Date: Jul 16, 2009

Jean Dobie Giebel, Chair of Hofstra’s Department of Drama and Dance, Starts New Production Company – Fat Melon Productions

First Up: "The Smoking Diary," a One-Hour Romantic Comedy Premieres July 30 at the ATA American Theatre of Actors Chernuchin Theater

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY … A one-hour romantic comedy, The Smoking Diary, will be the inaugural production of Fat Melon Productions, a theater company started by Jean Dobie Giebel, chair of Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance. The Smoking Diary, written by Loretta Dillon and directed by Professor Giebel, will open July 30, 2009, at 8 p.m. at the ATA American Theatre of Actors Chernuchin Theater, located at 314 West 54th Street, Manhattan.

The Smoking Diary chronicles the adventures of Renee, a 40-something, single mom from Cleveland who is exploring the online dating jungle with disastrous but comical results. When she meets a man living in New York City who she thinks is an ideal match, she’s determined to impress him, even to the extent of quitting a lifelong smoking habit. But quitting smoking proves to be only the first of many challenges Renee faces in her journey toward love, forgiveness, and self-awareness.

In 2002 Loretta Dillon created a blog that focused on relationships, recovery and true crime stories, specifically spousal murder. Excerpts of her blog were published as a book in 2005 that was honored as a finalist for a non-fiction “Blooker” award. Ever the perennial diarist, Dillon kept a running log of her experiences in dating and with quitting smoking that resulted in The Smoking Diary.

The Smoking Diary features actress Katherine Alt Keener who is currently playing the title role of “Jacqueline Turner, Esq.,” in the new Web series from Great Resolve Media, Jacqueline Turner Representing… More on-camera work includes indie films: A Hope for Mr. Hawley, Conservation, Lying Like Lions, and the title role in Mother. She’s appeared in television on Law & Order, Saturday Night Live, and One Life to Live.

Professor Giebel founded Fat Melon Productions as a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support emerging artists. Works developed by the company present contemporary social or cultural themes in a context which is both entertaining and enlightening.

Performances of The Smoking Diary are Wednesday and Thursday at 8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m.; Sundays at 2 p.m. There will be a special final Monday performance on August 10, 2009, at 8 p.m. Advanced ticket sales are available online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/71173 Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for students and seniors. TDF/vouchers accepted. For reservations and more information call (917) 576-2457. Reserved tickets must be purchased 30 minutes prior to curtain.

For more information on Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance visit www.hofstra.edu/Drama.