On Theater: Four new plays to be unveiled at NTAC

Local theater goers on July 8 will have the chance to enjoy four new home-grown plays at the Newport Theatre Arts Center.

The Orange County Playwrights Alliance will be mounting an afternoon program collectively titled “Discoveries: The Real Me,” which will be presented as staged readings of the new one-acts.

“All four of these plays center on people revealing or realizing their true selves – either in front of each other or in front of us,” commented Eric Eberwein of Huntington Beach, an OCPA member who recently won a playwriting competition in New Mexico with his original play, “The Return Engagement.”

That play won’t be on view at NTAC – it was produced in its world premiere in Albuquerque earlier this year. But the four shows on the July 8 playbill also were created by local playwrights – three from Orange County and one from Long Beach.

Here’s the program for the afternoon of originals, which will begin at 3 p.m.:

“Norma and Dave Go to the Travelodge” by Lorin Howard of Long Beach

Two Hollywood writers settle into a cheap motel for a clandestine tryst, but their role-playing is interrupted by their fear of intimacy and their klutziness. It features Roanne Martinez and Bob Fetes and will be directed by Geoffrey Gread.

“Bartender” by John Lane of Stanton

The title character is a friend, lover, armchair psychologist and more to the women who stay at the five-diamond Vanguard Hotel. Are his actions becoming addictive and will his conscience catch up with him? Terry Winkler is directing.

“Beethoven and Misfortune Cookies, or the Kabin Thomas Story” by Joni Ravenna of Corona del Mar in collaboration with Kabin Thomas and Ernest Harden Jr.

A fired music professor examines his Detroit upbringing as he moves to Hollywood and auditions for a reality show. Harden is featured, with T.J. Castronova directing.

“Perception” by Jordan R. Young of Orange

A portrait comes to life at Madrid’s Museo del Prado as a four-foot-tall court jester from the 17th century recalls how the legendary artist Diego Velasquez taught him the art of self-respect. It’s directed by Jenni Dillon.

There’s a $5 suggested donation for the “Discoveries” staged readings, and reservations are being taken and further information dispensed at (714) 902-5716. Or visit //ntaconline.com/

TOM TITUS covers local theater for the Daily Pilot.