In its very first year, The Garry Marshall Theatre New Works Festival selected my new play "The Escape Thingy" as one of the Semifinalists!

In this 5-person comedy, two very different couples meet in an "Escape Room" game night, each needing very different types of escape. The clock is literally ticking as they attempt to solve the puzzles, distinguish facts from alternative facts, and weigh the risks of unlocking the door to the dangerous world outside.

This new play, written as part of the Playwrights Union New Play Challenge 2017, was a Finalist for the 2018-2019 Reva Shiner Comedy Award, and is also a Semifinalist for the 2018 Ashland New Play Festival and the 2018 Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

Take a listen to your local NPR station's broadcast of the radio quiz show "Says You!" this weekend and listen for me. I was so honored and thrilled to be included as a panelist when the brain-teasing radio program taped two episodes in Monterey, CA earlier this year. It was SO FUN to participate in front of such a huge and wonderful crowd.

If the show is not carried in your area, you'll be able to check out the podcast starting April 14. I'll provide a link here when it's up. Meanwhile, check your local NPR radio listings for "Says You!" starting today or find out more at www.saysyouradio.com.

The opening of the World Premiere of "Miss Keller Has No Second Book" at Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, FL was wonderful. The design team created a magical world full of haunting original music and breathtaking sets, lights, and costumes. The crew -- both backstage and front of house -- were as professional as they were fun to hang out with. And the entire cast (Amy Van Nostrand, Maureen Silliman, Alex Grubbs, James Lloyd Reynolds, and Hannah Mae Sturges), led by director Emilie Beck, was outstanding.

All that was just my "review," simply as the person who wrote the thing. Here's what Florida Weekly had to say: “'Miss Keller Has No Second Book' is one of those rare things in theater: a new play that works on all levels, has a superlative cast and grabs your heart and won’t let go." BroadwayWorld says our show "is most definitely a premiere you will not want to miss." Naples Daily News says "riveting as well as enlightening."

I couldn't be more proud of this show. This production runs until April 15. Tickets and more info available here. 

Click the side arrows below to see some images from the show (photos courtesy of Gulfshore Playhouse): 

I'm such a lucky playwright to have these amazing artists bring my play to the stage for the first time. Gulfshore Playhouse, in Naples, FL, brought these actors (and our director) in from New York City and Los Angeles, to work with the amazing GP staff. In the photo above: Actors (L to R) James Lloyd Reynolds, Hannah Mae Sturges, Maureen Silliman, Amy Van Nostrand, Alex Grubbs; Production Assistant Morgan Taylor; Stage Manager Jamie Eckhold, and Director Emilie Beck.

Is it weird that every play I've had produced features at least one beat-up recliner? IS THAT WEIRD?

So thrilled that my new play "The Escape Thingy" is a Semifinalist in the prestigious Bay Area Playwrights Festival. I'm honored to be selected among over the 700 submissions for their 41st annual festival. I have also been entered into the BAPF pool of writers that are considered for the other developmental opportunities at Playwrights Foundation, including their monthly Rough Reading Series.

So proud that my play "The Escape Thingy" is a Finalist for the 2018-2019 Reva Shiner Comedy Award! Ten finalists were selected from over 1,000 submissions by Bloomington Playwrights Project. What a wonderful honor. 

In this 5-person comedy, two very different couples meet in an "Escape Room" game night, each needing very different types of escape. The clock is literally ticking as they attempt to solve the puzzles, distinguish facts from alternative facts, and weigh the risks of unlocking the door to the dangerous world outside.

This new play, written as part of the Playwrights Union New Play Challenge 2017, is also a Semifinalist for the 2018 Ashland New Play Festival and the 2018 Bay Area Playwrights Festival.

Check your local listings for FX's "Baskets" next week -- I'll be appearing in the "Woman's Conference" episode. SUCH fun working with the generous and kind Louie Anderson. And wonderful to meet Jackie Garcia (playing "Jan") as well as these two talented gentlemen.

You can see the clips on my updated acting reel HERE.

Clearly, it's a very difficult job, but somebody has to do it.