I Feel the Light of God in This Joann's Tonight

by Ashleigh Ann Gardner

SEEKING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FULL LENGTH: On the last night of operation for their local Joann Fabrics, Lynn sneaks back in with her former employee Barb to raid the store of leftover stock. Lynn's intention is to get in, get out, and get on with her life. But when Barb invites her neighbor Kaye...and when Kaye invites her friend Sage...chaos unfolds. Lynn is left dealing with uninvited guests and the risk...

SEEKING DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
FULL LENGTH: On the last night of operation for their local Joann Fabrics, Lynn sneaks back in with her former employee Barb to raid the store of leftover stock. Lynn's intention is to get in, get out, and get on with her life. But when Barb invites her neighbor Kaye...and when Kaye invites her friend Sage...chaos unfolds. Lynn is left dealing with uninvited guests and the risk of being arrested for destruction of property, breaking and entering, and grand theft. Unexpected friendships form underneath the chaos, and the group must overcome cupcakes, near misses with the police, and a threat from an incoming gun store.
(Comedy. 4w, 1 optional M)

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I Feel the Light of God in This Joann's Tonight

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  • Bethany Dickens Assaf: I Feel the Light of God in This Joann's Tonight by Ashleigh Ann Gardner
    “

    This fascinating, character-driven play unfolds with a compelling blend of empathy and righteous anger. Gardner expertly uses the world of crafting to reveal tensions between characters who each need something different from their now-closed Joann Fabrics. I found Lynn's journey particularly compelling as she struggles to articulate what her need even is, and open herself up to it being met by new realities and new relationships. Actors will find a great deal to dig into in this rich work!

    This fascinating, character-driven play unfolds with a compelling blend of empathy and righteous anger. Gardner expertly uses the world of crafting to reveal tensions between characters who each need something different from their now-closed Joann Fabrics. I found Lynn's journey particularly compelling as she struggles to articulate what her need even is, and open herself up to it being met by new realities and new relationships. Actors will find a great deal to dig into in this rich work!

    ”

Character Information

4 women, with an option to cast 1 man. Male role is only heard and barely seen briefly at the beginning of Act II. See notes under CARL.
  • LYNN
    Former general manager of the Blitheville Joann’s store. Living history and historical dress enthusiast. Lives alone. Needs friends but doesn’t want them. Her mother has recently died after a battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
    52
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • BARB
    A retired nurse and a former part-time employee of the Blitheville Joann’s store. Carefree, straight-shooting, and kind. Widowed and a loving mother and grandmother.
    70-80
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • KAYE
    A pre-school teacher who is also very pregnant. Looks meek but is able to put out fires with empathy and compassion. Knows nothing about sewing, crochet, or cosplay, but hangs on every word to learn.
    30
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • SAGE
    Female presenting, non-binary, and Autistic. Cosplayer and video gamer with an interest in anime. Thoughtful, encouraging, and sensitive.
    Early 20s
    Any
    Non-binary -- assigned female at birth
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • CARL (OPTIONAL)
    A local cop, a deadbeat dad, and an absolute sucker for donuts. Brief offstage and mostly unseen role in beginning of Act II. This role can be played either by an actor who voices the role live, or played by a deck stage manager with a pre-recorded male voice played offstage.
    20s - 40s
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man