Last week we introduced you to David Leeper, the co-author and star of At The Flash, which opens November 17 at the Center on Halsted's Hoover-Leppen Theater.
Today I want to introduce you to Sean Chandler, David's co-author and husband. I asked him to write a little bit about At The Flash, and his other projects.
DZ: Can you tell us a little bit about the genesis of At The Flash? When did you start working on it?
SC: David and I began working on At The Flash in 2002. We wanted to write an ode to gay history in an interesting, funny, dramatic way. To conceptualize that vision as a one-person show just seemed right. Plus it seemed like a great way to challenge an actor and, as a writer, I like doing that. I think most actors are eager to play parts that force them to really test their skills mentally and physically and At The Flash certainly does that. Just ask David Leeper or the terrific Lee Wichman, the Pride Films and Plays ensemble member who performed At The Flash as a staged reading during PFP's Gay Play Weekend this April.
DZ: There are five characters in the piece...are they people you know?
SC: These characters were created to represent the historical environment in which they exist. After much research on each decade, we brainstormed for quite a while on what types of characters could really present the issues and overall feeling of each decade. I can tell you that the character most is like me would have to be our lesbian activist, Mona. When she says "I don't want to be one of those people who just allow things to shape their lives without paying attention and doing something about it." Well, that is total Sean Chandler right there
DZ: I have seen shows where an actor performs several monologues one after another. Is this the same format?
SC: Each monologue was originally written from beginning to end. Once that was complete, we went through and identified the various themes within each monologue. Then I cut (literally with scissors) each monologue apart in sections based upon similar themes. After that we puzzled the whole show together and made sure that each transition was smooth and logical and that the overall arc and theme of the piece followed through. There is a point in the show where the characters all almost begin talking to each other as the monologues become shorter and shorter. You (our director, David Zak) call it the "Hurricane Monologue." That part of the show was tough to write, but absolutely thrilling to watch.
DZ: What other projects are you working on?
SC: I am very excited to be partnering with the amazing composer Leo Schwartz, whose brilliant musical Under A Rainbow Flag will be premiering in the spring and produced by Pride Films and Plays. Our new musical is about the outing of a politician, of all things. In addition, I am writing a play with my sister, Christy Oliver, about the life story of our grandmother who passed away, sadly, in September; it's called Grand Matriculation and we're hoping to have it ready to workshop some time next year. I'm also continuously working on scripts for my hope-to-be web series "The Pack" and "Benji Boomer - Life Coach."
DZ: How do you keep your spirits up as a writer and artist? Do you have a daily routine for writing?
SC: Great question. The best lesson I've learned on being a writer, morale-wise, is to create your own identity as a writer, especially early on. You're probably the only one who will take you seriously in the beginning. I did that by giving myself writing assignments, going to seminars, reading books, and, most especially, attending a monthly writers group. I've been attending the same group for more than 10 years and I can't tell you how much it has enriched my writing. They are a great group of people who have not only taught me a lot, but have made me accountable to continuously produce.
As far as a writing ritual, I don't have any sort of a routine. I think writing is actually a great deal of thinking. I think, I give myself a deadline, and then I write when it's due. So, if you see me dazing off, I'm most likely formulating something in my head to write.
DZ: Why should people buy tickets to At The Flash now?
SC: We've been working on the show for so long and are very much looking forward to audience feedback. Although all gay, the characters in this show are universally relatable. I think each audience member will be able to identify with at least one of the characters, if not a few. Older audience members will remember the struggles and triumphs and younger audience members will learn a little about gay history through three-dimensional human characters.
DZ: Is there anything else we should know?
SC: We'd actually like to know about our audiences' first experience in a gay bar. Our intent is to show photos of some of our audience members' first gay bars in our pre-show. We'd be ever so grateful if you'd go here. Read my Op/Ed piece and click on the link mid-page to submit a photo. There is a good chance that it will be seen before the show!
At The Flash opens next week. Get your tickets here today! 
