One Actor - Another Show

Paul Rapsey’s second novel, “ Murder, Buy Cheeses ” has been released by Amazon Books (November 2023).   Austin Macauley Publishers (London and New York) write that this is “…a most suspenseful and immersive mystery story, very well written, with an intriguing emphasis on a cheese store that hides many secrets… [It is] lighthearted and whimsical while still maintaining the sensibilities of a murder mystery.”  The book, by the author of “ Murder on the Pony Express Way ” and “ Five Monologues ”, is now available on-line at Amazon Books, both an e-book ($9. 99  Cdn - Kindle) and in paperback format ($20. 00 Cdn) A book launch will be hosted by Bainton's Mad Hatter Bookstore and Wine Bar in Annapolis Royal, on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, form 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Paul will do a reading from the book, and he is available to sign copies of the book, which will be for sale in the bookstore.

Lately, I have been working on a new book, my second novel: "Murder, Buy Cheeses". I have not had time to think about performing, let alone writing a new play. The theatrical muse has been asleep.  I do not know when, or if, I will find the creative and physical energy to mount another play. I am now in my 74th year. I am content with what I have accomplished in the past eight years. And I am enjoying the  challenge of writing in this new medium. Also, I am enjoying more time for exploring this wonderful province of Nova Scotia.

When we think of one symbol that immediately takes us to Atlantic Canada, it is the lighthouse. What could capture the smell of the ocean, the importance of the fishing industry and the loving quality of the people more like this essential building that’s purpose is to keep folks safe and guide them home. Built in 1885, The Schafner Point Lighthouse is just that symbol for residents of Annapolis County, particularly those living on Granville Road where it stands. Six locals watched as the beloved lighthouse continued to suffer the wear and tear of time and harsh weather. The building has extensive wood rot. It’s built so well that it’s standing, but it’s missing cladding, it’s wrapped in house wrap, there’s lots of sections with no boards, and it has no shingles. All that’s between the inside and the weather is a thin piece of house wrap. “The lighthouse is still in use, so the Coast Guard needs the light to be working. If the lighthouse was left in disrepair and eventually tor...

A far from perfect film version of the play "What's in a Name" is now available on YouTube at  https://youtu.be/gEo_rT62rd8 . However, the script and it's delivery is what I consider most important. I do not claim to be an accomplished filmmaker, even if some of my films have received some awards. The ending of the original stage script has been altered due to copyright concerns involving the 30-second audio clip of Doris Day singing the first verse of "Que Sera Sera". In the film version, I "sing" (?) a modified version of the song lyrics to a modified version of the score out of tune.

Thank you to Holly Sanford and the Mad Hatter Bookstore and Wine Bar for hosting the book launch yesterday of Paul Rapsey's "Five Monologues" book. The packed room was treated to a selection of "readings", actually of recitals by Paul, of a section from each of the five plays. The audience was thoroughly engaged and gave Paul an enthusiastic reception. There was some concern that people would not be as interested in the launch of a book of plays as they had been for the launch two months ago of Paul's novel, "Murder on the Pony Express Way". However, this concern proved unfounded. The space was packed to overflowing. One person wrote of the event: " This was the best reading from a book launch I’ve ever attended. The difference, of course, is that Paul knew the material so well that he didn’t just read, but he acted wonderfully. What a delightful way to spend an hour. "

Amazon Books has just published two of Paul Rapsey's books, one a whimsical murder mystery and the other a compilation of five of his feature length dramatic monologues. These books are now available for purchase on-line, both as e-books and as print books in paperback.  The mystery book, Murder on the Pony Express Way , was already published as a paperback in a short run this past March and a packed book launch was held at the Mad Hatter Bookstore. This novel is for sale locally at several bookstores in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia: the Mad Hatter Bookstore in Annapolis Royal, The Bees Knees, in Lawrencetown and the Endless Shores Bookstore in Bridgetown.  The book of plays, Five Monologues , also locally published in a short run, will be launched on Wednesday, May 24 at the Mad Hatter Bookstore in Annapolis Royal from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Paul will do a selection of readings from the plays.  As well as being available on-line, Five Monologues  will be available l...

"A relatively small, but thoroughly engaged audience at the Granville Ferry Hall loudly applauded Paul Rapsey's brilliant performance of "What's in a Name" on Wednesday afternoon this week. The show was more intimate and even more powerful than the acclaimed sold-out benefit performance in Port Royal in March of this year.  It is truly amazing to have such powerful theatrical talent in our midst. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, a nice donation was made to the Fundy Hospice in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia."