ALLIANCE REP PRESENTS NJ PREMIERE OF NEW PLAY IN SUMMIT

Directed by Christine Gaden

WHEN:  February 16 through March 3
WHERE: MONDO, 426 Springfield Ave., Summit
Visit our website for tickets and information. https://www.alliancerep.org/current-production

Starring: David Federman and Kelly Maizenaski

Longtime friends Doug (David Federman) and Kayleen (Kelly Maizenaski) measure their lives in stitches, scars and hospital stints. Kayleen's internal agony, including intense stomachaches, is only matched by daredevil Doug’s array of disfiguring accidents.  Over the course of thirty years, this scar-crossed pair meet again and again, brought together by injury, heartbreak, and their own self-destructive tendencies. “Gruesome Playground Injuries” is a compelling and unconventional “love” story about the intimacy between two people when they allow their defenses to drop and their wounds to show. Director Christine Gaden​ first read "Gruesome..." seven years ago, and ha​s​ been waiting to direct this piece ever since. ​"​I'm thrilled to have found Alliance Rep; their willingness to produce modern, quirky, and brave shows made it the perfect home for this project​," says Gaden.​ ​"​Working with the talented actors to bring these fascinating and complex characters to life has been extremely rewarding. I can't wait to share this unique play with audiences."​ What critics have to say about Mr. Joseph and this piece: "Rajiv Joseph is an artist of original talent." —NY Times. "Irresistibly odd and exciting…This darkly humorous drama is Rajiv Joseph's most satisfying work." —NY Daily News. "This wondrous strange two-hander finds as much humor as horror in the play's bizarre events." —Variety.