The Fall of Manheime - A Dramatic Playe in Three Acts by Jeremy Kellerman
Channel: TheJeremyKellerman
Date: 2011-09-13

This is a home video recording of a performance of "The Fall of Manheime," a three act play written by Jeremy Kellerman during his years at Wanetshaw Community College. At the time, Jeremy attempted many written works, none yet published or released. This was his first foray into playwriting and needless to say it was a resounding success. This particular performance was performed by the Wanetshaw Community Players in 1983 during Jeremy's second senior year. It aired as part of the Jeremy Kellerman Advice Hour three separate times, once in 1988, again in 1990 and one final time in 802,701. 

For those unfamiliar with the many esoteric references, deep symbolism or meanings rooted in Michigan culture, here is a brief summary:

Manheime, the once-gentle Lord of Fantastic Castle, is overcome by avarice and lust when he is offered the chance to marry the beautiful Princess of Wimbydon. In his pursuit of her, he falls off of his steed, Excalibur, and cracks his head open, a moment symbolic of his moral failing.  This comprises the Prologue. 

In Act 1, Manheime returns to Fantastic Castle and attempts to wrest control of the Kingdom of Derby from the wicked King Madness, father of the beautiful Princess Temptra who once seduced Manheime. First, however, Manheime must win back the trust of the Tribal Elders, which he does by agreeing to pass the Sacred Test of defeating the Evil Horseman, Bacchus.

In Act 2, The Horseman, thought dead by all including Manheime, returns for revenge. The Council of Elders believe that Manheime lied about his victory, but in fact the Horseman WAS slain. He was then resurrected by King Madness under cover of Darkness. Manheime, in keeping with the pattern of the Hero's Journey, reaches a real low point and contemplates suicide.

In Act 3, Mainheime learns from Blind Pete Skunkpipe, an elderly blues singer, to vent his sadness through music. In doing, he discovers a joyful type of music, Euphorismia, which is anathema to King Madness and his wicked guards and daughter. Through the wonderful power of song, Mainheime triumphs and regains the trust and love and rule of the Kingdom.

This performance features Advice Hour regulars, including Jeremy Kellerman himself as Manheime, the late Victoria Kellerman as Wench #6, and David Munson as King Madness. This performance was directed by Reginald P. Quest and Jeremy Kellerman and produced by Jeremy Kellerman.

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