CINCINNATI – Wicked Cat Productions will present Stuck written by JJ Ivey and directed by Patrick O’Connell. The production will be presented as part of the 2025 Cincinnati Fringe Festival at Gabriel’s Corner with performances between May 31st and June 8th. Stuck is a sharp, funny, and sometimes steamy new play about what happens when teenage fantasy becomes a messy adult reality.
When Drew’s straight best friend, Dale, stumbles back into their life—drunk, unannounced, and after more than a decade apart—the night spirals into a messy mix of surprising flirtation, nostalgia, and unresolved tension. As laughter gives way to confessions and fears, and old traumas surface, the two must confront their past and what it means for their future. Stuck celebrates the beauty of imperfections, Queer love, and Queer bodies.This production premiered at New York City Fringe in April 2025 where it won the Staff Choice Award.
“The playwright poignantly sheds light on how a form of healing from trauma comes from a person’s ability to laugh… The chemistry between both actors is electrifying and steamy as they share passionate and intimate displays… Stuck is a declaration that the act of self-love is the ultimate vindication.” – Theatre Beyond Broadway
“A raw, unflinching look at the intricacies of human connection. With moments that are both affecting and undivinable, this production masterfully explores…the fragile boundary between love and loss… this play strikes a resonant chord with its unrelenting honesty.” – Hi! Drama
WHAT: Stuck by JJ Ivey
WHO: Featuring Royce Thomas Johnson and JJ Ivey
Directed by Patrick O’Connell
With Production Stage Manager Kaitlyn Chase
And Intimacy Coordinator Sean Fletcher Griffin
WHEN:
- 4:15 p.m. Saturday, May 31
- 8:45 p.m. Sunday, June 1
- 8:45 p.m. Tuesday, June 3
- 7:00 p.m. Friday June 6
- 8:45 p.m. Sunday, June 8
WHERE: Gabriel’s Corner 1425 Sycamore St, Cincinnati, OH 45202
HOW MUCH: Single Tickets $20
RUNNING TIME: 60 minutes
TICKETS: https://cincyfringe.com/stuck
Wicked Cat Productions is an independent theater company founded by Kaitlyn Chase and JJ Ivey in 2024. Dedicated to championing new voices and reimagining classical works for contemporary audiences, the company focuses on creating sustainable, impactful theater while ensuring fair compensation for artists and creatives. Wicked Cat Productions made its debut with Death of a Dandelion at NYC and Orlando Fringe in 2024. Follow @wickedcatproductions.
Patrick O’Connell (Director) has been collaborating on “Stuck” since its beginning as a short play. They are a graduate of Emerson College and notable productions include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Clementine Players) and a staged reading of their own play Roaches! (Tumbleweed Collective). They are an alumni and collaborator with Barr Hill Players and Resident Playwright with Tumbleweed Collective. Follow @patrick.1227.
JJ Ivey (Playwright/Performer) is a nonbinary, plus-size theatre professional from Tennessee. They are currently attending Brooklyn College and trained at Atlantic Acting School. JJ creates work that explores themes of self-image, spirituality, and the contradictions behind perceived identities. Acting credits include Death of a Dandelion (Wicked Cats), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Clementine Players), and Bloom (SheNYCArts). JJ also works in theatrical management. Follow @jjivey_actor.
Royce Thomas Johnson (Performer) is an actor, writer, and sketch comic from Atlanta, GA. His stage work has taken him across the country with recent NYC credits including Velvet Rage (The Tank), Happenstance (Kraine Theatre), and Crazy About You (Producer’s Club). TV includes Criminal Minds, Chuck, and Hannah Montana. Upcoming film includes the feature Mother Wolf with Melissa Leo. He holds a BFA from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Follow @roycelooksatstuff.
Kaitlyn Chase (Stage Manager) is a New Mexican born Actress, Director, and Producer. She holds a degree in Performing Arts from University of New Mexico and trained at the Stella Adler Studio Conservatory. Acting credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Human Error and The Seagull. Directing credits include Death of a Dandelion and The Third One. Follow @kaitlyncb_1.
Sean Griffin (Intimacy Coordinator) is a member of UnkleDave’s Fight-House. Broadway: Appropriate, Merrily We Roll Along, Uncle Vanya. NY: Seven Year Disappear (New Group); Comedy of Errors (Public); Light in the Piazza, Oliver! (Encores). Regional: View From The Bridge (Long Wharf); Living and Breathing, The Hombres (Two River); Wait Until Dark (Dorset); Maggie, Billy Elliot, Oklahoma! (Goodspeed). Member of Actors Equity and playwright. Follow @sean.fletcher.ny.
For further information or to arrange an interview, please contact Kaitlyn Chase at wickedcatproductionsnyc@gmail.com.
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Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 