I don't know what it is about the cold and snowy days of winter, but they seem to be the best time for my plays to be produced. Perhaps being born in Buffalo makes me a "winter-only" writer since every World Premiere of mine has occurred in January or February. This year marks my fourth winter premiere as my play "Esspy" debuts at the New Jersey Repertory Company next month.
"Esspy" chronicles the journey of a medical student, his professor, and an actor who works as a standardized patient at his medical school, embodying various symptoms for him to diagnose throughout his training. At its heart, the play examines whether empathy can be taught. I wrote this play several years ago and had all but given up on any hope of it being produced, so this production is very special to me. Also, I'm reuniting with Peter J. Kuo who directed my first professional production of "Washer/Dryer" back in 2015 and working with two actors whom I not only admire as artists but whom I love as people, Ching Valdes-Aran and Lipica Shah. Rounding out the cast is an actor who is new to me but wonderful as well, Tim Liu. What a delightful team!
"Esspy" runs from February 22nd until March 17th at NJ Rep in Long Branch, NJ. Tickets can be purchased here. NJ Transit services Long Branch by train. The play is shorter than the train ride but significantly more dramatic!