Theatre USA is kicking off the Spring 2024 semester with Rajiv Joseph’s “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” opening tonight, Jan. 31 at 7:30 p.m. 

The story follows Kayleen and Doug as they toe the line between childhood best friends and estranged lovers. Comprising eight short vignettes spanning their interconnected lives, the narrative weaves between future and past events, revealing how the characters and their world evolve over time. Kayleen describes herself as a “train-wreck,” while Doug casually refers to his frequent injuries as being “accident prone.”

Directed by John Nara, this drama offers an intimate examination of the painfully comforting relationship between love and injury. Live musical accompaniment will be performed by Eli Cali, Matthew Cognevich and Ari Theodore, complimenting each scene as it transitions to the next. Costumes were developed by Christina Johnson, and the Set and Lights are under the management of Zach Gibson. 

The primary cast of “Gruesome Playground Injuries” stars Claire Rockwell as Kayleen and Nick González as Doug. The two actors have worked together before, performing in “The Flick” as Rose and Sam. 

Rockwell is a senior studying Theatre and Film. She has been in numerous productions, including “Rent” at the Joe Jefferson Playhouse, “Elf-Ventura” at OWA Theatre and in USA Theatre’s productions of “Steel Magnolias” as Annelle. She is also the Theatre USA’s Poster Designer for the 2023-2024 school year. González is senior majoring in Digital Film and Television Production with a minor in Theatre. He has appeared most recently as Tupolski in “The Pillowman.”

The understudy performance stars Emily Brainerd as Kayleen and Franz Barraza as Doug.

Brainerd is a freshman psychology major who has done backstage work for Theatre USA productions “Steel Magnolias” and “The Pillowman.” Barraza is a senior double majoring in political science and philosophy. He has not been a part of any previous productions, but he was inspired to take on the role after taking the Fundamentals of Acting class in a previous semester. 

Performances will take place at Laidlaw Performing Arts Center every day from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4. Each show will begin at 7:30 p.m., except for the Feb. 4 show, which will begin at 2 p.m. The run time is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes, with no intermission. Content warnings include ableist language, some graphic imagery of injuries, self-harm and allusions of sexual assault. 

The Laidlaw ticket booth is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekdays. Tickets may also be purchased one hour before the show begins. For additional ticketing information, call 251-460-6303.

Follow @usatheatreanddance on Instagram to stay up to date on Theatre USA, and be on the lookout for their next spring production, “Caucasian Chalk Circle.”

Photo Gallery by Lauryn Gunn