Yesterday was Carleton’s 2nd annual 24 Hour Show. In 24 hours, Carleton students write, direct, and perform a series of short 10-minute plays. It’s a pretty impressive undertaking, really.

This was my first time as part of the 24 Hour Show. I directed a show called “Waiting for Gladys” written by fellow-student Aaron. The show is about three sisters, returning to Minnesota for a family reunion. Frances Bonner stayed in her hometown of Mankato, became devoutly religious, and generally embodies everything you’d expect in a middle-aged Minnesota woman. Julie Bonner, on the contrary, left Minnesota for Dallas, and has become a successful, pushy, insensitive (if not racist) yuppie lawyer.

The two sisters sit waiting in the airport for Gladys, their third sister, about whom we know nothing. As Gladys appears less and less likely to show, they become increasingly agitated, highlighting the dynamic differences in their personalities. When it becomes apparent that Gladys is not coming, Julie gives up, leaves Fran, and goes to get her luggage. Disheartened, Fran reflects on how nothing ever turns out as it should, and how dysfunctional her family has become.

Admittedly, it was a tough show to put on in 24 hours. For a 10-minute show, it had a lot of depth and detail in the characters. However, the result was pretty good, and it was a really fun experience. I definitely intend to try it again.

Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of this one (there really was no dress rehearsal to speak of when I could take pictures). However, if anyone is interested in knowing more about the play, or the 24 Hour Show in general, drop me a line.

Posted on May 2nd, 2004 by Lee
Filed under: Uncategorized