Screenwriter and playwright Greg Newberry looked high and low — from soccer fields to airplane hangers — in search of a venue for the world premiere of his new script, with the stipulation that he had to put a 1974 Buick LeSabre convertible onstage. He finally found the right spot at Northern Kentucky University’s Corbett Theater and parked his car. This weekend you can see Riding Shotgun come to life — perhaps driving down the highway toward a feature film. It’s the story of four high school buddies who pledged to come together 30 years after graduation to take a leak off the Golden Gate Bridge. Their “testosteroad trip” becomes a chilling test of loyalty and friendship.
Newberry’s cast features 2010 Cincinnati Entertainment Award nominee Michael Bath (who wowed audiences as Roy Cohn in Know Theatre’s recent Angels in America) with Nathan Neorr, Darryl Hilton and Louisville-based actor Tom Menendez. Newberry, who works in advertising, has pursued screenwriting and directing as a side job. “It’s been exciting, encouraging and yet frustrating,” he says. He’s had success and won awards as an independent filmmaker, but he’s still looking for his big break. Maybe this is it. Pedal to the metal. Performances are at 8 p.m. this Friday and Saturday and on Aug. 13 and 14.
Go here for ticket information and show details.