Company in the News June-2025
See what PlayGround-LA Writers, Alumni, and Company Members are up to this June!
Abel Marquez’s full-length play, My Brother’s Keeper, will be produced by Bethesda Repertory Theatre as a Guest Production at Boston Court Pasadena June 13th-15th, with evening and matinee performances. Below is a blurb about the play: Abel and David are brothers who are bound by a secret kept from each other, incapacitated by self hatred, and a deep desire to be understood. Abel recollects on his past and his late brother’s life, all while uncovering David’s mysterious lover, Jono. Click here for tickets.
Allie Costa will be singing at MUSI-CAL on June 18th at the Catalina Jazz Club in Hollywood. Allie recently appeared in two films, one animated, one live-action, now in post-production. The world premiere of her play Remembrance, which began at PlayGround-LA, was produced by Nomad Theatre Company. Her piece Amelia, Still will be presented June 7th at the Ghosted Ink Horror Slam in London. For more information, visit http://www.alliecosta.com and http://www.imdb.me/alliecosta
Evan Baughfman’s collection of animal-attack horror fiction, MAULS OF THE WILD will be published by GenreBlast Books later this year! Evan has caged together a number of his most fang-and-claw-filled tales for this book. Included are Evan’s short stage play, “Plenty of Fish,” and his short screenplay, “Lured.” Readers will encounter sharks in “Afloat,” arachnids in “We See You,” and an avian nightmare in “Bird’s-Eye View.” “This Little Piggy” features a murderous guinea pig (yes, you read that right!), and “The 79th Annual Cheerington Christmas Parade” hosts a team of rabid, magical reindeer. More info coming soon!
Danny J Gomez was nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his leading performance in the off-broadway play All of Me.
Carolyn Deskin has just wrapped on an upcoming feature film in which she’s fighting to save the life she and her family know from unknown forces.
Jon Gentry’s Black History EVERY Month special event, BLACK BASTARD. June 12 & 14 – 7:30p, June 15th – 4p The Santa Monica Playhouse Black History [every] Month Project presents African-American theatrical creations not just in February, but throughout the year, recognizing, honoring and celebrating the rich heritage of Black arts, artists, and culture in our community. Queer… Southern… Creole… Black Bastard transports audiences to 1990s Houston in a humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age tale. Jon, an inquisitive Black boy, develops a love for literature until his family fractures, thrusting him into the role of “man of the house.” A comedic spiral ensues as Jon grapples with his identiy(ies). When a bully confronts him at school, Jon begins to search for his absent father, but is he ready for what he may find? Through literature, clowning, self-discovery, and original song, the production invokes 90s nostalgia in a jambalaya of memoir, embodied character transformation, and socio-cultural commentary. Confronting stereotypes about absent Black fathers, the show explores broaded themes of identity, expression, and our collective search for belonging and ultimately home.
Frieda de Lackner’s short film, 172 Push-Ups, based on Scott Mullen’s play, has been making the festival rounds and will screen at the Atlanta Shortsfest on June 21. The film stars Playground LA actors Krystal Mosley, Christina Wren, Jahnavi Alyssa, Jon Gentry, and Jonathan Wray. You can find information and tickets at https://atlantashortsfest.com/schedule.
Michael P. Adams has been selected to be a member of The Road Theatre Company’s 2025-26 Under Construction cohort.
Damian Alejandro Arteaga is stepping into the role of Dromio of Syracuse in the classic Shakespearean farce, The Comedy of Errors, at the Courtyard Shakespeare Festival in Riverside, CA. The show runs from June 14th to June 21st.