Art House Productions in collaboration with Half-Light Productions, is thrilled to announce the upcoming presentation of Rajiv Joseph's compelling play, "Gruesome Playground Injuries," directed by Catriona Rubenis-Stevens. This captivating dramedy will be staged at Art House Productions in Jersey City, NJ, offering audiences a unique theatrical experience.
"Gruesome Playground Injuries" is a fast-paced, intense, and darkly comic play by Rajiv Joseph. It tells the story of Kayleen and Doug, two friends whose lives are intertwined through a series of injuries that bring them together. Spanning ages 8 to 38, the play follows their relationship as they navigate life's challenges, sometimes leaning on each other too much, occasionally causing harm, and often struggling to ask for help. Its non-chronological structure allows the audience to piece together their attraction while exploring themes of lost love, pain, regret, and how injuries can map a lifetime. Joseph highlights the complexity and messiness of life, reminding us that it becomes a bit easier with someone by our side.
Performances begin on Friday, October 18, 2024, and run through Sunday, November 10, 2024, with showtimes on Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. Ticket prices are set at $45 for general admission and $35 for students and seniors.
In a time when empathy and understanding are more crucial than ever, "Gruesome Playground Injuries" seeks to foster connection and dialogue. Art House Productions will engage the community by hosting post-show Q&A sessions with the creative team, and mental health specialists.
Ticket Information:
General Admission: $45
Students/Seniors: $35
Show Dates:
Performance #1: Friday, October 18, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #2: Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #3: Sunday, October 20, 2024 at 3:00pm
Performance #4: Friday, October 25, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #5: Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #6: Sunday, October 27, 2024 at 3:00pm
Performance #7: Friday, November 1, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #8: Saturday, November 2, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #9: Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 3:00pm
Performance #10: Friday, November 8, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #11: Saturday, November 9, 2024 at 8:00pm
Performance #12: Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 3:00pm
Showtimes:
Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00 PM
Sundays at 3 PM
Location:
Art House Productions
345 Marin Boulevard (between Morgan and Bay Streets), Jersey City, NJ 07302
MEET THE CAST:
Ashley Renée Scott (Kayleen) is excited to be performing in her first play in New Jersey and honored that it is happening in her Jersey City home with Art House. A Colorado native, Ashley majored in Film, TV, and Theater at the University of Colorado, helped develop and performed in the original play Bingo Boyz Columbine (Lida Project) among other plays, and wrote, acted in, and directed many short films. She studied, performed, and taught Meisner (Playhouse West) and Film (Hollywood Film Lab) in Los Angeles, and taught acting/audition technique in Paris, France (Paris Meisner) with her students working all over the world. Some of her more notable credits include Martha in Strange Snow (Playhouse West), Viola in Twelfth Night (To Be Productions), Jeanie in Good People (Playhouse West), and Carol Cutrere in Orpheus Descending (Vision Box). You can check out her IMDB for film credits. She would like to thank her family for all their support and belief in her over the years and all her new friends in JC.
Mario C. Brown was born in New York City and started acting in 2012. Since then he has been in theatrical productions such as “Othello”, “Ring Round The Moon”, “The Dutchman”, and originated roles in stage productions like Vinny Lyman’s “War Stories”. He has also performed as Walter Lee Younger in the 2018 AUDELCO Award nominated production of Lorraine Hansberry’s “A Raisin in The Sun”. On film he has appeared in “Empty Spaces” and “An Afternoon in Monte Carlo” as well as the award winning feature film “Out of Breath”. He strives to embody specificity and honesty in each performance while immersing himself in the glorious cosmic harmony of collaboration. Mario would like to thank Art House Productions and their entire team for their effort in bringing this play to life and the opportunity to be apart of this production. He would like to thank Rajiv Joseph for writing such an honest and beautifully moving piece. His thanks goes to Catriona Rubenis-Stevens for her leadership, perspective, and effort to facilitate an environment of play and exploration from the very first day. He is immensely grateful for Naomi Gayner and every level of support she brings; both tangible and intangible. He’d also like to thank Ashley Scott for her trust and willingness to welcome him on this tremendous creative journey. Big Love.
ABOUT THE CREATIVE TEAM:
Catriona Rubenis-Stevens (Director), is a multi-award-winning director and producer, known for her work in film and theater. She founded Half-Light Productions and has received over $50,000 in artist grants. Her recent projects include the acclaimed feature film "Regarding Us" and the annual Zombie Opera.
Naomi Gayner (Stage Manager) is eager to be a part of this production! Naomi recently graduated from the University of Delaware in May, majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring in Dance. During her time, she was a member of E-52 Student Theatre, where she wore many hats! Naomi has been Production Manager for She Kills Monsters, Clue: On Stage, and Twelve Angry Jurors. She has also choreographed for multiple E-52 productions, including Working: A Musical, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Into The Woods. Her favorite moment was directing The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong in November 2023, as her production won a YouDee Leadership Award for Outstanding Program/Event at the University of Delaware! She also dabbles (heavily) in acting in Shrek: The Musical Jr. (Donkey), The Game’s Afoot (Inspector Goring), and Into The Woods (Rapunzel’s Prince). Naomi has also finished her 16th year at Next Step Broadway JC, having danced there since opening in 2008 and serving as Summer Camp Co-Director for the last two years. With Cat being a former acting teacher, she’s excited to reconnect professionally (while she’s not a brooding teenager). Naomi wants to thank Cat, Ashley, and Art House Productions Inc. for this opportunity!
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT:
Rajiv Joseph’s play Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo was a 2010 Pulitzer Prize finalist for Drama and was also awarded a grant for Outstanding New American Play by the National Endowment for the Arts. He has twice won the Obie Award for Best New American Play, first in 2016 with Guards at the Taj (also a 2016 Lortel Winner for Best Play) and then in 2018 with Describe the Night. Other plays include King James, Letters of Suresh, Archduke, Gruesome Playground Injuries, Animals Out of Paper, The Lake Effect, The North Pool and Mr. Wolf. Joseph has been awarded artistic grants from the Whiting Foundation, United States Artists and the Harold & Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust. He served for three years in the Peace Corps in Senegal.
Art House Theater Accessibility Features Include:
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- ASL interpretation upon request with 2 weeks notice
- Audio description for blind and low-vision patrons upon request with 2 weeks notes
- Service animals are welcome
- Restrooms are fully accessible
For specific accommodations, please contact us at 201-579-0532 or Meredith Burns at Meredith@arthouseproductions.org. If you have any questions or require additional assistance, we are happy to help ensure your visit is comfortable and enjoyable.