Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Classic Six by Leigh Flayton as a Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. Classic Six rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 4 Finalists out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the charged subtext and deeply complex relationships among vivid characters. Our congratulations and thanks to Leigh.

Premiere Stages, the professional Equity theatre in residence at Kean University, is pleased to recognize Classic Six by Leigh Flayton as a Finalist for the 2022 Premiere Play Festival. Classic Six rose through a competitive selection process conducted by Premiere staff and a panel of outside theatre professionals to become one of 4 Finalists out of 655 submissions. The panel was particularly impressed by the charged subtext and deeply complex relationships among vivid characters. Our congratulations and thanks to Leigh.

A super compelling set of characters rendered with complexity and nuance throughout. Structurally, I loved seeing Frankie/Frances' history with the McGuires unfold over several scenes in the first act, and then the tension-filled single scene of the second act. The theatricality of the few moments of monologue helped to punctuate the second act, in particular, in a compelling way. Frankie was a character to follow throughout, and Flayton easily illustrates both the broader social structures and intimately interpersonal forces that impact her relationships with the McGuires. Frankie's separate relationships with Frank and Patricia are complicated and well-illustrated.