Feature: Local author and playwright, Stacey Upton-Bracey opens her newest play at Mesquite Arts Theatre

 

An article by Natalie Shaw

April 14, 2023

I first came across the work of Stacey Upton-Bracey when she directed Wait Until Dark at Garland Civic Theatre last May. I was so intrigued and captivated by the talent of the cast, the style of directing and the aesthetics of the set. I remember it, vividly, still today. I was also relieved that GCT had chosen a play that centers around a heroine with a disability, in this case, blindness, as I am an advocate for disabled people. The late Judith Heumann describes people as being either disabled, or non-disabled, because, eventually, everyone will be disabled. Everyone will experience what it's like to be left out or outcast, because they have simply became old and frail, have been injured in an accident, or have received a devastatingly new diagnosis that will weaken their ability to function as they used to. But, that does NOT mean we become useless or without value, it means our world has changed, we've become more human than we've ever been before. What I loved so much about Ms. Upton-Bracey's approach to this play, was that she did NOT paint the heroin as helpless, nor did she paint her as a "inspiration." (Pardon me, did I roll my eyes too loudly?) She painted her as HUMAN BEING, because that's who she is! I knew, right away, Ms. Upton-Bracey had the intuition and spirit that everyone in our world needs, and the tenacity to bring it forth, into the light! Here is someone who genuinely understands the human condition. Shortly after I published my review of Wait Until Dark in Dallas Theatre Journal, she reached out to thank me and invite me to review her next project-- a play that she had written herself, Like Kissing Moonlight, which was more than a triumph, I will say. Inspired by Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard and built around complex characters with messy lives and a family orchard to rescue, Like Kissing Moonlight left me with memories of home, my own messy life, and a strong sense of being understood. I have sense found Ms. Upton-Bracey to be just as great a friend as she is a writer. And, to say that she has motivated me, as a writer, is a vast understatement! I am in awe of her work, her vigor and her affection for art and humanity. I am so thrilled to present my personal interview with her to you, and can't wait to see you at her next show! 

Question: What was your inspiration for writing "Death By Design?"

Ms. Upton-Bracey: I have always loved "closed room" mysteries, in particular "And Then There Were None," by Agatha Christie. It was a novel first, that was then turned into a long-running play. In that one, people are invited to an island and die one by one, and they slowly realize one of them is the killer. I wanted to write something similar but updated for a modern audience. I also wanted to twist the genre. Once I hit upon the idea to use an isolated mountain cabin in the Appalachian Mountains instead of an island, I had to have a reason for a group of people who don't know each other in one place. That's when I got the idea of a bed and breakfast, and the elderly couple who run it. Next, I conjured the guests that arrive (who all have secrets, just like the Christie play). I called on my years working in Hollywood as a writer and production person for the majority of those characters, and I'm so pleased with the result. It's an Agatha Christie-type murder mystery, but with a lot of crazy fun mixed in.

Question: What would you say is the most important thing about being a writer? 

Ms. Upton-Bracey: I think being able to translate the human condition so that an audience can recognize themselves. That could look like you realize you're not alone with a problem, or to perhaps see a new perspective on an issue. Or at least have a laugh! Laughing is just so good for you. I try to have a few good ones in everything I write. 

Question: You are an accomplished writer! Having written a memoir, a young adult series of novels, and other plays, can you tell me why you specifically thought "Death by Design" belongs on the stage? What makes it special?

Ms. Upton-Bracey: Thank you! I love writing specifically for community theatre. My plays have a wide range of ages and representation, especially for older actors and women, as that is who often is auditioning for community theatre. I also try to have a few smaller parts, so if someone is new to acting (maybe it's on their bucket list, or just something they've always wanted to try), they can dip their toe in with confidence. With a play like DBD, the live audience is part of the fun -- the laughs, jumps and twists that they experience together, sitting in the dark is unique and priceless. You'll be glad you saw it with a friend so you can talk about it later or guess who the killer is at intermission!

Question: What's next? Are you already planning your next piece? 

Ms. Upton-Bracey: My next foray into writing is actually a Sweet Sports Romance book series (swimming as the sport). The Greenwood Mountain Romance series will be under a pen name (Christy Winn) and publishing beginning in May. It takes place in a small Appalachian town, no surprise there! I have a couple of great idea for plays that require less set and fewer actors to accommodate smaller production spaces.

Question: Is there anything, in particular, that you want your audience to know about "Death by Deisgn," or anyone you'd like to thank? 

Ms. Upton-Bracey: "Death by Design" is both funny and scary, with some gunshots in the mix. I think you can bring your kids 12 and up, they will be fine with it. I absolutely want to thank Mesquite Arts Theatre for being forward thinking about offering their audience an original play by a local writer, and in particular, director Dennis Gullion and assistant director Stephanie Lewis. And of course, the wonderful cast who are bringing my words to life! 

Meet the Cast!