"The Playground" Takes Flight: From Cape Cod to Washington State

We're thrilled to share that Jim Dalglish's "The Playground" is getting a stunning new production at The Merc Playhouse in Twisp, Washington, running January 30 - February 1, 2026!

Jim Dalglish, playwright

Ralph Schwartz recently featured an in-depth look at this production for the Methow Valley News, noting that audiences should expect "more acting, more intensity and more to think about after the lights go back up." Director Don Nelson describes this Readers' Theater "hybrid" as an "intense" exploration of Joan, "a wife and the mother of a 4-year-old who leaves her Bay Area career and comfort zone to follow her husband to a golden job opportunity in New York City."

The play's power is undeniable. As Schwartz reports, Jim himself "had to do some breathing exercises while sitting in the audience of his own show" when his smart watch alerted him that his heart rate was too high. "I have three elements that make a play successful for me," Jim explains. "It has to stimulate my mind. It has to move my heart. And it should haunt me for three days after."

Jamie Petitto portrays Joan in “The Playground"

Jamie Petitto

We're deeply grateful to Jamie Petitto for bringing her formidable talent and fearlessness to the role of Joan—a role originated by the extraordinary Anna Botsford in our Cape Cod premiere. As Jim observes in the article: "When I look at Jamie, I see that same fearlessness—and that's exactly what this role needs. She's going to tell this story in a way that completely exposes her." We also thank director Don Nelson for his vision in creating this innovative production format, with Jamie performing live while other cast members appear in video projections.

The article highlights how personal experience informs Jamie's performance: "What prepared her the most was having a son, Argyle, in December 2024," she says. "I can't believe I ever tried to act like I was a mother before, in commercials and TV. Once you become one, there's just infinite insight."

This production holds special meaning as it follows the play's world premiere right here on Cape Cod in June 2024, co-produced by Helltown Players and Cotuit Center for the Arts. That premiere production was anchored by Anna Botsford's fearless performance as Joan, supported by an incredible ensemble cast and production team who brought this challenging story to life for the first time. You can read the rave reviews from that production here.

Don Nelson, director

Don Nelson

Director Don Nelson speaks to the emotional journey of the play: "I ended up feeling very empathetic and sympathetic with Joan, even though she goes through some wrenching moments. And I think people will see that as well."

The play doesn't shy away from difficult territory. The Merc's content advisory refers to "adult themes and the loss of a child," and as Schwartz notes, the play "resonates with some of the traumatic events and issues happening in the U.S."

At the heart of the play is a question Joan poses directly to the audience: "What would you do, if you were me?" It's a question that ensures audiences will have plenty to discuss during the post-show Q&A sessions with Jim, Jamie, and Don.

Congratulations to everyone involved in The Merc production, and here's to "The Playground" continuing to challenge and move audiences wherever it's performed.