THE PRODUCTION
Whitewash and Mortar debuted in June of 2022 to a full house at the Bantam Cinema & Arts Center in Bantam, Connecticut. Featuring a cast of thirteen talented actors, the production had the honor of being the first live-theatre offering in the Bantam’s “Readers’ Theatre” series. The show was directed by Robert Kwalick, whose five decades of theatrical experience contributed to his deeply thoughtful and innovative presentation of the work.
THE STORY
Whitewash and Mortar tells the story of a thrice-divorced woman forced to live on her eccentric uncle’s largesse while working at an exploitative job among people from much different backgrounds than her own. Astonished at the hypocrisy of those in her social circle and the brutality of her own family members, she offers compassion to those who deserve it, while anxiously experiencing ever-increasing helplessness. Described as sharing similarities with Brecht’s The Good Woman of Setzuan, the protagonist grapples with harsh realities while attempting to remain devoted to a higher truth. Says Lavin, “It’s a comedy/drama about the interaction between social cultures and the difficulties of being a kind person in an imperfect world.”
THE LANTERN
Banshee Bahamian
HALF AN HOUR IN HEAVEN
“Beautifully written and funny.”
-Taryn McKenna Daou, President, Gaelic Park Players
THE PRODUCTION
Marking the first international debut of Lavin’s work, The Charlestown Arts Centre in County Mayo, Ireland premiered the production in March of 2025, with the players of the Charlestown Drama Group bringing the characters to life. Under the experienced direction of Gerard Groarke, whose credits include work with several Dublin theatrical companies, the run featured sold-out performances and standing ovations. The show’s American premiere took place five months later at Chicago’s Gaelic Park Irish Festival, the largest Irish cultural festival in Illinois. Directed by Betty Kort, the nationally recognized Gaelic Park Players enacted the drama in true Irish-American style. In August of 2026, they successfully undertook the production again, marking its second round of performances on the legendary Tara Stage. Meanwhile, another production was mounted in Illinois the following weekend at the renowned Peoria Irish Festival. Under the direction of Denise Beattie of The Chillicothe Players, the performances there marked the first time in the festival’s history that it featured a drama as part of its cultural entertainment.
THE STORY
Set in Brooklyn in 1961, the play revolves around four Irish immigrants who have established themselves in New York while retaining many of the ways of their beloved homeland. “I’m immensely proud to have had this show premiere in Charlestown in Ireland,” says Lavin, whose grandfather was born in County Mayo a few miles from the theatre and later emigrated to the U.S. “Immigration is the heart of America’s story. Immigrants enrich this country, and their diversity makes us stronger,” she says, adding, “This play also deals with the balance immigrants must strike between worlds, the old and the new, as well as the past and the future.”
“A smash hit.”
- Northwest Connecticut Arts Council
THE PRODUCTION
The Lantern is currently in pre-production and will premiere in 2027. Details to come.
THE STORY
Rooted in the richness of Irish mythology, The Lantern tells the story of Jack the blacksmith, for whom Jack O’Lanterns are named. A notorious trickster, Jack evades being taken to the Otherworld so he can continue leading a life of selfishness and cruelty. After causing his own downfall, he suffers the consequences of his behavior on a cosmic scale, and in a heartbreaking twist, he discovers that love is the only light that will guide him. Lavin steps into a new creative world with The Lantern, which marks her debut puppetry drama. “It’s significant to me that this work honors the traditional roots of Halloween,” says Lavin. “It celebrates a popular holiday that most audiences don't realize began in Ireland.”
MAsters of the Gilded age
Dividing Line
THE PRODUCTION
Dividing Line is currently available for premiere.
THE STORY
Conflicting emotions, racial identities, and historic morality come into play as a controversial land rights issue shatters loyalties in a small Connecticut town. Mayor Randall Stone, a displaced Vermonter, cannot help but reflect on his past as he grapples with the powerful and twisted realities facing him. Keith Bannon, the assistant in whom he confides, has a secret that threatens to destroy his trust. Ultimately, Mayor Stone is forced to confront a chilling truth and uncovers a legacy of greed, lies, and murder as he walks precariously along the dividing line between iniquity and justice. “The main character’s frustration at suddenly having to face centuries-old moral complexities is a very timely problem as the United States increasingly considers the question of reparations to Indigenous people,” says Lavin. “This drama articulates the discrepancies in individuals of European descent who profess one thing but do another when the problem is ‘in their own dooryard,’ as Mayor Stone would say.”
VFX
THE PRODUCTION
Masters of the Gilded Age is currently available for premiere.
THE STORY
The staff members of an affluent small-town historical society uncover a dark secret involving an antiquated building in a neighboring town. They quickly realize that a grim history is repeating itself with disturbing ramifications. However, since the town lacks its own historical society to raise awareness, they must expose the exploitative plans without outraging the most powerful member of their own board of directors. As they discover the facts by resurrecting forgotten archives and personal accounts, they realize their work preserving the past is actually the basis for saving the future. Says Lavin, “I dedicated this play to everyone whose work is about protecting history. Their contribution to society is easy to overlook, but I believe they are the guardians of our future.”
THE PRODUCTION
Banshee Bahamian is currently available for premiere.
THE STORY
When a naïve young man from a remote region of Ireland visits his cousin in Dublin for the summer, worlds collide in this delightful dramedy. Working together at a Bahamian restaurant, they explore the differences between them that ultimately reveal their deeper selves. Served up with wonder, wit, and a lot of love, Banshee Bahamian is a celebration of the tender dreams of youth and their power to charm even the hardest of hearts. In order to immerse audiences in the characters’ world, the script features sections of Irish-language dialogue, which Lavin wrote in collaboration with Liam Óg Ó hOistín, an Irish language scholar from County Galway, and it is presented in context to be readily understandable by theatregoers. “This play speaks to the vulnerabilities that sometimes get in the way of human connection,” says Lavin. “It’s also about believing that anything is possible, even hope.”
Where the snakes run free
THE PRODUCTION
Where the Snakes Run Free is currently available for premiere.
THE STORY
Forced to live with his quirky uncle and aunt following the messy breakup of his marriage, an unemployed musician struggles to reframe his life. When he forms an uneasy relationship with a neighboring Goth, he discovers things are not always as they seem. Filled with absurdity and unexpected insight, this exuberant short comedy sidesteps reality on its way to Where the Snakes Run Free. “One day the title suddenly occurred to me,” explains Lavin, “and the rest just followed. I can’t wait to take audiences along for the ride.”
Durga puja in connecticut
THE PRODUCTION
Durga Puja in Connecticut is currently available for premiere.
THE STORY
When a young woman of Indian heritage oversells her cultural identity in order to get a position writing for a chic Manhattan magazine, it’s a hilarious disaster waiting to happen. Suddenly called upon to host a celebratory Durga Puja holiday dinner for her editor and a Nepalese soldier, she crafts a charade with the help of a friend in rural Connecticut, his culinarily talented future mother-in-law, and a cow named Bridget. Love, light, and unblemished fruit abound in this heartfelt comedy about what it means to be yourself. “For audiences unfamiliar with this beautiful holiday, it’s a fantastic backdrop for an engaging and amusing show,” Lavin says. “I think everyone will find something meaningful in it.”
THE PRODUCTION
VFX is currently available for premiere. Due to the nature of the production, it is particularly suited for cinemas that wish to host a dramatic performance.
THE STORY
What happens when six CGI characters fall out of a film and have to figure out how to get back in? Outlandish fun! Featuring a cast of farcical visual effects (“VFX”) archetypes, this comedy lets audiences witness their ridiculous—and occasionally ribald—capers as they attempt to rejoin their movie-in-progress. Can an egomaniacal superhero, a humanoid avatar, a creepy troll, and an erudite lobster save themselves and their comrades before it’s too late? Bungling their way to a vague understanding of their own existence, they learn poignant truths about life, love, and the magical intersection of motion pictures and human dreams. Unfortunately, time has run out, causing them to take drastic measures that ultimately bring out the best in everyone . . . and bring the lawyers running into the fray! “You’ll never feel the same way about the color orange,” promises Lavin. “VFX is a laugh about how little we understand reality.”
A Goodnight Kiss
“The most romantic love story I have ever seen acted out on the stage . . . amazing drama. A phenomenal production.”
- Sean Fallon, Broadway World
THE PRODUCTION
The result of meticulous research and thoughtful collaboration between Cinzi Lavin and producer/director Kathy Kelly, A Goodnight Kiss was sold out well in advance of its June 6, 2025 premiere at Goshen Players Playhouse (Goshen, Connecticut). Audiences were moved to tears and laughter by the stellar cast, headed by David Macharelli and Olivia Wadsworth, and received standing ovations throughout the run. Incidental music by Stephen Foster was included, the arrangements of which were created by Cinzi Lavin and have been chosen for inclusion in the Library of Congress’ Song of America Project as outstanding representations of Foster’s work. At the premiere, a panel of prominent historians (acclaimed reenactor Kevin Johnson and Civil War experts Carolyn Ivanoff and Peter Vermilyea) took questions from the audience. A Goodnight Kiss later enjoyed the distinction of winning third place for Best New Play of 2025 in Broadway World's Connecticut Awards. The history play subsequently created history, when Lavin was invited to have A Goodnight Kiss become the first drama ever performed at the Connecticut State Capitol Building in Hartford. The groundbreaking April 1, 2026 performance was attended by state legislators, VIP visitors, and tourists as part of the State Capitol’s celebrations in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Shortly thereafter, the script was archived in the Manuscript Division of the Library of Congress. In June of 2026, A Goodnight Kiss was performed by special engagement with its original cast at Five Points Arts Center, a world-class New England arts venue.
THE STORY
In 1863, a time when handwritten letters carried news of hope or despair, a correspondence began between two young New England residents whose relationship blossomed in the shadow of the Civil War. Missed opportunities, unreliable mail, and the ever-present threat of tragedy raised profound obstacles that would make or break their bond. This dramatization of the deeply moving real-life correspondence between two individuals proves the triumph of human connection despite all adversity. Based on actual love letters, this historical drama was commissioned by producer/director Kathy Kelly (acclaimed TV/film actress). “I’m so grateful to Kathy Kelly for initiating this project,” says Lavin. “It highlights the best of what made America great: integrity, sacrifice, respect for others, and community.”