On April 2, 2022, at 7:30 PM, we’ll present a staged reading of local playwright John Mabey’s A NEW NEWER NORMAL. This reading will be directed by Ashley Elliott. The talkback will be moderated by Emily McClain. The staged reading will feature performances by Phillip Aaron Brasher, Meghann K. Humphreys, Bailey King, Jorge Ortega, Joel W. Rose, Karen Ruetz, and Shelly Thompson.
ABOUT THE PLAY
What comes after the ‘new normal?’ These characters are desperately trying to find out. But with big secrets, hidden identity, and chaos on the high seas, life after 2020 has never been so abnormally fun.
Fully vaxed and now ready to face the world, Ruth is having a garage sale to raise money for a cruise with her husband, Denny. But Denny has come to enjoy life sheltering at home and away from people, barring a playfully acrimonious relationship with live-in mother-in-law, Beverly. As Ruth and Denny’s two grown children unexpectedly come home with a jailhouse boyfriend, the entire family must decide what matters most as they grow – together or apart.
ABOUT OUR STAGED READINGS
At our staged readings, the dialogue and stage directions are read aloud so that the audience can hear what the play will sound like. Each of our staged readings has benefited from different levels of movement and physicality to paint a mental picture of what the full show will look like. The performance helps the playwright spot potential areas for strengthening their work in the future.
After the performance, there is a brief intermission followed by an optional moderated talkback. The audience has an opportunity to answer some simple questions about the show, as well as provide their general feedback on the show. This process is essential for new play development! Now is your chance to be a part of creating new art!
ABOUT THE PLAYWRIGHT
John Mabey is a writer and storyteller whose plays have been published and produced throughout North America, Europe, and Australia. John grew-up in the desert but has called New York, London, and Amsterdam home for the past 10 years, now living in Atlanta and always writing with a cactus nearby. As a certified Mental Health Counselor, they infuse everything they’ve learned about emotion and relationships into their plays. John is a published author on the topics of sexual identity and spirituality in academic books and journals, and this year their work is included in ‘Smith & Kraus Best 10-Minute Plays’ and ‘Smith & Kraus Best Women’s Monologues.’ John is also the recipient of the ‘2021 Panowski Playwriting Award’ for the full-length play, ‘A Complicated Hope.’ When not writing, they enjoy teaching and performing improvised comedy and true storytelling around the world.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
The Board of Directors requests that all Pumpies, patrons and guests wear masks inside the Legion Theatre, irrespective of vaccination status