MadLab will present Happy 9/11! and Other Completely Non-Offensive Tales by Christopher Lockheardt, a collection of 7 short plays by Christopher Lockheardt, directed by Andy Batt, at 8:00, March 1sth- March 24th Fridays and Saturdays, opening Thursday March 1st at MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus. Tickets cost $12, $10 Students/Seniors, $8 Members. Call 614-221-5418 or visit http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html
MadLab presents Happy 9/11! and Other Completely Non-Offensive Tales by Christopher Lockheardt
Thursday March 1 8pm
Friday March 2 8pm
Saturday March 3 8pm
Friday March 9 8pm
Saturday March 10 8pm
Friday March 16 8pm
Saturday March 17 8pm
Friday March 23 8pm
Saturday March 24 8pm
All performances at: MadLab Theatre and Gallery, 227 N. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215, http://www.madlab.net
Ticket prices are $12, $10 Students/Seniors, $8 Members
For reservations call 614.221.5418 or send to publicity@madlab.net
Order tickets at: http://www.madlab.net/MadLab/Buy_Tickets.html
Happy 9/11! and Other Completely Non-Offensive Tales by Christopher Lockheardt Synopsis
What is life? Christopher Lockheardt provides glimpses at the answer to that question in this collection of 7 of his short plays featuring everything from first kisses to beginnings and ends, breakfasts and card games, and a new way to celebrate.
The GCAC, The Columbus Foundation and the OAC support MadLab throughout the year.
Happy? 9/11?!?!
Andy Batt, director of Happy 9/11, answers a few questions about the project:
Where did the Happy 9/11 title come from?
Mr. Lockheardt had not created a title for his collection and asked me what I thought. He had expressed to me that a lot of people have showed reservations about producing the play HAPPY 9/11! due to the controversial nature of what it is saying and the topic it is addressing. I felt it was the poignant piece in his collection for the very reasons he mentioned: others were hesitant to produce it. I figured there was no better reason than that to make it the title piece. It's intriguing, identifiable, and could be viewed as somewhat offensive to some (hence the use of the subtitle.)
Why another night of one acts by one playwright?
After the success of CABFARE FOR THE COMMON MAN, Lockheardt approached me about possibly doing a collection of his works. We had produced 2 of Lockheardt's plays in past THEATRE ROULETTE festivals ("Stuck" and "Not Funny", the latter of which will be part of this collection.) We have always liked his work and told him to "bring it on." He sent us about 14 pieces to form a shorts collection out of, and we did just that. He is a very strong writer with a great understanding of the human condition and relationships which are at the heart of every good play regardless of the length.
There are a lot of people in the cast that are new to MadLab.
Another great reason for doing a collection of shorts like this is that it allows for a large cast of great actors without people feeling like they have a "small part." Since each play is a "stand alone" work, each actor feels like a lead and it's easier to get a top notch cast from top to bottom. The more the merrier!
And finally a synopsis of Happy 9/11 from the playwright himself:
I’m nervous that at the end of life’s tutelage, when the last class is out and the school bell rings, there’s going to be a final exam with one question: “What was life?” Flunking the exam will carry a dire penalty.
So my plays are the notes I am taking to remember the trickiest lessons. Each one is a collection of nonsense that somehow ends up making sense at the end. Which is exactly the answer I’m going to write on the exam.
Feel free to peek over my shoulder and copy that answer. Just don’t get caught! I hear detention is hell.
Did You Just Say Happy 9/11?
That gets said and so much more….
LIE TO ME
Everyone says they want the truth. But they’re lying to themselves.
Woman - Melissa Bair
Man - Stephen Woosley
HAPPY 9/11!
When should sorrow turn to celebration? When does grief turn to gratitude? When is it finally time to say, “Happy 9/11!”
Steve - Ryan Fannon
Ellen - Megan Corbin
Gina - Becky Horseman
LUKE MEETS CHARLENE
Some enchanted evening, you will meet a stranger. Who might just turn out to be your spouse.
Man - Stephen Woosley
Woman - Courtney Deuser
HELLUVA POKER FACE
A good poker face can hide many secrets. But the cards don’t lie.
Phillipe - Sean Reid
Mo - Jessica Studer
Brenny - Leon Bird-Conliff
Cam - Stephen Woosley
YOUR KISS IS ON MY LIST
Everyone should remember their first kiss. All 387 of them.
Man - Sean Reid
Woman - Lauren Yobbagy
NOT FUNNY
Laugh and the world laughs with you. Unless you’re bleeding on its floor.
Emily - Laura Spires
Brad – Joel Dickerson
BREAKFAST WITH WARHOL
For some, Warhol's famous prediction was a warning; for others, a promise.
Man – Michael Moore
Woman - Michelle Batt






Launched in August 2010, TheMetropreneur.com is a local online resource devoted to small business development and entrepreneurship. Its aim is to tell the stories of Central Ohio's business community, foster regional economic development and assist entrepreneurs with its resource-heavy focus.