author, I won't give out any more details. I'll simply say this is a fast-paced, enjoyable story representing good, clean Halloween fun. It's like one of those ghost stories you might have heard your folks tell around the campfire when you were young during a family outing. It's scary, but in a good way, meaning not so frightening that it should give anyone nightmares. 

The story encourages readers to think about how far adults should go with "playful" games such as pranks on Halloween, and whether adults going too far (and/or playing "games" for the wrong reasons) might find themselves punished by a powerful, supernatural retribution. Recommend you read it for yourself this fall and/or share it with your family members.

Be sure to also check out Ginger Hamilton's blog, Chicken Scratches. This frequently updated blog sings with humor, wit, wisdom and features updates about Ginger's writing and her new stories. 

Kennet Singleton cremates the dead... and then they speak: "Avenge us!"

Nineteen-year-old Kennet Singleton lives with his invalid mother in a personal care facility, but he wants out. He operates the crematory at the local funeral home, where he discovers he can discern the cause of death of those he cremates--by toasting marshmallows over their ashes.

He thinks his ability is no big deal since his customers are already dead. But when his perception differs from what's on the death certificate, he finds himself in the midst of murderers. To save the residents and avenge the dead, Kennet must bring the killers to justice.

Lee Allen Howard writes horror, dark fantasy, and supernatural crime. He’s been a professional writer and editor of both fiction and nonfiction since 1985. His publications include The Sixth Seed, Desperate Spirits, Night Monsters, “Mama Said,” “Stray,” and DEATH PERCEPTION, available in various formats at http://leeallenhoward.com.

You can keep in touch with Lee on his Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Lee-Allen-Howard-author/117844011639457. Follow him on Twitter @LeeAllenHoward.

"Dastardly devious, cleverly conceived, and just a whole lot of fun to read, DEATH PERCEPTION is Lee Allen Howard on fire and at his finest. Rife with winsome weirdness, it's like the mutant stepchild of Carl Hiaasen and Stephen King, mixing a truly unique paranormal coming-of-age story with a quirky cast of offbeat noir characters into a novel that's simply unforgettable... and hilariously original. A supernatural crime story, blazing with creative intrigue... don't miss it."

--Michael Arnzen, author of Play Dead

"Lee Allen Howard's DEATH PERCEPTION is a red hot union of Gothic crime thriller and grim humor that burns with supernatural tension. Beneath the sickly sweet scent of caramelized sugar lies the wildly entertaining tale of a man who delivers justice to the dead while fanning the fires of the living. Ever hear the expression, 'laughing in a morgue'? DEATH PERCEPTION feels just like that. Howard has a gift for crafting eccentric characters and clever plots. This is dark fun at its best."

--Jason Jack Miller, author of The Devil and Preston Black and Hellbender

"DEATH PERCEPTION has officially made me envious of Lee Allen Howard. It sings like a choir of angels, yet weeps like a ghost in winter. Everyone should have this in their collection.”

--Trent Zelazny, author of To Sleep Gently and Butterfly Potion 

Details

DEATH PERCEPTION by Lee Allen Howard

Release date: May 15, 2013

Available now in Kindle, Nook, and in trade paperback

308 pages

ISBN: 0615800696

ISBN-13: 978-0615800691

http://leeallenhoward.com/death-perception/