Synopsis:
“Fishwrap” is a comedy that illustrates the struggles of a small-town newspaper in the online age. Whilemanagement tries to keep the Independent afloat despite circulation losses, the news staff works to break a story that will ruffle feathers in the community. Along the way, audiences meet colorful characters inspired by the playwright’s 20 years in the newspaper business.
Cast of Characters:
Judy – The disheveled but whip-smart editor of the Independent, female age 40-50
Steve – A reporter, a boozy burnout and the newsroom’s resident wit, male age 40-50
Charles – A reporter and sci-fi nerd, male age 40-50
Imogene – The hypochondriac office manager, female age 40-60
Willard – A smelly newspaper carrier and man about town, male age 40-70
Jessica – A ditzy young ad saleswoman, female age 20-30
Lester – A rabble rousing disgruntled news source, male age 50-70
Schwaltz – A toupee-wearing disgruntled advertiser, male age 50-70
Hoffman: Publisher in his 50’s
Scanner – The voice of the police scanner, any gender, any age
Newsboy or girl – (Optional) Young carrier who announces passage of time with placards between scenes, age 8-14
Production History:
“Fishwrap” was produced in September 2014 at the Al Ringling Theatre in Baraboo, Wisconsin. A community group, Artists for the Al, produced the play as a fundraiser for restoration of the theatre. The six-performance run attracted more than 1,500 people and raised $16,000.
Playwright Bio
A third-generation community theater addict, Ben Bromley is a longtime Baraboo Theatre Guild actor and a founding member of CAB Theatre. For 22 years he wrote for the Baraboo News Republic, where he was named Wisconsin’s best small-town newspaper columnist six times. He also is the author of several short plays produced by CAB Theatre.
Show Dates at the Soper Reese Theatre in Lakeport:
March 31, April 1 at 7:00 pm
April 2 at 2:00 pm
April 7 & 8 at 7:00 pm
April 14 & 15 at 7:00 pm
April 16 at 2:00 pm
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