2019 - 22 Playwrights Program

“In Sisters We Trust, or My Fucked Up American Girl Doll Play” by Justine Gelfman was chosen for development as part of the DVRF Playwrights Program.

Despite COVID-19 related disruptions, DVRF continued to work with Ms. Gelfman and the creative team virtually through a series of Zoom readings meant to drive the revision process over the course of the pandemic.

The Program culminated in two staged readings, held at Open Jar Studios to accommodate a total audience of roughly 200 industry professionals. The cast featured Catherine Cohen (The Twist…? She’s Gorgeous), Tony Nominees Gabby Beans (The Skin of Our Teeth), Kristine Nielsen (Vanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike) and Caitlin Kinnunen (The Prom), as well as Sadie Scott (“Sweetbitter”), Laura Dreyfuss (Dear Evan Hansen), Nicole Villamil (Network, Wolf Play), Christine Jones (Marry Me), Elizabeth O’Donnell (“Curb Your Enthusiasm”), Jonathan Burke (The Inheritance), and Sohina Sidhu (“Little Voice”). Tony winner Lauren Patten (Jagged Little Pill, The Wolves) also contributed to rehearsals.

Susanna Wolk (Waitress) directed and collaborated an intensively with Ms. Gelfman throughout the development process. Ashley Chang served as dramaturg, and casting was provided by Eisenberg/Beans. Sarah Harris acted as stage manager with production assistance from Anthony Rigaglia.