Credit: Friends of Tina Davis
Two childhood friends navigate three decades of heartbreak, bizarre injuries, and emotional scars, testing whether a broken heart is truly worse than a broken bone.
Theatre Exile opens its 30th anniversary season with the return of Rajiv Joseph’s dark comedy “Gruesome Playground Injuries.” The production revisits a play the South Philadelphia company first introduced to local audiences 15 years ago.
Directed by Producing Artistic Director Deborah Block, the two-character play follows Kayleen and Doug from ages 8 to 38. Their relationship unfolds through non-linear scenes jumping forward and backward in time, beginning when they first meet in an elementary school nurse’s office.
Block said the show relies on intimate storytelling and humor to explore the vulnerable sides people often keep hidden. She noted that while the characters make dangerous decisions, their raw connection allows the audience to see themselves in the struggle to navigate life choices.
The Philadelphia production stars Jenna Kuerzi as Kayleen and Daniel Burgess as Doug. Colin McIlvaine handles set design, with lighting by Drew Billau, costumes by Millie Hiibel, props by Nana Nimako, and sound by Liz Atkinson.
The show runs Oct. 29 through Nov. 15 at Theatre Exile, located at 1340 S. 13th St. Opening night is set for Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.
Tickets start at $10, with subscription passes available through the box office or online.