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(October 21, 2011) – As recent Hollywood headlines reveal, fame and fortune are too often
The cast of "Seatbelts Required"
bestowed upon those least deserving and most unappreciative. It’s a sad fact, but one that makes witnessing success by someone who has actually earned it and is grateful for it, very special
Such is the case of the upcoming opening of “Seatbelts Required,” an hysterically funny, deeply moving and thought-provoking original play by Camarillo resident and playwright, Kimberly Demmary
Demmary has been active in local theatre for most of her adult life and is a sought after, award-winning actress. She is also a talented playwright who’s last play, “The Game of Life,” broke box office records and triggered audiences into bouts of side splitting laugher. Having grown up in a less than perfect home, Kimberly has never let her childhood hold her back. Having always worked full time to pay her bills, she has never let a lack of time stop her creative output. Her talent and work ethic constantly amaze and inspire those who know her.
And now, in “Seatbelts Required,” her previously revealed skill at creating humor is being met with equal parts of angst and sadness as, in the process of clearing out the family home, three sisters find themselves challenging everything they thought they knew about their childhoods, themselves and each other. They are shocked to discover that their divergent memories, old hurts and long-held resentments have created the toughest save or toss projects of their lives. As they begin to reveal and confront it all they take the audience on a ride full of side splitting laughter, gut wrenching tears and deep sighs of recognition.
As every human is a member of one kind of family or another, certainly one could expect that there would be plenty of content in her play for people to identify with. But even she was surprised by the unbridled appreciation shown by audiences at two previously staged reading of “Seatbelts Required.”
Kimberly said: “People approached me after the staged readings, thanking me for the therapy session and the laughs. I had no idea it would have such effect on people. Many want to call family members and tell them they love them. I know I do. It is certainly worth the drive to the theatre.”
Audience comment forms included: “wonderfully cast… the story was captivating… never a dull moment… you definitely need a seatbelt for this ride…excellent, very well executed… brilliant writing… Hit all the right places… the perfect mix of sweet, salty and tarty… very realistic done with great humor and depth… haven’t laughed and cried like that since…”
No wonder even in times like these, and with no ties to Hollywood insiders or theatre big wigs, backers were readily found to get this play up and running.
As director John Barker said: “ Aside from the universal themes of family dysfunction and redemption so well presented in the play, the mere fact that Kimberly has been able to get her work produced in this economy is amazing. People came together and got it done based on the quality of the work. I have directed the works of many playwrights but Kimberly has a wonderfully timely and engaging writing style that makes directing her work a joy.”
Elizabeth Kimball who plays the eldest sister, Janet, said: “This is one of those plays where the writing is so good and so honest that you find yourself drawing parallels to your own life very easily.
“That is a wonderful thing that doesn’t happen often enough in movies and plays nowadays. For me as an actor the process has been challenging but rewarding. I’m so glad Kimberly had the courage and talent to write this.”
Producer Nancy Solomons said, “ See ‘Seatbelts Required.’ Whatever you think of family upon entering the theatre, one thing is certain, you will leave with a renewed hope of finding all that is good about family while navigating through all that is not.
“And whatever you enter the theatre thinking about your own chances of success in today’s world, you will find that Kimberly’s story of triumph against all odds will inspire you to find a way.”
“Seatbelts Required” opens November 4 and runs through November 27 Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 2pm at the Actors Workout Studio, 4735 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91602. For reservations call the box office at (818) 506-3903. Tickets are $15.00 general admission and $12.00 for students and seniors. For group discounts or further information contact Parsons Press at (818) 317-8465.