Theatre Fairfield presents Rajiv Joseph's "Gruesome Playground Injuries" | Press Releases

January 24, 2014-January 26, 2014
PepsiCo Theatre
Fairfield University

Theatre Fairfield , Fairfield University's resident production company, announces its Independent Project production of Rajiv Joseph's, "Gruesome Playground Injuries." Performances take place Friday, Jan. 24, 2014, through Sunday, Jan. 26, 2014 , at the PepsiCo Theatre located on the campus of Fairfield University. Performance times are 8 p.m., Fri. and Sat., Jan. 24 and Jan. 25; and 2 p.m. on Sat. and Sun., Jan. 25 and Jan. 26. Tickets are $7 for general admission; and $5 for students.

"Gruesome Playground Injuries" is an Independent Project proposed, directed, designed and produced entirely by Theatre Fairfield students, who spent their winter break bringing the production to life. The production was made possible by the generous support of the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation.

Written by American playwright Rajiv Joseph, "Gruesome Playground Injuries" follows the lives of a boy and a girl who both consciously and unknowingly heal each other's wounds. Over the course of thirty years, Kayleen and Doug recurrently find themselves in each others lives, constantly reliving past memories and uncovering previous scars. How does pain reunite those who have drifted apart? How do the affects of accidents reach beyond those who were injured? Whose love is capable of healing the deepest hurt?

Director Ashley Ruggiero '14 sees the Independent Project as an important opportunity for Theatre Fairfield students. "The fact that we are able to work with people we care about and respect as both professionals and friends makes for a great experience for all of us at Fairfield," says Ruggiero. "It's so empowering to know that our theatre professors have the faith in us to allow us to do this. It's truly a work that allows teamwork, problem solving, and an ultimate reward."

Joining director and co-producer Ashley Ruggiero '14 in the production are Owen Corey '13 (Set Designer / Actor [Doug]), Grace Janiszewski '14 (Lighting Designer / Actor [Kayleen]), LeighAnn Albanese '14 (Prop Master), Franco Luzzi '15 (Technical Director / Sound Designer), Nicholas Solimini '16 (Assistant Stage Manager), Tori Schuchmann '16 (Co-Producer), Michelle Rakowsky '17 (Wardrobe Mistress, Assistant Producer), Elizabeth Sheehan '17 (Costume Designer). Theatre Fairfield also welcomes back guest artist Ryan Champlin as Stage Manager and Master Electrician.

Tickets are available through the Quick Center Box Office: (203) 254-4010, or toll-free 1-877-ARTS-396 (1-877-278-7396). Tickets can also be purchased online at www.quickcenter.com .

Theatre Fairfield - Hometowns:

LeighAnn Albanese '14 - Franklin Lakes, NJ
Ryan Champlin - Warwick, RI
Owen Corey '13 - Ridley Park, PA
Grace Janiszewski '14 - Schenectady, NY
Franco Luzzi '15 - New Haven, CT
Michelle Rakowsky '17 - New Fairfield, CT
Ashley Ruggiero '14 - Port Jefferson, NY
Tori Schuchmann '16 - Oxford, CT
Nick Solimini ‘ 16 - Andover, MA
Elizabeth Sheehan '17 - Killingworth, CT

Photo caption: Grace Janiszewski '14 and Owen Corey '14; photo credit: Tori Schuchmann '16).