Keegan Theatre Opens Season with DC Premiere of Everything Is Wonderful

The Keegan Theatre kicks off its 29th season with the DC premiere of Chelsea Marcantel's acclaimed drama "Everything Is Wonderful," running September 13 through October 5, 2025. This intimate exploration of forgiveness, faith, and family promises to offer audiences a deeply moving theatrical experience.

Everything Is Wonderful at Keegan Theatre

"Everything Is Wonderful" delves into what happens when forgiveness collides with deeply buried grief. The story follows a young woman who returns to her Amish roots after a tragic accident, forcing her to confront the life and people she left behind. As old wounds reopen and long-held secrets surface, the play examines the delicate boundaries between forgiveness and forgetting. The New York Times praised the work as "stirring and beautifully told."

Director Josh Sticklin sees the production as offering something different from typical confrontational theater. "EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL is a softer, gentler - but profoundly moving - exploration of forgiveness that may surprise audiences accustomed to more confrontational drama," he explains. "In a time when our public discourse often rewards outrage over compassion, this play reminds us that the quiet, courageous act of letting go can often be more radical than anger. As Keegan Theatre's resident Pennsylvanian, I am deeply honored to guide such a tender voyage alongside this extraordinary cast and creative team - whose dedication brings Chelsea Marcantel's story of grace, resilience, and reconciliation vividly to life."

Keegan Artistic Director Susan Marie Rhea was immediately drawn to the work. "This play had me gripped from my first encounter with it," she remarks. "The radical forgiveness at its heart is as moving and powerful a concept as any I've come across on stage in recent years. That the playwright, Chelsea Marcantel, is also the mind behind the brilliant play AIRNESS was also a revelation to me; I am in awe of her range and insight and honored to be producing another one of her scripts."

The production features a six-member cast including Ben Clark as Abram, Max Johnson as Eric, Michael McGovern as Jacob, Leah Packer as Miri, Susan Marie Rhea as Esther, and Sasha Rosenbaum as Ruth. Understudies Adian Chapman, Mollie Greenberg, John Henry Stamper, and Martina Schabron round out the company.

Behind the scenes, the creative team brings together seasoned theater professionals. Alongside Director Josh Sticklin, the production includes Jared H. Graham as Assistant Director, Sierra Young as Fight & Intimacy Director, and Katrina Heil as Dramaturg. The design team features Hailey LaRoe handling Lighting & Projections Design, Tony Angelini as Sound Designer, Cindy Landrum Jacobs as Properties & Set Dressing Designer, and Paris Francesca as Costume Designer. Zach Campion serves as Dialect Coach, with Gabrielle Busch as Production Manager and Emilie Knudsen as Stage Manager.

Performances run Thursdays through Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 3:00 pm, and select Mondays and Wednesdays at 8:00 pm throughout the September 13-October 5 run.

The theater has planned several special events to enhance the audience experience. On Sunday, September 21, patrons can participate in a "Meet the Artists" talkback immediately following the matinee performance, free and open to all attendees. That same day, the theater will offer onsite childcare during the matinee, provided by Keegan PLAY-RAH-KA Teaching Artists, though space is limited and advance registration is required.

A second post-show discussion is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, featuring special guests who will provide real-world perspective on the play's themes. The theater promises to announce these guests soon. Finally, on Friday, October 3, young professionals can take advantage of a special happy hour event that includes discounted tickets and one complimentary drink coupon.

With its thoughtful examination of reconciliation and grace, "Everything Is Wonderful" offers DC theatergoers the chance to experience a powerful new work that celebrates the transformative power of forgiveness. The production marks an excellent start to Keegan Theatre's 29th season and showcases the company's commitment to bringing meaningful, contemporary drama to the Washington area stage.