Rooted, a new play by Deborah Zoe Laufer, who wrote the hit play Be Here Now, will spring up at the Horizon Theatre Aug. 25 through Sept. 24, as part of the regional theatre’s 2023 Mainstage Season.
Directed by Justin Anderson, the warm-hearted comedy digs into the power of plants and the intriguing, human, and often hilarious idiosyncrasies of people.
The show takes place in the small town of Millersville, and follows Emery Harris, a plant researcher and YouTuber, who lives alone in a house in a tree named Mabel surrounded by plants that, other than her overbearing sister Hazel, are her only source of conversation.
When Emery’s calm and quiet gets overwhelmed by a growing crowd of YouTube channel devotees singing to her—their botanical, new-age messiah—she is forced to look down from the branches and face the outside world.
The show stars Maria Rodriguez-Sager as Emery, Mary Lynn Owen as Hazel, and Jade’ Davis as Luanne.
Rooted is funny and entertaining, but also incredibly profound and smart,” said Lisa Adler, Horizon Theatre’s co-artistic/producing director. “The wonderful playwright Deborah Zoe Laufer is a master of quirky, relatable stories about families and friendship. Audiences always love how we transform our theatre, and this time they will be treated to an onstage treehouse. They’ll leave Rooted feeling satisfied and hopeful about the future and the possibility for true connection with fellow humans and the natural world.
For tickets or more information, visit www.horizontheatre.com.
There’s a free parking lot on-site at the Horizon Theatre off Euclid Avenue.
Photo: A scene from the Justin Anderson’s comedy, Rooted.
