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Comedy Duo "Wigs" Out
The laughs are real; the hair is not. Writing partners Jamie Melser and Caitlin Barton talk about bringing to life their many eclectic characters in the comedic drama WigShoppe.
by
James Kass
October 4, 2002 |
When the lights come up on the set of WigShoppe this October, Caitlin Barton and Jamie Melser can be seen wearing plenty of wigs. But as the writers and producers of this comedic drama, they're wearing just as many hats off stage.
WigShoppe, which had its debut this summer at the New York Fringe Festival, explores the contentious relationship of two unlikely friends: Peggy (played by Jamie), a southern slacker who is dating her employer's son, and Fannie (Caitlin), a British wig designer who will do just about anything to make her mark in the Big Apple.
Along the way, we are treated to a menagerie of offbeat customers. Some are quite comical, such as the lecherous old man who has the hots for Fannie, or the beat cop "forced" to dress in drag for a night as a decoy prostitute. Others are more dark, like the old actress who, when putting on a wig that reminds her of her younger self, shares a story of betrayal that has haunted her for years.
As the duo gets ready for the newest incarnation of the show in October, Jamie and Caitlin gave us an opportunity to learn about the history of the show, what lies in store for the future of the characters, and the two talents that bring them all to life.
"A Fabulous Idea and Opportunity to Collaborate"
Jamie and Caitlin met in 1999 at a Chicago City Limits improv class in New York City. "We instantly bonded and enjoyed doing improv together," says Jamie. After two more classes together, Jamie approached Caitlin with a concept for a new show: two girls who meet in a wig shop.
Caitlin loved the idea. "It seemed like a fabulous idea and opportunity to collaborate," she says.
They met with Joe DeGise II, a CCL teacher and company member, who helped them "workshop" the characters. Fannie and Peggy, the pillars of the show, quickly emerged as the focal points around which the other characters would orbit.
Through regular meetings with Rob Schiffmann, another CCL member, they fleshed out the other characters of the show. They formulated what would be the first draft of the script, originally titled WigShoppe Girls.
"The Script is the Hardest Part"
Creating such diverse and captivating characters is only half the battle. "It's easy to come up with characters," explains Jamie, "it's really hard to make them believable. The script is the hardest part."
Their training as actors was a distinct advantage to the writing process, according to Caitlin, "When you work with an established script, you still have to ask the same questions you ask when you work on the characters and the story."
Much like their characters in WigShoppe, the two actors have distinctive yet complimentary styles. This yin-yang approach allows them to invent such rich, distinct personalities. "Caitlin and I are really different," says Jamie, "but I think that's a good thing... She has more of a serious style and I have more of a comic style, so they sit well together."
Caitlin concurs, saying, "We are so diverse, have varying styles, and we sometimes process information so differently that it forces us to have a look at another idea or another way of thinking."
The Fringe Experience
With a concept in place and the script taking shape, Caitlin and Jamie were ready to unleash WigShoppe upon the masses. "We have been working on these characters and this show for a long time, and it needed to get up on its feet and have an audience," says Caitlin.
They submitted their concept to the Fringe Festival organizers and crossed their fingers. Out of over 500 submissions, WigShoppe was tapped to be part of the festival. It had a successful run of six performances over twelve days.
Not only was Fringe an ideal place to "tweak" the show before bringing it to a larger audience, it was an excellent place to meet like-minded actors and producers. "You meet so many creative and talented people," says Jamie, "it's a great place to network and see a lot of the up and coming talents out there."
The Next Act
Armed with a wealth of feedback and on-stage experience, Caitlin and Jamie are rewriting WigShoppe in preparation for performances at the Actors Playground Theatre in New York City this October. They are toying with the idea of bringing a third actor into the fold, as well as consolidating the show into a one-act. Therein lies the beauty of wearing so many hats; the possibilities are endless.
They are also talking about the possibility of doing the show in different cities and possibly bringing it to Los Angeles. While WigShoppe remains their primary focus, Jamie and Caitlin also continue to seek outside acting and writing projects.
Wigshoppe by Caitlin Barton and Jamie Melser. Produced by Snootyhick Productions. Directed by Richard Hinojosa. Starring (in alphabetical order): Catilin Barton and Jamie Melser. Special appearances by clint McCown. Runs October 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19 at 8pm at the Actors Playground Theatre, 412 Eighth Avenue between 30th and 31st Streets. Tickets: $15.00. Reservations: (212) 352-3101 or through TheaterMania.com. For more information, visit WigShoppe.com |
James Kass is the Features Editor and Database Administrator of My8by10.com. He does not wear a wig, but some say he should. |
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