2025
Play Festival Reading Series

June 19-22, 2025

You are invited to the Play Festival Reading Series, featuring the four finalists of the 2025 Premiere Play Festival at the Bauer Boucher Theatre Center.

A man with glasses and a mustache smiles warmly against a dark background. He wears a fluffy, striped sweater featuring vibrant colors like yellow, blue, and pink, adding a cheerful and casual vibe to the portrait. The lighting and focus emphasize a friendly and approachable demeanor.

angel's share

Written by
Dominic Finocchiaro
Directed by
John J. Wooten

mom and dad’s son has died. his name was steve. stephen is not mom and dad’s son. however, with a tiny implant, the boundary between steve and stephen could begin to dissolve. but what’s lost along the way? is a person more than just their memories? a speculative fiction exploration of grief, love, and family.

A cheerful woman with curly hair and a subtle smile, dressed in a green top against a soft, neutral background. The image conveys warmth, positivity, and approachability, capturing a moment of genuine happiness.

Lia Del Mar

Written by
Dacyl Acevedo
Directed by
Benjamin Viertel

In the Costa Chica region of Mexico, two generations of Afro-Mexican women do their best to make ends meetDalia faces pressure to sell her family’s land, Luisa loses her spot to sell food, and Yolanda tries to keep the restaurant Lia Del Mar afloatAs Luisa’s and Yolanda’s daughters navigate new ways to make money, the older generation must find a way to reconcile a longstanding feud in order to provide for their futuresLia Del Mar is a poignant exploration of familial love amid economic upheavals.

A close-up portrait of a woman smiling gently while resting her chin on her hand. She has short, curly hair styled naturally and wears striking red earrings contrasting with her light-colored outfit. Her expression exudes confidence and warmth.

Mala Aria

Written by
Gloria Majule
Directed by
Shariffa Ali

Hoping to discover how to eradicate Malaria, Amazia leaves her family in Tanzania to pursue a PhD abroad. An unforeseen turn of events puts her in a position where she has to decide between staying in the West and going back home to finish what she started. 

A man with short hair wears a light-colored button-up shirt while standing outdoors. The background is blurred greenery, emphasizing a natural setting. His expression is neutral, suggesting a candid or thoughtful moment.

My Brother Jake

Written by
Dave Osmundsen
Directed by
John J. Wooten

Jake Barnsley is an Autistic theatre artist who has managed to have an “inspiring” career. Ethan, his higher-needs twin brother, has lived in his shadow their whole lives. When Jake’s life and livelihood are at a crossroads, past resentments come to the surface, and Ethan makes an impassioned bid for agency. 

You're invited!

angel’s share
By Dominic Finocchiaro
Directed by John J. Wooten
Thursday, June 19 at 7:00 pm 

Lia Del Mar
By Dacyl Acevedo
Directed by Benjamin Viertel
Friday, June 20 at 7:00 pm

Mala Aria
By Gloria Majule
Directed by Shariffa Ali
Saturday, June 21 at 3:00 pm 

My Brother Jake
By Dave Osmundsen
Directed by John J. Wooten
Sunday, June 22 at 3:00 pm

To RSVP to attend the readings, please follow the link below and complete the Microsoft Form. You can also RSVP by emailing premiere@kean.edu or by calling the Premiere Stages office at (908) 737-4092.

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