PROGRAM 8
The Gardener by Jameson May and Zoe Ray Prawda
The Laundry Play by Sarah Groustra
the gardener
by Jameson May and Zoe Ray Prawda
Synopsis: The Gardener goes to an AI therapist who sets her up in a virtual garden where everything is perfect. They journal and garden (as part of therapy), but get mad at the process, attempting to destroy the garden they are there to nurture. This leads to a realization of the imperfect nature of life.
Words and Music by Jameson May and Zoe Ray Prawda
Jameson May is a jersey based singer/songwriter/composer originally from Wilmington, DE. He has released a bunch of music under his name and is also 1/4 of the indie rock band Brig Aurora. He studied musical theater performance before going on to study musical theater composition at NYU’s grad program. He hopes his work can bring you a fraction of the peace and fulfillment it has brought him. Instagram: @jameson_may_
Zoe Ray Prawda is a Brooklyn-born storyteller and performer. After gaining a BM in Composition, she worked at a music publishing company for two years before returning to school, where she got an MFA in Musical Theatre Writing from NYU Tisch. In October 2022, Zoe's song cycle, The Element of Belonging, was performed as part of Emerging Artist's New Work Series. She is now a music teacher and is glad to see her work at Chain Theatre for a second time.
the laundry play
by Sarah Groustra
Directed by Mackenna Goodrich
Synopsis: David is a museum curator whose panic attacks have gone untreated for years. When he takes a job that will move him halfway across the country, his girlfriend Eliza fears for his safety. Told largely through both characters' conversations with a therapist, The Laundry Play paints a portrait of a relationship on the verge of either connection or collapse.
Jane Lindstrom – Set & Property Design
Cora Cicala – Sound Design
"This play contains discussion of depression and anxiety as well as a depiction of self-harm"
Sarah Groustra (playwright, she/her) is a Brooklyn-based, Massachusetts-born playwright, actress, and theatermaker. She is the recipient of the 2021 James E. Michael Playwriting Prize, was named a 2022 Ascending Playwright by Yonder Window Theater Company, and has developed her writing with Grub Street of Boston, Playdate Theatre, and The Parsnip Ship. Sarah's play Insertion was the winner of the 2022 B Street Theater New Comedies Festival in Sacramento, CA. She is a proud alumna of the 24 Hour Plays: Nationals and a member of the Dramatists Guild. BA: Kenyon College (2022); sarahgroustra.com // @ladypoachedegg
Sara Rosenthal (ELIZA, she/her) is a Brooklyn based actress and educator that recently graduated from Kenyon College. Since graduating, Sara has worked with the Acting Company and has appeared in various new work developments. Some of her favorite credits include: Nina (Stupid Fucking Bird), Ashlee (Dance Nation), and Whatsername (American Idiot). She is thrilled to be working with this team and in this festival! Stay up to date with Sara: Instagram: saraa_rosenn Website: sararosenthal.org
Ben Teitelbaum (DAVID) is thrilled to be in The Laundry Play at The Chain Theatre! Past credits include Aida (The Metropolitan Opera), Neutrality (New York Theater Festival), The Addams Family (Columbus Immersive Theatre), The War Boys (Hangar Theatre), and Legally Blonde (OSU). BA Theatre ‘21 at The Ohio State University. All the love to the buddies, the fam, and Joelle! IG: @ben_teitelbaum
Mackenna Goodrich (Director) just went to the laundromat for the very first time. She serves as the dramaturg for The Road Theatre Company's playwriting group, Under Construction, and is a member of The Fled Collective. Selected directing and choreography credits: An Axe-mas Story (The Players Theatre), Kids Club/Club Kids (The Fled Collective), The Pine Barrens (Lime Arts), Dance Nation (Kenyon College), Cabaret (Kenyon College Players), The Moors (Stagefemmes). For more, check out mackennagoodrich.com and @mack3nna on Instagram.