Documentary Subject

Steven Merriman

This handsome gentleman photographed above is Steven Merriman. He is the co-owner/operator of Merriman's Playhouse. Merriman's Playhouse is a multi-functional jazz performance facility. He also owns and operates the other side of the building which is an amazing complete piano service facility. He is an extremely passionate individual and entertaining to boot. I would particularly love to have him be the focus of this documentary because I know he would greatly appreciate the result as well. 

Questions:

-Could you tell me a little bit about the rich history of Merriman's Playhouse?

-How is that you were able to make your dreams come to fruition?

-What does a place like Merriman's Playhouse mean to the community of South Bend?

-How are you able to reach out and recruit with such high caliber musicians to play here?

-Your building functions as both a jazz venue and a piano service shop. Could you tell me about the demands of operating both?

-I know you are an incredibly passionate person and it shines through your work. Can you tell me how your work makes you feel?

-I have been to numerous shows here and one of the things I love the most is how this isnt just a standard jazz venue. You have groups that have heavy african influences, some Italian influences, others New Orleans pedal steel. Can you tell me a little about the decisions to book these groups?

-I know this is a long process but can you run me through the logistics of servicing a piano?

-What have been some of your proudest moments operating Merriman's Playhouse?

-Where do you see the future of Merrimans Playhouse going?

Interesting Phrases and Script

1. If you cant boogie, I know, Ill show you how.
2. You've got to pay the money if you want the pillow.
3. I was petrified. I went and hid behind a door.
4. Ya man, it's definitely the chemtrails.
5. You don't know shit about Marvin Gaye!

Cafe de Lawrence

            Lawrence sat alone outside a café. It was the third time this week Lawrence had sat alone outside this particular café. Now, the reason he sat alone outside this café for the third time this week had very little to do with the way the scones crumbled between Lawrence’s fingers, although he also enjoyed that very much. No, the reason Lawrence was sitting alone outside this café in the very same chair, sipping an identical double caramel macchiato, at the exact precise time of 5:43 pm EST as he had done the previous two days, was because of the server. (Beat #1: This beat will be defined with camera movement; the camera starts slowly zooming on Lawrence then quickly does a 180 to the server.)

            Lawrence’s sever was a most queer fellow whose bespectacled face and pock marked cheeks did nothing to help his thin, lanky appearance. He wore enormous shoes, a pressed white dress shirt two sizes too large, and sported a custom belt buckle that read “Luchador #1.” This man was truly a sight to behold. But as impressive as the gentleman’s appearance was, it was nothing compared to his ability to serve tables. (Beat #2: This beat will be defined by the actor who is standing at one table then shifts gears to racing around the patio)

            The first time Lawrence had patronized this café, he had been taken by this man’s physical presentation, then immediately dumbfounded by his serving operation. He maneuvered the patio with the agility of a world-class figure skater. Triple axel to table 6. Backwards Salchow to drop a check. Double Lutz to avoid a customer. The man was a flash. He was like Groucho Marx, flying impressively everywhere at once. All the while not a hair moved on his pencil thin mustachio.

            Now as strange as this man was, Lawrence was not a person to pass judgment on any one from appearances alone, in fact he prided himself in just the opposite. That being said, Lawrence could not stop himself from returning to this café to observe this strange creature.

            As it turns out, it is far from this server’s outstanding appearance and complicated movements that set him apart. No, no, no, in fact the most peculiar part about him was his speech. (Beat #3: This will also be defined by the actor who immediately turns and heads straight for Lawrence when he hears the last slurp of his drink) The first time Lawrence had polished off his refreshing double caramel macchiato, this Garcon-of-sorts zipped across the patio to address the finished beverage, the tails of his apron flapping in his draft. (Beat #4: This will be defined in the environment. POV Lawrence and the sun flashes blocking his view of the server as the camera pans up to the servers face.) His long gangly shadow spread across Lawrence’s face and Lawrence blinked as his eyes adjusted to the sight of a bean-pole dressed in an oversized, bleached white café uniform staring down with intensely magnified eyeballs. The man pointed at Lawrence’s empty cup, blinked twice, and said, “ You’ve got to pay the money, if you want the pillow.”