From: KanerRUs@aol.com
Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1998 15:45:41 EST
To: madstage.com
Subject: Letters From Stan Laurel - a one act play

Dear Director,

Enclosed is information for the theaters in Madison about a one act play I recently completed titled Letters From Stan Laurel. It is based on a true story of a retired Stan Laurel in the 1960s, as he reminisces on stage with teenage pen pal Dean Kaner about his life through real letters and flashbacks from his career.

The play is an insight into Stan's early struggles to succeed in show business after being the understudy for Charlie Chaplin in the English Music Halls, then touring vaudeville for five years before getting a break as a film director in Hollywood. His personal tragedies from a long bout with alcoholism and four unsuccessful marriages, to the ongoing feud with producer Hal Roach, the person credited for teaming Laurel and Hardy.

Letters From Stan Laurel is also the story of my early teens when I corresponded with Stan Laurel. The play consists of three actors and just a few props, which makes the budget inexpensive and easy to stage on tour. This is a chapter in American history of perhaps the greatest film comedian of all time. If you are interested in considering Letters From Stan Laurel for your theater, email me for a copy of the play with your mailing address to KanerRus@aol.com.

Sincerely,

Dean B. Kaner