Coronado Playhouse to Open Shakespeare-Inspired Revenge Comedy

The Coronado Playhouse will open its latest production next month, “Exit, Pursued by a Bear,” a dark revenge comedy written by playwright Lauren Gunderson and director Kira Blaskovich.

The 90-minute one-act dark comedy, inspired by William Shakespeare’s staging of “The Winter’s Tale,” will run every weekend from August 16 to September 8.

“Exit, Chased by a Bear” explores the story of Nan, who plots with her two best friends—a gay man who wears a cheerleader costume and a Shakespeare-loving stripper—to eliminate her abusive husband from her life, a plot involving honey, meat and bears.

“Last year, I chose to direct Ripcord because it was a story about people who seemed very different and found common ground and a deep understanding of each other,” Blaskovich said. “This play takes that theme and expands on it. At its core, it’s about how we can see each other through the lens of empathy, even when so much baggage accumulates between us.”

Gunderson is an award-winning writer and recognized as America’s most produced living playwright, with more than 20 plays produced. The show will be directed by Kira Blaskovich, marking her second directing project at the Coronado Playhouse following last year’s “Ripcord.” Blaskovich is an award-winning actor with more than 25 years of experience in the performing arts, including multiple Coronado Playhouse productions.

“Exit, Chased by a Bear” aims to deliver a unique blend of humor and introspection, and Blaskovich hopes audiences will leave feeling uplifted.

“This play inspires its characters to introspection and hope – the hope that by making different choices, we can acknowledge our mistakes, forgive ourselves and others, and move forward toward a better future,” Blaskovich said.