By Jody Tuso-Key — Managing Editor ✍️

Have you ever had an opportunity to witness the birth of a play? The nebula of a new work begins with a staged reading. This is a time for a playwright to hear their written words come to life and receive feedback from a live audience. For theater patrons, this is a rare opportunity to be able to say, “I was in the room where it happened.”

Personally, I’ve only attended three of these events in my lifetime, even as tuned as I am to the theater universe. I love this process, seeing it unfold, and being able to give constructive criticism to possibly help improve the work. With any luck and a little fairy godmother magic, this newborn play will see a full blown premiere.

I’m happy to announce that an aspiring young playwright has made that opportunity available for Atlanta theater patrons, and hope you will be one of the lucky people who fills a seat in the audience. Here are all the details:

Staged Reading & Talk Back
The Women of Willow Creek
by Jamie Goss
Thursday, January 22 | 7PM
OnStage Atlanta

FREE to attend. Donations are appreciated.
Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

ABOUT THE PLAY
Set over the course of 28 days in a rehabilitation facility, this play captures a powerful moment in time. It follows Harper and five other women as they navigate the highs and lows of recovery. Through their intertwined journeys, we explore themes of suicide, eating disorders, self-harm, substance use, sexuality, smoking, PTSD, and the often-transformative impact of therapy. At its core, the play is about strength, resilience, and the unexpected humor that emerges even in the darkest places.

Although this play is inspired by events from personal experiences, all characters and settings depicted are entirely fictional.

CONTENT ADVISORY
This production contains mature themes and may be triggering for some audience members. Viewer discretion is strongly advised.

There will be talk back immediately following the reading with the playwright moderated by Jimmy Spearman.

FEATURING
Serey Bright
Rebekah “Reba” Cordeiro
Julia Kneeland
Jessie Kuipers
Laura Maddox
Holli Majors
Debbie McLaughlin
Gabby Naylor
Allison Pratt
Kim Salome
Darci Rose Wells

Directed by Jamie Goss
Stage Directions by Carolyn Williams

Mark your calendars and I’ll see you there!

As always, thanks for your readership and Peace be with you! 💜💜💜🔥🦋🌈