‘Leather Apron Club’ writer/director Charlie Mount questions his audience

By John K. Adams

“He who sacrifices freedom for security, deserves neither.” – Benjamin Franklin

Political thriller, The Leather Apron Club, written and directed by Charlie Mount, premieres at Theatre West April 22nd.

The title alludes to the club started by Franklin, so that “middling men,” those who really run things, could establish a civil society: fire departments, libraries, etc.

Mount’s play asks us to imagine a shadow government of “the smarter people,” the unseen hands pulling strings beyond citizen purview, yet controlling our lives.

According to Mount, “The play is about you, as an American. How much do you want to know about American democracy? Do you want a democracy or a king? The play asks what you will do when you walk out of the theater,” a timely election-year question.

Mount wrote The Leather Apron Club through his association with Writers in Residence, Theater West’s writer’s unit. His previous plays include Against the Wall and Trumpets and Table-Tipping. Mount expects a lot. He believes writers “should treat the audience as if they are the smartest people in the world. Always play up.”

Mount’s directing credits include Acting: The First Six Lessons, Gaslight and The Fantasticks, among others.

The world premiere of “The Leather Apron Club” is staged April 22nd-May 15th at Theatre West located at 3333 Cahuenga Blvd West in Los Angeles. Show times are Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm. Free parking is available in a lot across the street. For tickets and information call (323) 851-7977 or visit TheatreWest.org.

This piece appeared originally in the Tolucan Times on Aprill 22nd, 2016.