Holy Chicken Sandwich

by Kira Rockwell

On the eve of a highly anticipated grand opening of a beloved yet politically controversial fast-food empire, one hundred fervent devotees gather in the parking lot for an overnight campout to earn a year of free large combos. As the night unfolds, it’s clear there’s a fox in the chicken coop. Jade, the newly appointed store manager, must find the source of anarchy before the flock devolves into utter chaos...

On the eve of a highly anticipated grand opening of a beloved yet politically controversial fast-food empire, one hundred fervent devotees gather in the parking lot for an overnight campout to earn a year of free large combos. As the night unfolds, it’s clear there’s a fox in the chicken coop. Jade, the newly appointed store manager, must find the source of anarchy before the flock devolves into utter chaos. HOLY CHICKEN SANDWICH is a comedic mystery of celestial proportions that explores themes of identity, consumerism, and division––a play that invites audiences to examine indoctrination and uncover what’s really in the secret sauce of devotion.

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Holy Chicken Sandwich

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  • Abe Johnson: Holy Chicken Sandwich by Kira Rockwell
    “

    A gorgeously theatrical, wildly fun Southern Fried fantasia, this jet-fueled comedy blends fast food staff training, morality play, ensemble character swapping, and campy whodunnit with precise comedy chops. Rockwell brilliantly highlights the more nuanced parts of Ch*k-F*l-A culture— the way that class, religion, family-first ideals, and Boomer legacy creates a singular, absurdly funny ecosystem. An absolute joy, I was giggling from the first page to the last! A wildfire success-- produce this!

    A gorgeously theatrical, wildly fun Southern Fried fantasia, this jet-fueled comedy blends fast food staff training, morality play, ensemble character swapping, and campy whodunnit with precise comedy chops. Rockwell brilliantly highlights the more nuanced parts of Ch*k-F*l-A culture— the way that class, religion, family-first ideals, and Boomer legacy creates a singular, absurdly funny ecosystem. An absolute joy, I was giggling from the first page to the last! A wildfire success-- produce this!

    ”
  • Ally Varitek: Holy Chicken Sandwich by Kira Rockwell
    “

    As someone who grew up in Georgia, I adore Kira Rockwell's plays more and more with each one I read. In Holy Chicken Sandwich, Rockwell does an excellent job of making both the cognitive dissonance and nostalgia of the southern U.S. meaty (literally and figuratively). I appreciate how this play both relates to and calls out a certain fast food culture through the experience of a character you truly root for and the absurd fun of its ensemble, both the human one and the chicken one. It's my pleasure to read this play!

    As someone who grew up in Georgia, I adore Kira Rockwell's plays more and more with each one I read. In Holy Chicken Sandwich, Rockwell does an excellent job of making both the cognitive dissonance and nostalgia of the southern U.S. meaty (literally and figuratively). I appreciate how this play both relates to and calls out a certain fast food culture through the experience of a character you truly root for and the absurd fun of its ensemble, both the human one and the chicken one. It's my pleasure to read this play!

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Holy Chicken Sandwich by Kira Rockwell
    “

    I really adore this play. An absurdist look at a certain fast food restaurant that's closed on Sundays that is also an exploration on how humans react when under pressure. Jade is a wonderfully written character that you can't help but cheer for the whole time. Rockwell has written another great play that peeks into a facet of modern-day Christianity. Can't wait to see this produced with a talented and committed ensemble.

    I really adore this play. An absurdist look at a certain fast food restaurant that's closed on Sundays that is also an exploration on how humans react when under pressure. Jade is a wonderfully written character that you can't help but cheer for the whole time. Rockwell has written another great play that peeks into a facet of modern-day Christianity. Can't wait to see this produced with a talented and committed ensemble.

    ”
JADE (she/her) 30’s, any race or ethnicity. She is the newly appointed store manager of Holy Chicken Grail. She is hardworking, anxious, and yearning to settle.

DRUMSTICK (he/him) intended to be played by an actor who identifies as transmasculine. 20’s, any race or ethnicity. This is his first day at Holy Chicken Grail. The coworker everyone loves. Charming, loyal, and realistically hopeful. Will mostly play Nicky, Jade’s second in command. Plays: Drumstick and Nicky.

TENDERLOIN (she/her) late 20’s to 30’s, any race or ethnicity. Graceful, harmonious, and secretly ravenous. Lives for the aesthetics. Plays: Tenderloin, Daughter (of Mother), Wife (of Husband), Instagram Influencer, and Secretary One.

WING (she/her, she/they, or they/them) 50’s to 60’s, any race or ethnicity. Rugged, resourceful, and down to get rowdy. Plays: Wing, Mother (of Daughter), Widow, ASMR YouTuber, and Beggar Woman.

THIGH (he/him) late 20’s to 30’s, probably white. Assured, passionate and eternally restless. Plays: Thigh, Kevin, Husband (of Wife), and Secretary Two.

GIZZARD (he/him) 50’s to 60’s, any race or ethnicity. Carries effortless power, persuasion, and charisma. Will mostly play Mr. True, a high up corporate executive and Jade’s mentor. Plays: Gizzard, Mr. True, Grandfather (of Daughter), and Tik Tok Pops.

CHICKEN a figment of Jade’s imagination, but also very real? Stuck in the wrong realm trying to find its way home. The chicken is intended to be brought to life by the chicken ensemble, but it can also be casted as its own character.

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