Second Thought Theater Presents GRUESOME PLAYGROUND INJURIES, Beginning 6/6

Second Thought Theatre announced today that the next production in its ninth season is Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph. Joel Ferrell, Dallas Theater Center Associate Artistic Director, is making his STT directorial debut with this play, a story about life-long friendship and unfortunate injuries.

"I am incredibly thrilled to have Joel Ferrell working with Second Thought for the first time on a piece that's so suited for the intimate, explosive brand of theater Joel is known for," said STT Co-Artistic Director Steven Walters. "His vision for the play is brilliant and audiences should expect a truly visceral theater-going experience withGruesome Playground Injuries. This production will be quintessentially 'Second Thought': simple design, powerful words and exceptional performances."

Jessica Renee Russell and Montgomery Sutton make their STT debut as Kayleen and Doug. They have been friends for 30 years. They're inexplicably and deeply connected to one another. In Rajiv Joseph's dark comedy, their propensity for injuries has Kayleen and Doug meeting regularly, from the nurse's office at school to the emergency room many years later. As they tend to each other's physical ailments, the emotional impact of their meetings becomes evident.

"Rajiv Joseph has an astonishing ability to write about damaged people in a constant state of turmoil succinctly and directly," said Ferrell. "This makes his characters approachable and familiar. His handling of fragile people and their delicate relationships in rocky situations makes Gruesome Playground Injuries a perfect fit for Second Thought Theatre and an exciting first production for me with the organization."

Ferrell explained that the story is straightforward and, as a result, doesn't require a poetic design. Instead, scenic designer Bob Lavallee will make his STT debut with a simple set comprised of four seating platforms and a playing space. "Their world isn't soft-edged," said Ferrell, "so the set will be hard and institutional-feeling."

Jennifer Ables (STT's Thom Pain (based on nothing)) will design costumes that the actors will access and change into in plain view of the audience - and each other. Lighting design by Alyssa Humphries and Travis Watson will enhance the hard and institutional aspects of the story. John Flores will return for the second time this season for sound design.

"Kayleen and Doug exist independently from one another, but they always seem to be connected. Joseph's dialogue demonstrates that very well and all aspects of our planned design will support the dysfunction and beauty of the relationship between these two people," said Ferrell.

Gruesome Playground Injuries opens with previews on Thursday, June 6 at 7:30pm. Opening and press night isSaturday, June 8 at 8:00pm. The Pay-What-You-Can performance of Gruesome Playground Injuries is Monday, June 10 at 7:30pm. PWYC tickets are available at the box office the day of the performance only and are subject to availability. Tickets to the PWYC performance can be reserved at the regular ticket price online at 2TT.co. Gruesome Playground Injuries runs through June 22. Tickets for Gruesome Playground Injuries are on sale now and are available online at 2TT.co or by phone at (866) 811-4111.

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