Amphibian Stage Sends a Woman to Mars

Amphibian Stage’s first production of 2023 is a full-sensory, surround-sound expedition into outer space-Spaceman (February 10 – March 5).

Spaceman follows Molly Jennis’s solo mission to Mars after her husband’s failed, tragic attempt at the same journey. Aaron Grunfeld’s review of the original production at Loading Dock Theatre remarked that Spaceman “…is a masterpiece of science fiction..it imparts that classic sense of wonder, marveling at humanity’s potential and the courage that drives our endeavors. If it should come to your city, see it.” When Amphibian Stage Co-Artistic Director Jay Duffer reached out to Leegrid about producing Spaceman, Stevens revealed how apt it was that the play would be presented in DFW, specifically at Amphibian Stage.

Sarah Rutan, playing the lead role of Molly Jennis, photographed by Evan Michael Woods

“My mother-in-law is a native Fort Worther and has attended several productions at Amphibian Stage. Like a dutiful mother-in-law, she suggested I submit a play to Amphibian as ‘they’re real good.’ Well, I listened to her for once and here we are! My wife grew up in Keller and we return to Fort Worth once or twice a year. I am thrilled that Spaceman is taking flight again, with a new team, in our second home,” playwright Leegrid Stevens. This will be the first US production since the world premiere at New York City’s Loading Dock Theatre in 2019.

Jay Duffer, Co-Artistic Director (and Director of the organization’s highest selling productions) will direct. David Lanza, sound designer behind Amphibian Stage’s surround sound audio production of The Tragic Life and Triumphant Death of Julia Pastrana, the Ugliest Woman in the World, will bring the richly textured soundscape of our galaxy to Spaceman. Sarah Rutan, star of sold-out 2019 production Babette’s Feast, will play Molly Jennis. Jeff Ararat (Dexter: New Blood) will play Harry Jennis and Meagan Harris (Neon Days) will understudy Molly Jennis.

Spaceman – February 10 – March 5

By Leegrid Stevens Directed by Jay Duffer

Cast & Creative Team

CREATIVE TEAM

• Director: Jay Duffer
• Assistant Director: Evan Michael Woods Scenic Designer: Jeff Stanfield
• Sound Designer: David Lanza
• Assistant Sound Designer: Jorge Guerra Original Sound Designer: Leegrid Stevens Lighting Designer: Jason Monmaney Projection Designer: Philip Villar Costume Coordinator: Kathleen Culebro Production Stage Manager: Kaitlin Hatton Bella Barnett: Scenic Artist
• Master Electrician: Landry Strickland Crew: Leo Vibal

CAST

• Molly Jennis: Sarah Rutan
• Harry Jennis: Jeff Ararat
• Molly (U/S): Meagan Harris

Amphibian Stage 2023 Season At A Glance

• Spaceman (Mainstage Play): February 10 – March 5
• Baron Vaughn (Stand-Up Comic Residency): March 9 -11
  • Returning after Sold-Out 2017 Run
• Nore Davis (Stand-Up Comic Residency): March 16 – 18
• Phoebe Robinson (Stand-Up Comic Residency): March 23 – 25
  • Returning after Sold-Out 2019 Run
• Baba (Mainstage Play): April 21 – May 7
• SparkFest: June 1 – 17
• Miss Molly (Mainstage Play): July 21 – August 13
  • World Premiere
• Gabe Mollica (Stand-Up Comic Residency): September 5 – 9
• The Visit (Mainstage Play): October 20 – November 12
  • In Partnership with UTA Department of Theatre and Dance