BY LUCY KIRKWOOD
MAY 31, 2025 @ 7PM
"The Children" by Lucy Kirkwood is a gripping and thought-provoking play set in a remote coastal cottage in England. It follows retired nuclear physicists Hazel and Robin, who are living in self-imposed isolation after a catastrophic nuclear disaster. Their routine is disrupted by the unexpected arrival of their former colleague, Rose, who brings with her a morally challenging proposition.
The play explores themes of responsibility, generational legacy, and the sacrifices required to repair the damage inflicted on the world. With sharp dialogue and intimate tension, Kirkwood examines the personal and ethical dilemmas of a generation grappling with the consequences of their actions.
Directed by Christina Shea-Wright
CAST
Hazel
Maryann Plunkett
Robin
Jay O. Sanders
Rose
Peggy J. Scott
MARYANN PLUNKETT
Maryann Plunkett (Hazel) has a 40-plus-year Broadway career spanning 10 Broadway productions, including the original production of Sunday in the Park with George. Her other credits include The Seagull, Agnes of God, Saint Joan, A Man for All Seasons, and Me and My Girl, for which she won the Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical in 1987. She earned her second nomination last year for her performance in The Notebook. Off-Broadway: Deep Blue Sound (Obie, 2025 Drama Desk nomination) at Clubbed Thumb & the Public, Dublin Trilogy (Irish Rep), The Lucky Ones, Aristocrats, Richard Nelson's 12-play Rhinebeck Panorama. Films: Showing Up (Independent Spirit Award), Little Women, MAD, A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Family Fang. Much TV, including recently Dr. Death, New Amsterdam, and Manifest. Founding member Portland Stage. Coach and mentor.
JAY O. SANDERS
Jay O. Sanders (Robin) has been a presence at The Public Theatre his entire career, appearing regularly both downtown and at Shakespeare in the Park. A member of the original cast of Sam Shepard’s Pulitzer-winning Buried Child, he made his Broadway debut in Loose Ends in 1979, originated all 12 plays in Richard Nelson’s Rhinebeck Panorama, received a Drama Desk Award for the title role in Nelson’s production of Uncle Vanya, and played Cyrano at the Guthrie. He won an Outer Critics Award for his roles in the Pulitzer Prize-winning Primary Trust, starred on Broadway in Girl From The North Country and Purlie Victorious, and was recently nominated for a Drama Desk Award for his performance as Falstaff in TFANA’s Henry IV, parts 1&2. Sanders’ vast film and television credits span decades and genres, including His Three Daughters (Independent Spirit Award), Angels in the Outfield, Tumbleweeds, JFK, The Day After Tomorrow, Revolutionary Road, Roseanne, Sneaky Pete, and True Detective.
PEGGY J. SCOTT
Peggy J. Scott (Rose) works in film, television and theatre, across genres, in roles that are often transformational. She has worked extensively in regional theatre, ultimately returning to New York where she has continued to work on and Off Broadway, and in recurring roles and guest appearances on award-winning television shows and in film. Recent on-camera work includes a guest star on FBI: MOST WANTED, the indie film The Wake (premiered at the 2024 at the Woodstock Film Festival); Mr Harrigan’s Phone (Netflix) starring Donald Sutherland and directed by John Lee Hancock, based on the Stephen King novella; and The Forty-Year Old Version, directed by Radha Blank in her award-winning directorial debut. She has also appeared in recurring roles in The Marvelous Mrs Maisel, Rescue Me, The Americans, Succession, and more. Recent stage work includes N/A at Lincoln Center, standing by for Holland Taylor, and The Safety Net at 59E59.
CHRISTINA SHEA-WRIGHT
Christina Shea-Wright (Director) is thrilled to be back at Sea Dog Theater where she feels so creatively fulfilled! Christina is a theater director and acting coach who has been working professionally in different areas of the entertainment industry for almost two decades. Directing credits include Time Stands Still, The Humans, The Wolves, the world premiere of The Business of Nightmares, and 23 and Me and Them, etc. She will be directing a production of “The Revolutionists” next month with Rooftop Theater Collaborative. Christina has also built a successful coaching business working one-on-one with actors of all ages on character development and script analysis. Additionally, she has a vast background as a casting director, talent agent, and various acting credits. cwcoachingnyc.com