Dear Friends, 

In programming our seasons, I’m attracted to stories that are original, compelling and resonant – and also to methods of storytelling that share those same qualities. So when I first connected with Jenn Freeman and Sonya Tayeh about their new project, Is It Thursday Yet?, my interest was immediately piqued. 

This autobiographical show details the aftermath of Jenn’s adult diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) at the age of 33 – specifically, the ways in which that new fact re-framed her understanding about her childhood and adolescence; about her memories, behaviors and experiences; about her obsession with dance, and the ways it granted her self-expression not available elsewhere. 

The show’s open-hearted and honest exploration of a life on the spectrum is only part of its power; the other aspect that makes it so impactful is the way Jenn grants us access to her ever-moving mind. In this potent mixture of movement, music and multimedia, Jenn and Sonya have created a physical vocabulary that organically maps Jenn’s emotional palette to her electrifying and visceral physicality, alongside Holland Andrews’ propulsive, evocative and layered musical score. 

Another major component of the show comes from the amazing wealth of documentary material available to Jenn, from her childhood through her diagnosis. Her father tirelessly shot home movies that capture the full span of Jenn’s youth, and her diagnosing therapist, Dr. Kimberly Gilbert, granted Jenn permission to record and use exchanges from their sessions together. 

Together with the amazing Tony Award winner Sonya Tayeh – a fearless artist I’ve long wanted to bring back to the Playhouse – Jenn has created a fascinating show that invites us into the mind and body of a singular performer, and expands our collective humanity. 

Christopher Ashley
The Rich Family Artistic Director of La Jolla Playhouse