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Don't Worry Your Pretty Little Head

Written by Jaimee Lee Gaston

Directed by Peyton Strong

Synopsis

What if getting married and ‘settling down’ by thirty wasn’t a popular self-imposed rule amongst western women, but rather a recent law created by the Government? Young adults Mara, Florence, Jade and Cruz navigate sexuality, gender, and hookup culture in a world where being married to men by the age of thirty is compulsory. Morals, relationships, and judgement are put to the test on a New York City fire escape - friendship can only run so deep in a society Hell-bent on stealing your freedom.

Bios

Jaimee Lee Gaston (PLAYWRIGHT and MARA) Originally hailing from Australia, Jaimee Lee Gaston is an actor, singer, and dancer based in New York City. After sifting through the ideas swirling around in her brain, she is proud to have finally put pen to paper and has loved delving into the world of playwriting. A 2025 graduate of Circle in The Square Theatre School's two-year Professional Workshop for Musical Theatre, she has enjoyed getting involved in vastly different projects since graduating. Highlights include 'The Cherry Pit' directed by Peyton Strong and Molly Stern at The Rat, readings for the upcoming Off-Broadway play ‘For My Last Trick’, Onore Films’ 'Seven Years of Pazzo', as well as the Australian Theatre Festival Cabaret and other performances at The Green Room 42. She wants to thank her amazing cast and director for agreeing to come along with her on this wonderful journey. jaimeeleegaston.com 

Peyton Strong (DIRECTOR) Peyton Strong is a director, playwright, and actress based out of Brooklyn. She has appeared in the Queen's Short Play Festival and has written and directed shows for the New York Theater Festival. She is grateful to Jaimee and the amazing cast for this opportunity!

Hannah Wu (FLORENCE) Hannah Wu is an actor, dancer, and singer based in NYC. She was born in Beijing, China but spent the majority of her childhood in Calgary, Canada where she discovered her love for performing. Hannah graduated from Circle in the Square Theatre School’s two-year conservatory in June 2025. Since graduating she has worked with Ghost Light Theatre Company, Poor Mouth Theatre Company, and was just recently in Sarasota, FL premiering The Shark Lady, a new musical by Christina Meiping Chen. She is currently also in another Chain Winter One-Act this year: Scenes of disConnections by Kevin Durfee, program #16. Hannah is so grateful to be working with her best friends and hopes you enjoy the show! hannahwu.org

Jaylen Taylor (JADE) Jaylen Taylor is so excited to help bring Don’t Worry Your Pretty Little Head to life and to the stage. She recently graduated from the Circle in the Square Theatre School acting program (Class of ‘25) and received her BA from New York University (Class of ‘22). She received a degree in dramatic literature and romance languages: two disciplines that she employs to enrich her acting and writing pursuits. You can learn more at her website JaylenTaylor.com. She wants to shout out her family that never judges her for doing the most obnoxious vocal warmups throughout the house on a daily basis.

Sahar Lev-Shomer (CRUZ) Sahar Lev-Shomer is a New York City based actor and performer. He was most recently seen in the world premiere of “Oklahoma Samovar” at La MaMa ETC. He was a member of the first cohort of Dot in the Box Theatre Company, where he played Macbeth in “Macbeth” and was mentored by Billy Bustamante. Select credits include Henrik - “A Little Night Music”, The Writer - “Hello Again”, and Demetrius - “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”. Sahar is a recent graduate from Circle in the Square Theatre School, winning the inaugural Alan Langdon Award for Excellence in Contemporary Theatre. saharlevshomer.com

Estonian Wedding

Written by Chris Gacinski

Directed by Luis Feliciano

Synopsis

Two friends fly to a wedding they weren't invited to, with a plan to ruin the wedding over jealousy. Will everything go according to Danny's plan, or will it blow up in his face?

Bios

CHRIS GACINSKI is a playwright/drummer/poet/actor who is finally based in New York City!  Chris was the resident drummer for Measure for Measure Theatre based in South Florida, where he played for shows like In the Heights, Island Song, Murder Ballad, and Next to Normal. Recently, Chris played drums for 35MM: A Musical Exhibition (Laurie Beechman Theatre, NYC), made his international playwrighting debut Three Drunk Poets Find God (Hen and Chickens Theatre, UK), and is now a member of the Dramatists Guild.  Credits include Unhinged, Old Stomping Grounds, Le Petit Bateau, Tahitian Ziti (Chain Theatre,)  Three Hours Until Departure (Secret Theatre,) and All Hearts Matter...Except Yours (City Theatre.) His plays are available for production through the National New Play Exchange. Music by Lucas Doytier (@lucasdoytier). Please consider donating to his GoFundMe <3.

LUIS FELICIANO is an actor-director who focuses on Clown, Bouffon, and Commedia dell’Arte. He completed a year-long Clown Teaching apprenticeship with Christopher Bayes (Head of Physical Acting @ Yale). He devised and performed in FLOCK THE VOTE at the 2024 Atlanta Fringe alongside master bouffon Eric Davis (The Red Bastard). He has performed and taught Commedia dell' Arte with the Department of Fools, a Commedia troupe that ensemble-devises their material, seen most recently at The PIT. In the Fall of 2025, he performed as David in FAMILY by Oscar-nominated Celine Song, directed by OBIE-winning Alec Duffy @ La MaMa.

CHRISTIAN MIRANDA is thrilled to be making his return to the Chain after debuting in Chris Gacinski’s “Tahitian Ziti” this past summer. Born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, some of his favorite roles have been Chris Keller in All My Sons and Jackie in Motherf**ker With The Hat, both performed at The Height Players. A quote he carries everyday—“We must all do theater, to find out who we are, and to discover who we can become.”

HUDSON BROWN is an emerging actor based in NYC/LA, passionate about telling authentic, character driven stories, he is a versatile actor who brings depth to dramatic roles and sharp wit to comedies. He is thrilled to be playing Issac in Estonian Wedding!  Recent credits include playing Gregory on Amazon’s “Countdown”, Dale Jenkins in the independent 70’s Roller Disco movie and Alex on stage in “Cafe Americano”.  He recently finished his training at NYU Atlantic Theater Company and is currently continuing his training at NYU Stonestreet Studios. He is forever thankful for the support he has received from his Mom, Dad and brother Griffin.

KENRA FOSTER MCBRIDE is an actor, singer, dancer, composer & lyricist. After training at AMDA (Conservatory Certificate in Musical Theatre,) Kendra has accrued acting credits across New York City, which include “U/S Fridge Girl” - The Importance of Doing Art, 59E59th Theaters. “Hadass” - Yentl, EastLine Theatre Company. “Featured soloist/dancer” - 11:00 Numbers at 7:00, 54 Below. “Koda” - Listen To Me, The Chain Theatre Festival. “Elaine” - Nothin’ But Love, Ellington Room. “Daphnie” - America’s Next Top Kid Chef Showdown, Provincetown Playhouse. Kendra’s regional credits include “Maureen Johnson” - Rent, Creators Theatre Company, Birmingham, UK. “U/S Kate, Ens.” - The Wild Party, Cosmo Theatre, Los Angeles. “Clytemnestra” - Electra, The Lab Productions, London, UK. 

Pity Party

Written by Gabriella Arianna

Directed by Mattie Parker

Synopsis

Isabella is ready for her sister’s wedding to be over. But when a charismatic stranger takes a seat next to her at the reception, family drama begins to unfold. 

Bios

MATTIE PARKER [they/them] (Wedding Director) is incredibly grateful that in spite of the many things vying for our attention—for the purposes of an evening—you have decided to join us in celebrating the union of Gemma & Luca! While life may not always follow our timelines or expectations, if we keep our hearts open it often gives us exactly what we need. So cry, clap, have a glass of wine (or two), and then join us on the dance floor. If you want help planning your "big day" or any artistic ventures–whether that be directing, writing, acting, or singing–you can find more information about the director below: https://mattieparker.wixsite.com/artist/current-projects IG: @zestylittlefire

GABRIELLA ARIANNA (Vow Ghost Writer, Wedding Planner, & a Very Amateur Cellist) is a writer and artist from the Jersey Shore. She’s authored and orchestrated over the top absurdities for The New York Theatre Festival, the International Human Rights Arts Festival, and the Philadelphia Fringe Festival. If you’re looking to upstage a bride or ruin a wedding, contact Gabs at: https://gabriellaarianna.com/ IG: @gabriella_arianna

JILLIAN BRADLEY (Isabella) is a New York City-based actor originally from Binghamton, NY. She is a recent graduate of the William Esper Acting Studio, and most recently performed in festivals both in the city and back in her hometown. She is so grateful to have worked with an amazing team on this show! IG: Jillian.bradley

NILES WILSON (“Matthew” & Co-Wedding Planner) is excited to make his Chain Theatre debut in Pity Party! He is currently a student at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), pursuing a degree in Advertising, Marketing & Communications. Recent acting credits include Frank u/s Mike & Richie (A Chorus Line, Plaza Theatricals), Brutus (Julius Caesar, Malverne Community Theatre), Donkey (Shrek The Musical, Malverne Community Theatre) and Cinderella's Prince (Into the Woods, FIT). Enjoy the party!

LAURIE SAMMETH (Lucinda) enjoys a variety of acting experiences–from playing Golde in Fiddler on the Roof to a pushy pet owner in The Dogwalkers web series to an impatient dead woman in a Reese’s commercial. Recent NYC stage productions include Mollie and Harry at The Tank, Sisters at The Producers Club, Working and Cautionary Tales with St. Jean’s Players and The Therapy Session and Our Favorite Son at Players Theatre. For more credits, reels and contact: www.lauriesammeth.com 

JOHN TORRES (Quince) is a life-long theatre actor and director who always enjoys the opportunity of bringing original plays to life in festivals like The Chain’s Winter One Acts Festival.

TESSA FORSTER [she/her] (Lauren) is a New York City based actor and singer from Worcester, Massachusetts. Her most recent works include BURIED, a new musical performed at The Green Room 42, and Introducing Berkson and Malina at 54 Below. IG: @tessa.forster

GLORIA CAI (Pianist) is originally from Maryland and currently resides in New York City. She began piano at the age of 4 and has performed at venues such as Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. Gloria loves exploring different artistic projects and frequently collaborates with other musicians and orchestras. 

JULIANA YU (Violinist) is a creative from Maryland. She grew up immersed in music, playing violin, piano, and guitar. Beyond her day job as a digital designer, she loves to explore and collaborate on a variety of creative endeavors. 

GRAPHICS/PHOTOGRAPHY:

TOLUWANI ADESANYA (Graphic Design) is a copywriter and interdisciplinary designer based in the New York metro area, focused on bringing bold and unconventional visions to life through traditional and visual storytelling. IG: @tolouiee.exe

STUART OATES (Photographer) has been a photographer for the last 6 years. In his free time, Stuart adores the performing arts, both on and off stage. Pity Party has given him another opportunity to combine his two passions. Stuart loves this incredible cast and is honored to capture its beautiful, dramatic, and thought-provoking moments on camera. Enjoy! IG: @sarovision