A New Musical
Mason's
Mason's
Dilemma
Dilemma
Book & Lyrics by William Katt
|
Music by Joe Barnett
A contemporary musical comedy that takes an irreverent look at society's infatuation with psychotherapy and mental illness.
Embedded Files
Mental health challenges are not abstract ideas, but deeply human realities that deserve attention, compassion, and thoughtful exploration. Mason’s Dilemma is an attempt at shinning a light on those personal challenges through music and story telling in a fun whimsical manner that in the end encourages love and acceptance for those suffering in silence.
The Score
Hear the Music
Hear the Music
A taste of the score — from comic anthems to tender ballads.
About the Show
The Synopsis
The Synopsis
A middle aged Mason suffers a nervous breakdown and begins an 'Alice in Wonderland' like adventure meeting parts of himself he's never fully acknowledged. During his journey of self discovery he struggles to carve meaning out of the unfulfilled life he has led and in the process learns about love and acceptance.
Genre
Musical Comedy
Musical Comedy
Structure
Two Acts
Two Acts
Tone
Irreverent & Heartfelt
Irreverent & Heartfelt
The Journey
The Story
The Story
Act One
Act One
Overwhelmed by friends, family and co-workers demanding his attention, Mason ends his life during a brief blackout. (Or has he?) Moments thereafter he finds himself in a strange place confronted with the Auditory Hallucinations he's been trying to keep secret. One by one each of the voices he has been grappling with come to life and attempt to manipulate control of his psyche. Fairly early in the act it's revealed that these Inner Voices are actually actors playing their parts — each attempting to upstage the other to gain privilege from the theatre. During the absurd unfolding of the action, the frustrated Stage Manager tries unsuccessfully to keep the actors focused on their parts and tell the story of Mason's Dilemma. All the while the band onstage — our Greek Chorus — remain amused and entertained by the madness they are watching unfold.
Act Two
Act Two
Mason has gone into hiding and hasn't shown up for the second act opening. Frantic to find him, the stage manager and ensemble of actors search the theatre. After an opening dance number to appease the audience and buy time, Mason inconspicuously shows up downstage and explains why he feels the way he does — but is it the actor or the character he is playing? Soon after, the stage manager discovers his whereabouts and Mason is joined on stage by the rest of the cast and coerced back into finishing the play. During a series of bizarre encounters Mason is forced to come to terms with his untenable life and find a way to endure. Throughout the struggle Mason comes to realize that all these aspects of himself are who he is, and if he accepts them and learns to live with them, he can find a way back to sanity. And in the end he does just that — finding love and acceptance along the way.
Meet the Voices
Cast of Characters
Cast of Characters
The Man at the Center
Mason
Mason
A middle aged family guy who begins hearing voices. A little bit nerdy but always humble and kind. Introspective and melancholy, yet with a side that can be witty, silly and fun.
The Hedonist
Ego / Id
Ego / Id
One of the several inner voices that Mason is challenged by. A hedonistic fellow about pleasure in all its forms. 'If it feels good it must be good.' A charming asshole full of himself.
The Fabulous One
Feminine
Feminine
A fabulous drag queen who thinks she's smarter than anybody. Wickedly fun, right out of a John Waters movie. Stylish and sexy.
The Little Firecracker
Inner-Child
Inner-Child
A little person with a big attitude. Sarcastic and witty. Ready to bite back at anyone who tries to take advantage of him. Has a particular dislike of Ego/Id.
The Moral Compass
Super Ego
Super Ego
A very proper individual. A little self-righteous and aloof, he reminds everyone that he knows what's right and is a 'told you so' kind of guy.
The Ringmaster
Stage Manager
Stage Manager
Attempting to keep everyone on stage focused and in character. Afraid of losing control of the play, they are frazzled most of the time.
The Heart
Mason's Wife
Mason's Wife
A gal with a big heart and compassion for what Mason is going through. She attempts to make sense of his dilemma and is always there for him.
The Greek Chorus
Musician #1
Musician #1
Leader of the onstage band. Plays keyboards and controls the band. A funny personality but is aware of the job he is there to do and keeps the rest of the band in line. Along with the other 3 musicians they are the play’s Greek chorus observing the madness on stage and commenting often. He will appear briefly as a Game Show Host in Act 1.
The Greek Chorus
Musician #2
Musician #2
He is the nitwit of the 4 members - his observations and comments are funny in a idiotic sort of way yet never mean spirited - a childlike personality.
The Greek Chorus
Musician #3
Musician #3
More of a strait man of the band he has a common sense approach to what he sees transpiring on stage. Just wants to get on with the play.
The Greek Chorus
Musician #4
Musician #4
Again more of a straight man of the group. A little above the other incorporating a dry wit and sensibility to his work.
The Son
Mason's Son
Mason's Son
Seen but not heard from often. To be played by a chorus member.
The Daughter
Mason's Daughter
Mason's Daughter
Seen but not heard from often. To be played by a chorus member.
The Dancers
Dancers
Dancers
Number of chorus/dancers to be determined.
The Guides
Psychologists
Psychologists
4 Men or women to be played by members of the chorus. They will appear projected on the upstage screen.
Creative Team
Creative Team
Book & Lyrics by William Katt
Music by
Joe Barnett
Additional Music by
William Katt
PRODUCTION VISION
The staging of Mason's Dilemma utilizes a mix of traditional theatricality and modern multimedia. The "Inner Voices" are not just psychological constructs but physical actors who upstage one another for control of the stage itself.
Onstage Band: Acting as a modern Greek Chorus, the four musicians are integrated into the action, providing live commentary and a driving contemporary score.
Multimedia Integration: Four psychologists appear as massive projections on the upstage screen, representing the clinical gaze that Mason is trying to escape.
The Fourth Wall: The play frequently breaks the fourth wall as the Stage Manager struggles to keep the "actors" (Mason's inner voices) from derailing the production.
Book & Lyrics by: William Katt
Book & Lyrics by: William Katt
Pippin (Broadway)
Bonjour La Bonjour (Off Broadway)
Ormer Locklear
The Education of Randy Newman (ACT)
and several national tours
William is also a celebrated screen actor with a career spanning 50+ years with over 130 roles in film and television.
Music by: Joe Barnett
"A MUSICAL EXPLORATION OF THE HUMAN CONDITION"
"A MUSICAL EXPLORATION OF THE HUMAN CONDITION"
Get Involved
Interested?
Interested?
We're seeking producers, investors, and creative partners to bring Mason's Dilemma to the stage.
If this story resonates with you, we'd love to hear from you.
A current full draft of the play is available upon request.
masonsdilemma@gmail.com
Poster Art by David Wilkinson
Webpage Design by PixelPanda.Studio
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