DIVA
Howard Michael Gould
Opening Date:
May 6, 2005
Closing Date:
May 28, 2005
Behind the scenes of an Emmy-winning television sitcom, the biggest drama isn’t happening on camera. Deanna Denninger, a temperamental movie star turned sitcom sensation, is determined to control everything from the scripts to the costumes, much to the frustration of writer-producer Isaac Brooks and everyone else working on her show. As egos collide, alliances shift, and Hollywood’s absurdities reach spectacular heights, the story moves backward through eighteen months to reveal how the chaos began. Directed by Lance Garrett and starring Kim R. Davis, Howard Michael Gould’s DIVA is a wickedly funny, sharp-tongued satire of celebrity, power, and the madness of making television. Contains strong language.
Cast & Crew
Deanna Denninger — Kim R. Davis
Isaac Brooks — Michael Gibbons
Barry Joshua — Brian Smolensky
Kurt Fast — Paul Smith
Ezra Twain — Christopher Rodgers
Petey Ryan — Paul James
CREW
Director — Lance Garrett
Set Design — Tom Harrington
Costume Design — Suzanne Proctor, Christi Newbury
Technical Direction / Lighting Design — Steven Gillmore
Sound Design — Lance Garrett, Emily Etherton
Stage Manager / Light Technician — Teresa Ranalli
Set Construction — Steven Gillmore, Lance Garrett
Scenic Painting — Rhonda Clark, Paul Smith
Lighting Crew — Anthony Bullock, Emily Etherton, Michael Gibbons, Corey Whaley
Properties — Rhonda Clark, Christi Newbury
Running Crew — Anthony Bullock
Dressers — Michelle Swink, Christi Newbury
Production Notes
Production Details
Oklahoma premiere of Howard Michael Gould’s Hollywood satire. Volatile film actress Deanna Denninger stars in the Emmy-winning sitcom Deanna while clashing with its writer-producer, Isaac Brooks. Beginning during the sitcom’s second season, the play moves backward over eighteen months to reveal shifting relationships and alliances. Gould’s television credits included Cybill, Home Improvement, and The Jeff Foxworthy Show. He also co-wrote the film Mr. 3000.
Content Advisory
Rated M for mature audiences because of strong language.
Press Coverage
The Oklahoman published “Diva” on May 6, 2005, followed by Larry Laneer’s May 13 review, “Diva Pokes Fun at Trials, Tribulations of TV Sitcom.”
Special Thanks
ABC Furniture; Tom’s Formalwear; Emily Etherton; Rockne Gillen; Julia Kurt; Oklahoma Visual Arts Coalition; Terry Veal; Classen SAS Drama Department.
Institutional Support
Oklahoma Arts Council project assistance grant. Allied Arts Star Card event.
Licensing
Licensed through Samuel French, Inc.