Boyertown PA
8-20-2024 4:52am

Mom Declares, "I AM: Proud" of Son, Playwright Matthew Freeman

Photograph by Pam Grossman

by Jane Stahl

Boyertown High School graduate Matthew Freeman is deep into rehearsals of the world premiere of his latest play The Ask that debuts on September 6, 2024, and his mother is justifiably proud. 

The Ask: Inspired by Matt's own years of raising funds for the ACLU, The Ask explores the delicate dance between "a struggling young fundraiser and an affluent liberal donor," according to the press release for the play, with a look at the inherent power struggle between them "as they navigate the treacherous power dynamics at the heart of charitable giving."

Matt has always employed his own experiences as fodder for his work, at times a little uncomfortable for the family. Yet, there's no doubting the authenticity he brings to the stage and why, as a New Dramatists alum, he proudly received the Joe A. Callaway Award, and a MacDowell Colony Fellow.

My own memories of Matt were as a ninth grade contestant for the Boyertown Optimist Club's annual Oratorical Contest. He had professional chops even then, playing shy and awkward with humor that charmed the audience...and the judges...and earned him opportunities to advance in the contest. It was clear: he was no ordinary contestant.

Commenting on his beginnings, his mother Susan LeClair admits, "I should have seen it coming....Matt's love of writing plays was sparked initially by Boyertown teachers Scott Didyoung, Bob Wood and Sandy Wood. 

"Others along the way fanned the flames," she continues, "he was the principal writer of the Senior Class play for instance-and his life long dedication to a challenging craft was begun. I am incredibly proud to read his reviews, sit in his audiences, and to be able to say,'My son. The playwright.'"

Other achievements: He was awarded the 2021 Kesselring Prize by the National Arts Club. His plays and monologues have been published by Concord Theatricals, Applause, Smith & Kraus, and Playscripts. Plays include Silver Spring(2021 Kesselring Prize), That Which Isn't, Steve Burns Alive (co-writer), Bluebeard, When is a Clock, The Listeners (Nominee: Best Production - Performance Art: New York Innovative Theatre Awards 2015), Why We Left Brooklyn, The Most Wonderful Love, Glee Club, The Death of King Arthur, and Brandywine Distillery Fire. His audio pieces have been a part of the HearNow Festival, New Dramatists Active Listening, Atlanta Fringe Radio. Freeman, a Boyertown High School grad, is a graduate of Emerson College. He divides his time between the Western Catskills and Brooklyn with his wife, the magical author Pam Grossman. www.matthewfreemanwriter.com

Find the official release:https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Theater-Accident-to-Present-World-Premiere-Of-Matthew-Freemans-THE-ASK-At-Wild-Project-20240718

Credits
Scenic design is by Craig Napoliello, with lighting design by Daisy Long, sound design by Cody Hom, and costume design by Nicole Wee.

Performances are scheduled on Friday, September 6 at 7:30pm, Saturday, September 7 at 7:30pm, Sunday, September 8 at 2pm & 7:30pm, Wednesday, September 11 at 7:30pm, Thursday, September 12 at 7:30pm, Friday, September 13 at 7:30pm, Saturday, September 14 at 7:30pm, Sunday, September 15 at 2pm & 7:30pm, Wednesday, September 18 at 7:30pm, Thursday, September 19 at 7:30pm, Friday, September 20 at 7:30pm, Saturday, September 21 at 7:30pm, Sunday, September 22 at 2pm & 7:30pm, Wednesday, September 25 at 7:30pm, Thursday, September 26 at 7:30pm, Friday, September 27 at 7:30pm, and Saturday, September 28 at 2pm & 7:30pm. Tickets are available for advance purchase at https://thewildproject.org/performances/the-ask/. The performance will run approximately 80 minutes, with no intermission.

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