The world of theatre has long been a platform for exploring untold stories, revisiting history's forgotten moments, and challenging societal norms. Playwright Steven Carl McCasland, known for his focus on extraordinary women throughout history, brings us an intriguing narrative with Little Wars. This critically acclaimed play is a captivating fusion of historical drama, mystery, and the timeless power of companionship. Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) is proud to present this thought-provoking production under the skillful direction of local theatre educator Billy Buff.
A Glimpse into the Playwright's Inspiration
Lisa Goodness and Barbara Jacobs rehearse a scene for Little Wars.
Hailing from Long Island and having spent a considerable portion of his life in New York City, McCasland is not only a playwright but also a talented pianist and private vocal coach. His creative endeavors extend beyond the stage as he engages in music therapy for memory care centers. McCasland's plays are a homage to extraordinary women from various eras, including the likes of Rose Marie Kennedy, Billie Holiday, and Elisabeth Schwarzkopf. His portfolio reflects a commitment to storytelling that uncovers the lives of these remarkable figures.
McCasland's journey into Little Wars was influenced by his early exposure to Nora Ephron's play Imaginary Friends, which pitted authors Mary McCarthy and Lillian Hellman against each other even in the afterlife. McCasland's play delves into the supposed truth behind Hellman's controversial Julia and the intrigue surrounding these literary figures.
Bringing Historical Figures to Life
Set against the backdrop of the fall of France during World War II, Little Wars transports the audience to a country home in the French Alps. The play brings together a constellation of celebrated writers, including Agatha Christie, Lillian Hellman, Dorothy Parker, Gertrude Stein, Alice B. Toklas, and an enigmatic guest. McCasland masterfully weaves historical fact and fiction to create a gripping narrative that explores the era's complexities, the essence of companionship, and the power of confronting dark truths.
Lisa Goodness and Barbara Jacobs rehearse a scene for Little Wars.
The play resonates with audiences as it immerses them in Gertrude Stein's renowned salons, which were at the pinnacle of French society, akin to the European "Algonquin Round Table." This setting allows for imaginative interactions between figures like Dorothy Parker and Lillian Hellman, whose clash of personalities ignites the drama. McCasland's dedication to research is evident as he embodies these historical figures' vocal patterns and rhythms, enriching the authenticity of their portrayals.
Addressing Difficult Themes
Little Wars tackles somber themes, prominently the shadow cast by the Holocaust and the atrocities committed during that time. McCasland's commitment to portraying history honestly stems from a belief that awareness is crucial in preventing such events from recurring. The Playwright echoes Arthur Miller's assertion that "Attention must be paid," compelling the audience to bear witness to history's darkest chapters. By confronting uncomfortable truths, McCasland encourages us to remain vigilant against hate and division in our world; he explains, "I write as honestly as I can about the atrocities that occurred because even when we want to look away, we must keep watching. We looked away once. We can't do it again."
The production team for Little Wars runs through the lighting design for the show.
A Transformative Experience
As the curtains rise on Pensacola Little Theatre's Little Wars production, audiences are in for a transformative experience. The play's exploration of friendship, mystery, and resilience resonates with contemporary issues, urging us to reflect on the importance of unity and understanding. Through the lens of these extraordinary women and the relationships they have formed, the play becomes a call to action against anti-Semitism, anti-LGBTQIA+ rhetoric, and all forms of hatred.
Little Wars challenges us to delve deeper into the lives of historical figures, inspiring us to engage with their stories beyond the stage. McCasland hopes his intricate narrative leaves audiences with lingering questions and a sense of hope, "I hope that audiences attend Little Wars and walk out energized to fight the rise of anti-Semitism and all forms of hate fueling the division in our world. I hope audiences leave with a deeper understanding of the companionship and love between Stein and Toklas. I hope that audiences leave and dive deep into these extraordinary women, inspired to learn more about each of them. I hope that audiences leave with nagging questions and mysteries of their own to solve. I hope that audiences leave with hope because I believe these women leave that night with hope. And isn't that the most important thing?"
The costume crew for Little Wars organizes garments for the cast.
Pensacola Little Theatre's production of Little Wars promises an unforgettable theatrical experience. With its blend of historical intrigue, gripping storytelling, and a cast of iconic characters, the play invites us to explore the complexities of the human experience and the enduring power of friendship.
Don't miss your chance to witness Little Wars as it takes the stage, offering a window into history's hidden corners and igniting conversations that transcend time.
Please Note: Viewer discretion is advised due to very mature content, ensuring a thought-provoking encounter that pushes boundaries and challenges perceptions. Little Wars contains graphic and frank discussion of sexual violence against women.
Don't miss a chance to work with the Playwright!
Discover the magic of storytelling with renowned Playwright Steven Carl McCasland! You're invited to join us for an enriching three-hour writing workshop where we'll delve into the world of inspiration and the craft of playwriting.
Guided by the creative mind behind Little Wars, Steven Carl McCasland, this workshop will unravel the secrets of crafting compelling monologues and scenes. Through a series of engaging exercises, you'll ignite your imagination and gain valuable insights into the intricacies of theatrical formatting and structuring.
Whether you're an aspiring playwright or simply a lover of words, this workshop promises to spark your creativity and set you on a path of theatrical excellence.
Workshop details:
Date - August 25
Time - 2:00 - 5:00 PM
Location - Pensacola Little Theatre
Cost - $40
More About the Playwright
A true multi-hyphenate, STEVEN CARL McCASLAND is a playwright, pianist, director and producer dedicated to telling the stories of remarkable women and their contributions throughout history.
Steven burst onto the New York City theatre scene as the founder and Artistic Director of The Beautiful Soup Theater Collective, for which he directed the American premiere of Craig Adams and Ian Watson’s musical Lift, rare revivals of Rags, Moose Murders, Yentl and A Doll's Life, Crossing Brooklyn: The Musical and more. The revivals of Rags and A Doll's Life featured heavily revised librettos, painstakingly put together using many lost drafts. The end results were comprehensive looks at long-troubled musicals in rare New York revivals.In 2009, Steven was commissioned to adapt poet Jack Wiler's anthologies into a solo performance about Wiler's struggle with HIV. That play, Fun Being Me, was workshopped with Jack in the title role before his passing in 2009. His other plays, When I'm 64, Hope & Glory, The Tip, Opheliacs Anonymous, Fifth Position, Blue, Pulchritudinous (Huntington Award in Playwriting - First Place), neat & tidy and Billy Learns About Captain Kirk have all received productions regionally and in Manhattan.
In June of 2011, Steven premiered his original adaptation of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland. Setting Wonderland in the heart of Paris, he also directed and was featured in the cast as the Mock Turtle. After its one week workshop, Alice Au Pays Des Merveilles was picked up for an extended run at The SoHo Playhouse through September. His play neat & tidy made a splash on the Bowery in May of 2012, with critics hailing McCasland as a new Thornton Wilder and the play as one of the Top Dramatic Plays of the year. After The Beautiful Soup Theater Collective ended its five-year run, Steven turned his focus to writing. His critically acclaimed plays Little Wars, What Was Lost and Shades of Blue: The Decline and Fall of Lady Day received various workshop productions, before running in repertory at The Clarion Theatre when several of Steven’s plays enjoyed a month-long run in May of 2015.
Also featured in repertory were his works 28 Marchant Avenue: Six Summers at Hyannis Port, Der Kanarienvogel (The Canary) and the first revival of neat & tidy. His writing has been acclaimed by New York critics as "brilliant", "riveting", "mesmerizing" and “extraordinary”. Since its premiere, Little Wars has been performed in four U.S. states, five countries and virtually for the globe, in a reading starring Juliet Stevenson, Linda Bassett and more. While not at the theater, Steven maintains life as a private vocal and acting coach, prepping New York actors on new material and for upcoming auditions. A classically trained pianist, Steven enjoys musical directing and conducting (credits include Falsettos, The Wizard of Oz, Aida, Godspell, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Imagine That, The Secret Garden and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown). Steven's plays Little Wars (published by Nick Hern Books), Shades Of Blue: The Decline and Fall of Lady Day, What Was Lost, 28 Marchant Avenue: Six Summers At Hyannis Port are available for purchase at Amazon.com.
Written by Marketing Director, Ashley McGlothren