Penguin Productions Presents I AND YOU By Lauren Gunderson

Penguin Productions opens its first production of 2019 with I and You by Lauren Gunderson, directed by Shana Bestock. I and You will run two weekends, February 2-9, 2019, performing in the Isaac Studio at Taproot Theatre in the Greenwood neighborhood of Seattle. Aligning with Penguin's commitment to accessibility, all tickets are free to the public. Donations are graciously accepted and go towards supporting Penguin's mission to offer theatrical experiences with zero financial obligation.

I and You by Lauren Gunderson is a heartwarming and surprising story about two very different teenagers. Housebound because of illness, Caroline hasn't been to school in months. Confined to her room, she has only Instagram and Facebook for company. That is until classmate Toni bursts in - uninvited and armed with waffle fries, a scruffy copy of Walt Whitman's poetry, and a school project due in the next day - Caroline is unimpressed all around. But an unlikely friendship develops and a seemingly mundane piece of homework explodes into a journey of discovery about art, connection, and identity.

"Many young actors have dreams of playing the few great age-appropriate roles out there for teens, and are frustrated when bigger houses routinely cast older actors," says Producing Artistic Director Shana Bestock. "Penguin Productions decided to support one of these dreams. We hope not only to produce a beautiful play that all ages will enjoy, but to prove that this sort of thing can be done, and to encourage all young artists to speak up, share their ambitions, and dream big!"

"I and You is both a thought-provoking journey into our fears of the unknown and delightful rom-com with two highly enjoyable, relatable teens," says Bestock. "It's a story that captures the fundamental necessity of accepting complexity, embracing differences, and connecting with others. The antidote to fear is hope; I and You brings that hope through an empathetic, exuberant look at what it means to choose life."

I and You is directed by Shana Bestock, featuring Daisy Schreiber and Linda Cardona-Rigor, with designs by Gabe Airth (lighting), Madison Gordon (costumes), Finn Johnson (sound), Caitlin McCown (props), and Kyna Shilling (scenic), and stage managed by Xandria Nirvana Easterday Callahan. In alignment with Penguin's mission, this production team is inter-generational, featuring students, young and established professionals.

Produced by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc. (www.playscripts.com)

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