Life doesn’t normally work itself out as it does in fairly tales. Hard work doesn’t always yield the results one wishes for.

Sonya Heard, a local playwright, has experienced her own frustration in an effort to put together a large, professional production of a musical in Salem.

"I went to local theaters [Pentacle, Salem Repertory] with my material hoping to put on a larger production, but they weren't interested," Heard said.

Her original musical script "Don't Fall" first showed at Brush Creek Playhouse in 2006.

While Pentacle and Salem Repertory produce only nationally billed plays, Heard has written plethora of plays, many that have had successful runs on Brush Creek's Silverton stage.

Also under her writing "belt" are two kids shows and "Boy Next Door."

Bringing back "Don't Fall" to audiences requires Heard to make a few changes.

"It did really well at Brush Creek two years ago," Heard said. "Now I’m bringing it back on a professional stage. I’m going back in, rewriting."

In her search to procure at larger stage in hopes of presenting a Broadway-quality production, Heard found a receptive audience with Dave Fuller at the Scottish Rites Temple.

Heard came upon the space one day when she was there with a counseling company that was searching for training space.

"I got a hold of Grace McDonald (her composer) and asked if she would go ahead and help take this out on our own," Heard said. "It’s a little scary. I’m financing this."

Now that Heard has a venue to display her work, it seems her wish may come true. The same, however, can't be said for the protagonist of her play.

"Don't Fall," tells the story of woman named Tessa.

"It's a Cinderalla part two," Heard said.

The scripts tells the story of what happens after the marriage. It's five years later and she's doesn't wish to be in the relationship anymore.

"It's not all roses and champagne," Heard said. "The whole show is really about relationship, you have to work. Happily ever after isn’t easy.”

However, the struggle can be laughable. Why the material may sound like a drama, the play is actually a comedy.

A good time is meant to be had by all.

"I always bring out the show to the audience," Heard said. "You’re going to the experience the show, rather than see it."

Heard said she's good at getting the actors to interact. She wants the audience to feel like time is flying by.

In keeping with her plans for the production to be not only larger, but professional, Heard sought out a group of local non-profits to host each night's performance.

"They’re going to get a percentage of the gate and the concessions," Heard said. "They can use intermission to raise money."

Although they have yet to be confirmed, Friends of Feline, Marion County Dog Shelter, and Oregon Family Support Network are likely to be part of the production.

"I may have an opening for one more," Heard said.

The show scheduled on two weekends, July 17-18 and 24-25, also have a spaghetti feed prior to the shows. The dinner is $9 per guest.

Not only is the play itself written by a local, but all of the cast and crew is as well.

“All the talent is local," Heard said. "It’s right here in our own community."

Response to the event has been promising, according to Heard.

Many people have requested to be part of the crew. Salem Repertory's lighting director is set to be part of team, and she has a stage manager and director signed on to the project.

"I’m kind of surprised at the response," she said.

There are a few areas of need. Along with needing volunteers during the actual performances date, she seeks someone to help with marketing; to create graphics for the fliers. Costuming is also an area that she needs assistance with.

When all the preparations are complete and the lights go up, the show won't be hard on the audience's wallets as musicals usually are.

Pre-sale of tickets will set theatergoers back $15-18.

"I could charge the going rate, but I want people in the seats," Heard said.

Stepping out on her own, Heard has personally invested deeply in this endeavor.

"I really want to see if I can pull this off," Heard said. "I've always wanted to step out do this on my own."

If interested in being part of production or for more information, contact Sonya by e-mail at gheard@teleport.com.