Ugly Lies the Bone at McCadden Place Theatre

Grim Abbey Productions proudly presents Lindsey Ferrentino’s drama, “Ugly Lies the Bone,” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival. Directed by award-winner Lulenoxx and featuring a talented and diverse cast, this production will captivate audiences with its exploration of resilience, love and the human spirit. Opens June 8th for six performances at McCadden Place Theatre.

Virtual reality becomes a battlefield for healing as Jess confronts not only her physical scars but also the haunting memories of war and the harsh truths of returning to civilian life. Through the innovative lens of virtual reality therapy, based on a real life revolutionary burn therapy, she embarks on a poignant journey of self-discovery and reconciliation. In a world of snow she navigates the complexities of love and loss, forging a new path towards a future filled with hope and newfound beauty amidst the scars of her past.

"Ugly Lies the Bone" is a poignant exploration of deep emotions and dark themes, infused with moments of comedy and hope. Jess (played by Gabrielle Archambault)  must come to terms with her new life, and a future where her body no longer holds the capabilities it once did. Moving back to her childhood home brings back tough memories, and her injuries create a state of childlike helplessness in contrast to her mind which has seen enough horror and tragedy for multiple lifetimes. She struggles to accept help from her loving sister Kacie (played by Sheer Aviram), who has the burden of both Jess’ wounds, and their mother, who suffers from the progression of dementia. Jess avoids visiting her mother, unwilling to deal with yet another person who won’t recognize her behind her changed appearance. Instead, focuses her time on therapy sessions with The Voice (played by Suni M!) in an evolving Virtual Reality world where she can escape her pain, while enhancing her pain in real life by continually visiting her ex-boyfriend Stevie (played by Carver Folkes), unable to leave the hope of what could have been behind. To further her pain, she is unable to avoid her sister’s new boyfriend Kelvin (played by Hans Heilmann,, an uncomfortably positive person who doesn’t know how to deal with someone as damaged as Jess.  As she builds her imaginary wall of snow, she fortifies herself, and at the same time, knocks down the emotional barriers that prevent her from connecting with those she loves and revealing the way forward.

This is a story that grips you instandly, and th moment Gabrielle Archambault encountered Ferrentino's powerful script, she was compelled to bring it to life on stage. “ This piece is perfect for anyone who has ever felt lost, in pain, or like no one around them can understand the turmoil they are going through,” she exclaims, "We hope to share this piece and empower those who are struggling with physical or emotional pain to seek help and guidance, through Jess's story, we aim to inspire hope and resilience, reminding audiences that no matter the obstacles they face, there is a way forward."

WHO: Presented by: Grim Abbey Productions Directed by: Lulenoxx Cast includes: Gabrielle Archambault, Sheer Aviram, Carver Folkes, Suni M!, and Hans Heilmann.

DATES AND TIMES OF SHOWS VARY: 

Sunday, June 08, 3:30 PM; Saturday, June 15, 6:30 PM; Saturday, June 22, 11:30 AM; Sunday, June 23, 8:30 PM; Friday, June 28, 8:00 PM; Sunday, June 30, 2:30 PM

Authors

• Lindsey Ferrentino