Katherine King, playwright/producer/actress of My Darling Josephine, answered some quick questions for @SeeItOrSkipItLA!
1. What was it about the story of the OK Corral that made you think, “Yes! This story must be made into a comedic-British-opera!”? For that matter, what is a comedic-British-opera?
A: I am absolutely in love with history, with the drama and romance and violence, tragedy and poetic justice and generally, highly entertaining stories that are shockingly true. When I read about something, the characters come to life for me and perhaps I think, “What if…”. From there the fiction starts flowing…nothing crazier than what really happened! Anyone familiar with the Ok Corral shootout will find familiar details in the play, but My Darling Josephine is pure comedy, in contrast to the more dramatic and realistic portrayals of the events and people. I was more intrigued by the love triangle of Wyatt Earp, Josephine Marcus and Johnny Behan and came from the angle: what if “women troubles” were keeping these guys busier than the gunmen outside the saloon? (And don’t forget about Barrett Rimington, British thespian extraordinaire, who actually has “man-troubles” wink!) Wyatt Earp and other Western figures are now thought of as noble heroes, but if you read between the lines, there were so many grey areas in the Wild West you couldn’t hardly shoot straight. Painting everyone as fickle in romance and opportunists with money was a great way to explore this story from a comedic angle and shine a light on the timeless and always interesting romantic dealings of men & women.
As far as the “British opera” part, that is, like many of the other outrageous details of the play, in fact, TRUE. The HMS Pinafore was being performed in Tombstone as well as other towns in the Wild West. Josephine Marcus claimed to be an actress in the HMS in her memoirs. Of course that could have been a tall tale meant to cover up her confirmed history as a prostitute. As I said, most of the outlandish parts are pulled directly from history.
2. In this retelling of events, do we get to see more from the women, or does the show keep the focus on the gunslingers?
A: The women are more the focus than the gunslingers! They are the arm candy for the women. You’ve got to have a couple of handsome guys as a prop in any good show. Ha! Depends on your perspective, I suppose, but certainly Josephine and Mattie are fully fleshed-out and even a bit flesh-exposed (the show is flirty and sexy), completely in keeping with the surprising historical fact that prostitutes of the time were some of the richest, well-educated and most powerful women in the Wild West.
3. What about your show makes it perfect for the Fringe?
A: In truth, My Darling Josephine has an ensemble cast, with characters all written to shine in their own unique way and contribute to the whole-men and women vying for the upper hand in matters of love & money!
My Darling Josephine is an original play with original music, being produced for the very first time. It’s a bit of a mix-up between fact and fiction and a bit of a mash-up between live music, a play within a play, and a Western comedy. It’s new and experimental and tied together with the talents and resourcefulness of everyone involved. Isn’t that what Fringe is all about?
4. What do you hope the audience walks away with after your show?
A: My goal with My Darling Josephine is for the audience to walk away a bit tipsy (alcohol is served during shows at 3 Clubs), full of drinks and belly laughs and feeling like they just came out of an Old Western Saloon where they were a part of a whirlwind of action and music. The audience is meant to be a part of the show…did I mention $5 off for coming in a Western Outfit? It’s a trip back in time but also a good-natured poke at the fickleness of the human heart.
5. What show, other than yours, are you most excited to see at the Fringe?
A: There are so many productions at the Fringe that I would like to see. I think the huge selection of genres and original work is the biggest appeal of being part of the Fringe. I’m most interested in seeing shows such as Thenardier’s Inn and The Knock Shop (caburlesque) that are fun, musical shows similar to My Darling Josephine, and have the same venue so I am interested in how they will use the space. I am also intrigued by the more serious shows such as “Suicide Notes: In Their Own Words” which will provide a contrast and explore more weighty themes. Most of all, I’m so thrilled to be part of such a large community of artists all putting up their passion projects to share with Los Angeles at the Hollywood Fringe Festival!
Intrigued? You can see My Darling Josephine on these days:
Three Clubs (map: D-4) @ Three Clubs Stage Room, 1123 N VINE ST
Preview: Thursday, June 04 at 5:45 PM
Opening: Saturday, June 13 at 3:45 PM
Tuesday, June 16 at 9:45 PM
Friday, June 19 at 7:45 PM
Friday, June 26 at 3:45 PM
Okay fine, you can have a discount too!
June 4 – $5 with code PREVIEW
$5 off – Wear a western outfit to any show
For ticketing click here.
*As a special thank-you to all Fringers following my coverage, please enjoy 15% off purchases at In Heels Productions throughout the month of June. Use code HFF15 at checkout!