Leigha Horton :: Greenroom
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In my last greenroom entry, I mentioned a little show I was rehearsing called Gruesome Playground Injuries. In it, I said about rehearsals, “…it already feels like the most important stagework I’ve ever done so far. And to stumble and search and love and thrill and ache alongside the most talented Adam Whisner is a gift.”

It has indeed been a profoundly moving process, and one that I am thrilled to finally get to share with you. We open this Friday and run for just eight performances over two short weeks. I can say this in all earnestness: this one is not to be missed. The script is brilliant, and I would recommend you see it no matter who was in it. I just get to be the lucky girl this time around.

What’s it about?
Gruesome Playground Injuries is the story of Doug and Kayleen, told over the course of 30 years between the ages of eight and 38. At times funny and sweet, at others heartbreaking, it’s an exploration of two lives and the pulsing connection between them, even when they’re apart.

Or, as the show’s official promo materials more succinctly state:

Gruesome Playground Injuries is a modern-day love story by Rajiv Joseph, United States Artists Rockefeller Fellow and Pulitzer Prize finalist (how does this guy not have a website?!), about the near-misses that pull us apart and the pain that keeps us together.

Who’s in it?
Featuring Leigha Horton and Adam Whisner
Written by Rajiv Joseph
Directed by Natalie Novacek
Presented by The Peanut Butter Factory

When is it?
Friday, March 23 – Monday, March 26
Thursday, March 29 – Sunday, April 1
All performances at 8 pm

Where is it?
Intermedia Arts
2822 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55408

How much?
All tickets $10, cash or check, available at the door

Photos courtesy Richard Fleischmann Photography

If it looks like I was rehearsing Gruesome Playground Injuries last evening without pants – yes, pantsless –  it’s because it was indeed a real possibility.  Last night remained fully clothed, but tonight – tonight is a different story.  As is tomorrow night.  And all rehearsal nights hereafter.

If I recall correctly, the least-clothed I’ve ever been on stage was in a slip.  So now, publicly dropping trou?  Practically begging the audience to examine my upper thighs under the glare of thousands of lumens?  This…this….hooooo boy…this is going to be painful.  But it’s supposed to be, and therefore so profoundly worth it.

We’ve only just begun rehearsals, and it already feels like the most important stagework I’ve ever done so far. And to stumble and search and love and thrill and ache alongside the most talented Adam Whisner is a gift.

…

A rising tide lifts all boats, no?  Let’s do this.