Time to Get Lucky... An Interview with Playwright John Chandler

Actors' Theatre presents Lucky Time, a new work by playwright John Chandler, in October. This world premier opens on October 17 and continues our newly minted tradition of offering a fall show that fits the Halloween spirit. A breakdown near a remote farmhouse leads to a night of wine, dangerous confessions, and visitations from past misdeeds. The haunting tale is directed by Wilma Marcus Chandler and features the acting talents of Andrew Davids, Martin Sampad Kachuck, Steven Capasso, Ann McCormick-Vickers, Helene Simkin Jara, and Evan Hunt.

Here's what John has to say about his latest work.

AT: What inspired you to write this play?

JC: Driving the backroads of  Gilroy and the wine country, I was inspired by the isolation of the population in contrast to the beauty of the landscape. I became fascinated by the people who are stewards of such beauty and the strangers who drive mindlessly though it. 

AT: Is Lucky Time the first play you've written in the suspense/horror genre? What do you like or find challenging about this style of play?

JC: My previous plays have been comedies. But this genre seemed fitting to the conflicts and moral/ethical questions the characters go through.

AT: What would you say the play is about ? 

JC: I think the play is about what we value--what we worry about, struggle with, and are haunted by. The fears, dreams, fantasies, and daily challenges that face each of us, and how we handle and come to grips with life's struggles in different ways.

AT: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?

JC: All my characters have special places in my heart... especially those who are imperfect.

AT: Anything you want to say to the people who come to see the play?

JC: I hope they engage with the questions, wrestle with the answers, and enjoy the ride.

AT: What is it like having your wife direct your work?

JC: Wilma is unearthing many secret places and finding layers that I, as a writer, was not even aware were there!

Lucky Time opens October 17 and plays Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8 pm, and Sunday at 2 pm through October 27. Tickets are $35 general, $32 seniors and students. Thursday tickets are half price when you use the promo code 2for1 (no spaces). Get your tickets HERE.