Rajiv Joseph’s Gruesome Playground Injuries first premiered at the Alley Theatre in Houston in 2009, and has since enjoyed a number of notable productions — including a highly acclaimed off-Broadway revival starring Kara Young and Nicholas Braun, just last fall. So it’s really exciting to see this darkly compelling work being staged here in Nashville. Presented by the newly established Monkey Bars Theatre Co., Gruesome traces the unconventional relationship of Kayleen and Doug, who originally meet in their elementary school nurse’s office, and continue to bond over “injury, heartbreak and their own self-destructive tendencies” over the next 30 years. It’s an unusual piece — unfolding in nonlinear fashion and carefully balancing sharp humor with profound trauma. But in the capable hands of director Leslie Marberry — along with actors Kenzie Wynne and Dustin LaFleur — Gruesome promises a great evening of theater. Whit’s Wheels will be onsite, serving up coffee drinks before every show, and there’s a post-performance talkback set for Aug. 21.
Aug. 13-22 at The 4th Wall Acting Studio
1703 Jo Johnston Ave.
