So proud of the wonderful feature about my new play’s World Premiere production of “Circle Forward” in today’s Naples Press, written by Harriet Heithaus, with photos by Olga Hayes. Check it out:

https://www.naplespress.com/arts-living/the-journey-of-a-playwright-deb-hietts-creative-process/article_98d93685-c85a-4f39-8407-3a5e65da4e68.html

Photo by Olga Hayes. Opening night reception.

Photo by Olga Hayes. The cast (L-R: Anne Troup, Anthony Zambito, Meeghan Holaway, Bekah Zornosa) takes a bow.

Photo by Olga Hayes. Mia (played by Meeghan Holaway) in a moment of reflection.

January 29th kicked off the World Premiere of my play “Circle Forward,” and what a lovely production! Director Neel Keller did an outstanding job of guiding a stellar cast of actors: Meeghan Holaway, Anne Troup, Anthony Zambito, and Bekah Zornosa. The teams at Gulfshore Playhouse are as professional as they are kind, and the entire vibe of the place creates an environment conducive to everyone doing their best work.

Audiences eagerly embraced the play on opening weekend, and it runs until Mar 1. Here are some of the audience comments (all attendees are sent an email after the show, asking for any and all feedback):

"It’s fantastic – well-written, original, layered, and a wonderfully talented cast."

"VERY Well Done! Intriguing story. The acting is flawless!"

"Fascinating plot. Great acting, complex and layered emotions."

"Creative and emotional storyline. My wife and I are still talking about it!"

"I thought the play and the acting were superb. The performances were spectacular!"

"Brilliant, clever, impactful play with an amazing cast."

"A fantastic production, wonderfully acted and beautifully written. It should be seen if you are lucky enough to get tickets."

"Powerful play, performed brilliantly."

Read the Playwright Q&A here, which appears in the printed program.

If you’re anywhere near gorgeous Naples, Florida between now and March 1, please grab a ticket to see the show HERE!

A happy, lucky playwright.

2026 will kick off with a full production of my play “Circle Forward” at the regional LORT theatre Gulfshore Playhouse in Naples, FL. We start rehearsals at the end of December and open January 29.

The esteemed Neel Keller will be directing, and the cast includes Meeghan Holaway, Anne Troup, Anthony Zambito, and Bekah Zornosa. Sets are being built, props being gathered… it’s happening. I can’t wait to get into rehearsals!

More photos and info to come, but if you’re anywhere near Naples between January 29 - Mar 2, please get tickets and support new plays!

What a joyous and inspiring week I had in Durango, Colorado last week! I was invited to workshop my play “Circle Forward” with a wonderful team of actors and crew, all led by the brilliant director, Pesha Rudnick. And the amazing staff who run the festival are so well-organized! I was able to make some great tweaks to my play, and I feel like it’s better than it was before. (The revised version is available on New Play Exchange here.)

The cast included Tony-nominated Enid Graham as Mia, Catia Ojeda as Lexi, Conor Sheehan as Ethan, and Siena Widen as Calista. Cindy Laudadio-Hill read stage directions, Misha Zimmerman was Stage Manager, and J’Kye Wientjes was Assistant Stage Manager. A fun, lovely, and supportive group of artists!

A big thanks to everyone in Durango for making us feel so welcome. We had the pleasure of two separate readings and both audiences had thoughtful and helpful responses.

What an honor to once again be selected as a Semifinalist for the 2024 National Playwrights Conference at the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center — this time for my play “Circle Forward.”

Out of the many plays that were submitted for this prestigious development opportunity this year, I feel very lucky to have my work be recognized! Onwards!

Colorado is the home of the Durango PlayFest, the prestigious new play development workshop, and I’m thrilled that my play “Circle Forward” was selected as one of four new plays that will headline its 6th annual festival, June 25-30, 2024. PlayFest's mission is to bring well-known and emerging playwrights, well-known actors and directors to Durango to incubate new plays, hold free events for the community, and culminate the week with staged readings for local audiences.

Directing “Circle Forward” will be Pesha Rudnick. A full cast list will be announced in early June.

Here’s the synopsis of “Circle Forward”: Seventeen years after the loss of her young husband from cancer, Mia meets a teenager who believes he is the reincarnation of her late husband. When the teen and his mom come to Mia's house for lunch, his uncanny memories force Mia to face her doubts, her past, and the whole truth.

The festival's full schedule and ticket information will be posted at durangoplayfest.org in late April. For more information, visit www.durangoplayfest.org.

Take a look at the BROADWAYWORLD press release HERE.

While it wasn’t selected to be a part of the festival, my play “Circle Forward” was a finalist for the Local Theater Company’s “Lab” New Play Festival. With hundreds of plays submitted to this prestigious reading series, being a finalist is quite an honor.

Here’s the synopsis for “Circle Forward:” Seventeen years after the loss of her young husband from cancer, Mia meets a teenager, Ethan, who believes he is the reincarnation of her late husband. When Ethan and his mom Lexi come to Mia's house for lunch, Mia must face her doubts, her past, and the whole truth.

A big thank you to Local Lab for the consideration and selection as a finalist!