Behind The Scenes with Playwright Mark Edward Smith
"The Viewing Room" is autobiographical. Obviously my father didn’t sit up in his casket at his wake but in a lot of ways I almost wished he had. There were many unresolved issues in my family, not the least of which were the reasons for the animosity between my father and my oldest brother, Chet Jr., whom I idolized.
An actor once commented how wonderful it was that I had written a "do-over" play. And another actor once answered for me when I was asked what genre the play was. She said, "Mark has written a fantasy." I really enjoyed those remarks because I feel "The Viewing Room" is all that and more.
We all want the chance for a "do-over" in life; an opportunity to say and do the things we neglected to do. I hope this play resonates with you. Welcome to the Dumbrosky clan. Enjoy the journey!
