What's in Store by Kate Brennan

FULL-LENGTH: Discouraged by her recent futile apartment search and the equally futile state of the world, Jaycee finds solace in the clean lines and pre-fab layouts at DUKTIG, her local Swedish furniture store. So she moves in. When others follow her lead, will she be discovered or start a revolution? A heart-warming and unconventional take on where we live, and the parts of ourselves we donate to make it home.
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What's in Store

Recommended by

  • Sage Tokach:
    4 Jan. 2021
    “ I find that many shows with hilarious concepts like this fall flat because they rely on one funny bit. To my delight, Brennan's comedy is an exception. These strong, multigenerational female characters are absolutely delightful, unexpected, and thought-provoking. As I'm doubled over laughing, I'm also questioning my expectations of society and myself. I highly recommend this witty, weird, and wonderful work! ”
  • David Lee White:
    6 Dec. 2018
    “ This is a hilarious, ensemble comedy about the search for family and community. When Jaycee decides to give up on searching for a suitable apartment in favor of moving into a DUKTIG (think IKEA), she inadvertently boosts the store's performance and starts her own communal living project. The tone is somewhere between surrealism and farce (in the best possible way) with solid characters, some nice narrative twists and dozens of drop-dead funny moments. Brennan has an irresistible sense of humor and I highly recommend this piece. ”
  • Greg Burdick:
    28 May. 2018
    “ I’m not sure how many times I’ve been inside an IKEA, and have heard someone around me say “I really wish I could live here.” In Brennan’s thoroughly satisfying comedy, Jaycee and her followers end up doing exactly that, at “DUKTIG”... with increasingly hilarious consequences. There is strong commentary here on commercialism, aging, responsibility, and the desire to shirk it sometimes. With three very strong parts for women, this play taps into some significant social issues, but Brennan’s humor gives the piece a light-hearted touch. I give it five out of five Swedish Meatballs! ”

Character Information

All characters are open ethnicity, with a preference for inclusion and diversity.

  • JAYCEE
    35,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    looking for a home and employment, having a life change
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • MAVIS
    22,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    a very pregnant DUKTIG clerk, snarky and smart
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • WES
    35-40,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    DUKTIG manager, overly enthusiastic to cope with a broken heart
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • GERI (GERALDINE)
    64,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    the DUKTIG night guard, multi-skilled
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      60s, 70s+
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • JEANINE
    27,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    a real estate broker, Wes’ ex, and later, a Kabushiki-Gaisha Rosso Rep, restless
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    B Street Theatre
    ,
    2023
  • Workshop
    ,
    Philadelphia Women's Theatre Festival
    ,
    2021
  • Workshop
    ,
    Ignition Arts
    ,
    2018
  • Reading
    ,
    HBMG National Winter Playwrights Retreat
    ,
    2017

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
New Play Development Conference
,
The O'Neill
,
2022
Finalist
,
Princess Grace Award/ Fellowship at New Dramatists
,
Princess Grace Foundation- USA
,
2022