‘The Haunting of Grayson Manor’ Premieres at CCC

Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:56:13 GMT

Gregory Forbes of Canby had an idea for a play, a ghost story, rattling around in his head for years. At a wine festival with friends, he shared his idea, which to his surprise, they loved. They encouraged him to write the play. Forbes completed the first draft in two weeks, but took a few more years to hone and refine the script. He contacted Clackamas Community College and spoke with theater director David Smith-English about having students do a reading of the original play. Smith-English envisioned the play as at CCC theater production. "I had been wanting to try a murder mystery for quite some time, a la Agatha Christie. A script showed up from a local playwright from Canby and it turned out it was really very good, so I decided to do it,” said Smith-English. “The great joy of bringing new work to the stage and taking students through that process has been a valuable and exhilarating experience. It's thrilling to be involved in what will be a world premiere!" Forbes’ play “The Haunting of Grayson Manor” premieres Feb. 25 in the Osterman Theatre at Clackamas Community College. Eight performances are scheduled Thursdays through Sundays through March 7. The play is about a manor on the Oregon Coast, haunted by the owner's son, who has been dead for 20 years. The story follows a team of ghost scientists trying to find the cause and source of the ghost with plenty of plot twists and turns. “I hope the audience enjoys the play as much as I enjoyed writing it,” said Forbes. “It is every playwright’s dream to work with the highest caliber of professionals who truly love theater. I have been fortunate enough to find such a group of professionals at Clackamas.” Performances take place Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Tickets may be purchased online at www.TheatreCCC.org. There will be a $2 service charge for each non-senior ticket purchased at the door. For more information, call Jennifer Schwartzman at 503-594-3153.