I debated with myself about what to do for today. Miracle on 34th Street, perhaps? Or should I do one of my original screenplays/plays? See, the problem here is that not everyone is familiar with either subject. I could do the Christmas play that I took to States, but how many people are actually familiar with it? I mean, even within my core readership? As for Miracle, I don't know if everyone's seen the movie, and even then, how do I possibly match or better the greatness of Edmund Gwenn?
But, eventually, it was decided by focus groups that most people are familiar with my work from high school. And so, let it be Do You Know How Christmas Trees Are Grown?. A simple little Christmas tale it is, about a family gathering for the holidays. Shades of Hannah and Her Sisters, to be sure, but much of this was part of my mission to incorporate everything I love into my final play. My favorite holiday, my favorite sub-genre, my favorite film franchise (the title comes from a Bond song), my favorite actor (two characters are named after Vincent Price characters), my favorite comic strip, etc.
It's a very character-driven piece, so I'll let the cast descriptions speak for the plot. Ahem.
BETH
Who is She: The prettiest of the sisters. Married (with children) to the dependable but dull Roderick, Beth finds herself regretting her decision. She puts a good face on everything, but overall she envies her sister, who married the man Beth truly loved.
My Choice: Academy Award/SAG Award Nominee for Best Supporting Actress (Hotel Rwanda), Golden Globe Nominee for Best Actress in a Miniseries/TV Movie (Tsunami: The Aftermath), SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture (Hotel Rwanda)
Sophie Okonedo (Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls, Martian Child)
CALVIN
Who is He: Verdon's brother, named after one of the title characters from my favorite comic, "Calvin & Hobbes". Calvin is an author whose latest book is met with great reviews. He fancies himself to be a keen observer of human nature.
My Choice: SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture (American Gangster)
Idris Elba (RocknRolla, This Christmas)
HANNAH
Who is She: The older, wilder sister. A world traveler and free spirit, Hannah arrives at the door pregnant through artificial insemination. Hannah is also a little self-centered, all but ignoring the troubles of her sisters and in-laws.
My Choice:
Michael Hyatt (The Good Girl, TV's The West Wing)
LANE
Who is She: The protagonist of the story. Lane loves her husband very much, but feels incomplete because they can't have children. She volunteers to host the Christmas party this year, but the stress of both preparations and her family's arrival is almost too much for her. A recovering alcoholic, she decides to take a day off for the party.
My Choice: SAG Award Nominee for Best Ensemble in a Motion Picture (Hustle & Flow) and Best Ensemble in a Drama Series (Boston Legal)
Taraji P. Henson (The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Talk to Me)
Taraji is going places. Benjamin Button is finally earning her the praise she so rightly deserves. Her performance in Talk to Me was an ingenious blend of drama and comedy, while Hustle & Flow showcased her more tragic talents.
RODERICK
Who is He: Beth's husband, a dependable man who provides well for his family. Unfortunately, he is also in debt, and has been seen around town with his wife's sister, Hannah. Roderick is a dull man with little imagination, who neither jokes nor reads.
My Choice: Emmy Award/Golden Globe Winner for Best Supporting Actor in a Miniseries/TV Movie (Angels in America), SAG Award Nominee for Best Actor in a Miniseries/TV Movie (Angels in America)
Jeffrey Wright (Quantum of Solace, Syriana)
VERDON
Who is He: Lane's husband. Takes care of his wife throughout her addiction, but may possess tender feelings for her sister, Beth.
My Choice: Golden Globe Nominee for Best Supporting Actor in a Series/Miniseries/TV Movie (L.A. Law)
Blair Underwood (TV's In Treatment, G)
And, I know it's been done before, but how can I not honor the CCT with its title track?
La la la la la la la,
La la la la la la la.
Do you know how Christmas tree are grown?
They need sunshine.
Sunshine can't grow Christmas trees alone;
They need raindrops.
Raindrops can't grow Christmas trees,
here's the reason why;
In the winter rain will freeze,
and the trees will die.
Do you know how Christmas tree are grown?
They need sunshine and raindrops,
friendship and kindness
and most of all they need love.
Do you know how Santa gets around?
He needs snowflakes.
Snowflakes cannot do it all, I found.
He needs reindeer.
Reindeer, even tho' they try,
they need other things.
Once a year they have to fly,
and they don't have wings.
Do you know how Santa gets around?
He needs snowflakes and reindeer,
sunshine and raindrops,
friendship and kindness
and most of all he needs love.
Do you know how Christmas cards are made?
They need pictures.
Pictures can't complete them, I'm afraid.
They need greetings.
Greetings say what's in your heart,
that's what they are for.
But, when loved ones are apart,
Christmas cards need more.
Do you know how Christmas cards are made?
They need pictures and greetings,
sunshine and raindrops,
snowflakes and reindeer,
friendship and kindness
and most of all they need love.
La la la la la la la,
La la la la la la la.
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