ZACH

by Christian St. Croix

FULL LENGTH. A satirical comedy that lovingly skewers the popular tropes of the 90s teen sitcom, "ZACH" introduces us to the lives and loves of two teens of color at an affluent, majority-white Southern Californian high school. P.J., a lovesick surfer boy, and Gina, a budding fashionista, are overjoyed when they're invited into the inner circle of Zach, the white, charismatic, prank-happy new kid at school. But...

FULL LENGTH. A satirical comedy that lovingly skewers the popular tropes of the 90s teen sitcom, "ZACH" introduces us to the lives and loves of two teens of color at an affluent, majority-white Southern Californian high school. P.J., a lovesick surfer boy, and Gina, a budding fashionista, are overjoyed when they're invited into the inner circle of Zach, the white, charismatic, prank-happy new kid at school. But when Zach plans a prank that goes too far, P.J. and Gina must race to stop him before it's too late - and along the way, learn to see their peers, and themselves, with fresh eyes.

CURRENT DRAFT: The Best Friend Draft - 10-19-23

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ZACH

Recommended by

  • Ian Donley: ZACH

    Christian St. Croix is a writer of substance, incorporating a more cinematic atmosphere to touch upon a very real and grounded-in-reality discussion of race. Our two central characters, P.J. and Gina, balance one another seamlessly, and the result is a very inventive way of storytelling (having the actors playing them play multiple roles of different genders and even skin color). This is a play that is meant to be performed on stage.

    Christian St. Croix is a writer of substance, incorporating a more cinematic atmosphere to touch upon a very real and grounded-in-reality discussion of race. Our two central characters, P.J. and Gina, balance one another seamlessly, and the result is a very inventive way of storytelling (having the actors playing them play multiple roles of different genders and even skin color). This is a play that is meant to be performed on stage.

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams: ZACH

    So, historically, sitcoms belong in the world of television but Christian has done an utterly fabulous job of bringing it to life on the stage! There were many moments where the 'laugh track' was just me laughing out loud, so it's very safe to assume an audience would do the same. Not only that but the stereotypes and elements that we are so used to seeing in a sitcom are all combined in a wonderfully witty and satirical way. Its a wonderfully imaginative way of bringing, not only a genre but an entirely different medium to life! Utterly fabulous!

    So, historically, sitcoms belong in the world of television but Christian has done an utterly fabulous job of bringing it to life on the stage! There were many moments where the 'laugh track' was just me laughing out loud, so it's very safe to assume an audience would do the same. Not only that but the stereotypes and elements that we are so used to seeing in a sitcom are all combined in a wonderfully witty and satirical way. Its a wonderfully imaginative way of bringing, not only a genre but an entirely different medium to life! Utterly fabulous!

  • Shaun Leisher: ZACH

    Was really engrossed by this dissection of racism in 90s sitcoms. Having the story told completely by individuals who were tokenized by this genre was so effective.

    Was really engrossed by this dissection of racism in 90s sitcoms. Having the story told completely by individuals who were tokenized by this genre was so effective.

View all 5 recommendations

Character Information

  • Gina Crane
    Close-up cute, quippy, unintentionally forthcoming, surprisingly sweet. Very much a SoCal fashionista. You’ll never catch her in anything off brand or last month. You get the sense that she’d help an overwhelmed stranger in a clothing store choose just the right top for their body type and skin tone.
    Character Age
    16
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    African American / Black
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Female
  • P.J. Vega
    Teen-mag handsome, well built, unintentionally open, surprisingly astute. Very much a SoCal surfer. You’ll never catch him in a suit or sneakers. You get the sense that he’d gift the shirt off of his back to anyone who complimented it before bringing them in for a really good bear hug.
    Character Age
    16
    Character Race/Ethnic Identity
    Mexican-American,
    Brown-Skinned
    Character Gender Identity
    Cisgender Male

Development History

  • Type Reading, Organization Boy and Monster, Year 2018

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization ArtsWest Playhouse, Year 2023
  • Type Professional, Organization Loud Fridge Theatre Group, Year 2023

Awards

  • Comedic Writing of the Year
    The Young-Howze Theatre Award
    Winner
    2021