The Secret of the Soap & Spin

The Secret of the Soap & Spin tells the story of ten-year-old Vic, whose mother disappears at the Soap & Spin Laundromat. As he frantically searches for her, Vic comes across a strange out-of-order dryer, which turns out to be the portal to a secret, underground world populated by those who have escaped the normal world above. He meets Lint, Dusty (a vengeful dust bunny), and a worn-out Mop. Vic tries to find out if his mother is there, too. A metaphor for the opioid crisis, this play explores the struggle to recover from addiction, both for the addicted and those they’ve left behind.

“There is not an elementary school in America that doesn’t have students who are dealing with very adult issues like homelessness and what it means to have a parent or caregiver who is addicted to opioids. And the students who are not dealing with this reality in their own homes are often called upon to help their peers who are struggling,” says Pollyanna Theatre’s Artistic Director Judy Matetzschk-Campbell, “Theatre can provide a safe environment to explore some of life’s most challenging and scary situations, and Jonathan Graham’s newest play is just such an opportunity.”

As with all Pollyanna Theatre productions, the cast is comprised of adult, professional actors, including Benjamin Bazan, Chase Brewer, Bethany Harbaugh, Holly Palmer, Emily Smith, and William Swift. The show is directed by Judy Matetzschk-Campbell with Sound Design and Stage Management by Andrew Perry, Costume and Puppet Design by Colleen McCool, Set Design by Zac Crofford, Light Design by Natalie George and Movement by Kelly Hasandras.

Parents, teachers and caregivers can download a free study guide to accompany the production by visiting http://www.pollyannatheatrecompany.org/teachers/lesson-plans/. The guide contains an overview of the play, educational objectives and pre/post discussion questions and activities.