08/25/2026
Fresh from a sold-out, three-show run of six of his Greatest Hits, we asked G. Matthew Gaskell to tell us about "As Time Goes By"—our Season Opener, arriving in less than a month!
❔Greg, tell us a bit about this play. How did it come to be? In fact, how do all your scripts come to be? Give us a little glimpse into your creative brain.
🎤 “As Time Goes By" is the story of a guy named Billy who goes back in time to prevent something from happening. Except he keeps failing, so he has to keep going back…
The idea came from my—and Jamie’s {Bradley, the director}—love of time travel. I developed the basic plot and characters, then brought Jamie on board, and together we built it into a story.
I don’t know how unique my process is, but when I get an idea, I’m a bit like a dog that won’t let go of a bone—especially if it’s a good one. If I come up with something I really like, I have to see it through and give it everything I’ve got.
❔This play premiered at Seacoast Repertory Theatre almost ten years ago. Has the script changed since then? How?
🎤There are elements that have changed. The characters and basic story remain the same, but I’ve made some adjustments to Billy’s journey and the ‘science’ of the plot—which meant reworking a few scenes.
❔Is there anything else you wish to share with us?
🎤 If anyone out there enjoys my work but hasn’t seen this play, get a ticket. Of all my scripts, this is the one I am most proud of.
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AS TIME GOES BY opens on September 18!
www.playersring.org/show/as-time-goes-by
📸 Photo by Ben Bagley
