A life path collision of a destiny….A woman’s sense of integrity seems to be entangled within the ethic of care that is often quietly buried in neat rows like the graves in Arlington. Their personal dreams have been traded for their families….except those with the heart of a soldier who write their own destiny. “Farewell To The Last Drive-In†addresses the awareness of the challenges woman face in having a personal life and a career.
Act one is innocent enough as we are introduced to colorful characters, full of heart and texture. We grow to know them quickly and easily choose those we root for. The nostalgic set is that of a drive-in movie, an icon of American culture where families and friends could watch movies in the privacy of their own car beneath the stars. The unique thing about it is that it’s the scene of High School King and Queen crowning as opposed to the usual prom arena.
Then suddenly act two hits you with the kind of drama that is so unexpected that it takes you by gasping surprise. The story paints a picture that captures all of our senses and pulls at us emotionally. The rising action transports us to a bittersweet climax. It also shares the songs of co- playwright Jackie DeShannon, always very meaningful, always beautiful.
The play also lets in light regarding intolerance of social and ethnic class, the unapologetic courage of being your authentic self, and the world as a show place for the wealthy and fortunate who live life like a fish in a dazzling seascape behind a glass. Everyone admires them but they can’t be touched.
“Farewell to the Last Drive-In†is an irresistible and compelling play that will leave its readers with a distinct impact paying tribute to its dialogue and powerful messages. Its characters are brought to life eloquently and the plot unfolds quickly in a logical manner. The story captures its audience and creates a vivid imagery while leaving room for personal interpretation.
The playwrights are both leaders and held in the highest esteem professionally Myla Lichtman-Fields is an award-winning playwright with a Ph.D. from USC in Communications/Drama. She was a staff writer at Universal Studios and is a member of the Writers Guild of America, West, The Dramatists Guild, and PEN. Her plays have been performed throughout the US and in the UK. Her play “FELIX & FANNYâ€Â, the first of her MusicMakers play series, was recently presented at London’s Barbican with The Carducci String Quartet and received a standing ovation.
Jackie DeShannon is a Grammy winning music trailblazer in the folk-rock genre and one of the most talented and iconic singer/songwriters the world has ever known. Her songs include the universal anthemic “Put A Little Love In Your Heartâ€Â, the classic Burt Bacharach/Hal David “What The World Needs Nowâ€Â, and Kim Carnes cover of “Bette Davis Eyes†which earned her a Grammy. She has written songs for artists, including Brenda Lee, Jimmy Page, The Byrds and a marathon of others. She opened for The Beatles during their first American tour and most recently she was saluted by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum: Poets and Prophets series earlier this year. Jackie is also a member of the Dramatists Guild.
Get your copy of “Farewell To The Last Drive-In†A Play in Two Acts by Jackie DeShannon and Myla Lichtman-Fields on Amazon today: