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Show Description
“Sticks & Stones” is a powerful, emotional story about how our past shapes the way we see ourselves and the world. Gemma, a woman in her thirties, is pulled into her own mind, where she must face memories from her childhood – some full of love, others marked by abuse and trauma – as she searches for the source of the beliefs she holds about herself. In this journey, she begins to question: Where did her inner narrative come from, and is it really true?
As the audience steps inside Gemma’s mind, they become witness to the past – the memories that still live deep inside of her as they collide with present-day emotion. Gemma begins to see how these early experiences and relationships shaped her beliefs, her choices, and how she views herself today. She must decide: Is she just the sum of her experiences, or can she take back her story and write a new one?
At its core, this play is about healing and reclaiming one’s narrative. It’s about looking closely at where we come from, understanding how those experiences shaped us, and finding the courage to tell a new story – one that’s finally our own. But “Sticks & Stones” also serves as a reminder of how we shape each other’s stories, and how our relationships can either bind us to the past or help us break free.
“Who am I but a reflection of you and the story you wrote for me?”
Cast and Crew
Production Team:
Megan Reynolds (Co-Producer, Co-Director)
Chelsey Shirrell (Co-Producer, Co-Director)
Cast (in order of appearance):
Shannon Rousseau (Gemma)
Florence Matina (Callie)
Amelia Trollinger (Mom)
Jonathon Engle (Dad)
Astra-Lia England (Jessica/Dance Instructor/Mrs. B/Kat/Aunt Karen/Friend)
Jacob Funke (Keith/Dance Instructor/Mr. McCoy/Uncle Dave/Ex-Boyfriend/Friend)
Artist & Show Details:
Megan Reynolds – 2nd year with Fringe. Actor in KC Fringe 2024 – “Matron” in GULAG GIRLS
Chelsey Shirrell – First time participant!
Sarilee Kahn (verified owner) –
Saw the show tonight!! Congrats to a great cast and crew! Sticks and Stones is a powerful, heartbreaking, and ultimately uplifting story — told in shifting time frames—reflecting how memory is often fractured by traumatic events. It’s not always easy to watch but I found that I couldn’t turn away. The excellent cast, guided by its two co-directors, gives life to a play that is a master class in how traumatic events in our childhood impact our intimate relationships in adulthood.
We get to watch how Gemma slowly puts the pieces of her life back together. And maybe also to find inspiration along the way.
Highly recommend!
Marilyn Velasquez (verified owner) –
Truly a phenomenal must-see show! I was so enveloped by the writing, acting, directing as it all led me on this beautifully heartfelt journey through the mind of an amazing and resilient individual. The fervent pacing made it feel so much shorter than the actual runtime and allowed for quick connections between past and present events portrayed in this young woman’s life all while eagerly awaiting much anticipated catharsis. We can be the authors of our stories if we can only find the courage in ourselves and allow others to show us what we may overlook as strength within us. A little compassion goes a long way…💜💙💚🌈
Stephanie Reynolds (verified owner) –
You must come see this show! Sticks & Stones gives a powerful view of what childhood trauma looks and FEELS like to those of us who have never experienced it, an understanding of how it shapes adult lives and how hard it is to break free of the learned narrative. Well written, it also has uplifting and funny moments, all magically portrayed by an excellent ensemble cast. You are transported into the moment – I was glued to my seat, completely transfixed on the stage. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
Calleigh (verified owner) –
SUCH A TALENTED CAST OH MY GOD!! The lighting and sound were great, and it was written beautifully!! I went through SO MANY emotions watching it, it’s ACTUALLY crazy. I definitely recommend it!!!
Valerie Hanna –
Sunday morning and I’m still thinking about the show I saw last night, Sticks and Stones.
A compelling story of abuse and advocacy.
A cautionary tale for parents. Words are whips just as searing and painful as any blows or kicks. Words are also anthems for love and understanding and healing.This beautifully written story highlights the words and thoughts of friends, concerned adults, and partners. Love and self love. A chaotic and soul crushing upbringing can be overcome.
Ultimately uplifting and life and love affirming. Wonderfully acted. Don’t miss this!
Lora A –
What a powerful show! The snapshots of trauma paired with the glimpses of healing felt so real and relatable for anyone who has experienced something similar. The familiarity had me both laughing and crying and I think that just shows what this show can do. The actors delivered with a real awareness of the importance of the story, and I left with hope. Go see this show and step into the emotions with them!
brittany maes (verified owner) –
This show was amazing. The acting was so beautiful! This show took you on a journey of how trauma can be so impactful. I cried and I laugh through this show. It is a must see.
Jenny Clark (verified owner) –
This was my husband’s first ever theater experience and his reaction was “intense.” What an amazing show! Very emotional. Great message. EVERYONE should see this. Do yourself a favor and dedicate time for this. Great job!!! 👏
Nora Hammerstrom –
This show has extremely powerful and thought provoking messages, and portrays and executed them perfectly. Every part of the show was well-put together, from the lightning, set, sound, and cast! Go watch now!!! NOW!!!! NOOOWW!!!
Amy B (verified owner) –
A group of us went to support a cast member. We were blown away at the strong performances which enhanced the ups & downs of Gemma’s life’s journey. Harsh, scary and biting so that when tenderness crept in it was a soothing balm to audience.
Go see a performance, you won’t regret it!
Joanna Benitez (verified owner) –
Wonderful show. A powerful message about how childhood trauma affects our present relationship. Love how the story was told and the unexpected twists and turns that kept me on my toes.
Erika Baker –
What a unique look at the effects of trauma throughout life. This show is a powerful and empathetic look at how our past impacts our present in ways we cannot always immediately see or understand. The writing and direction is nuanced and even playful in the transitions from past to present, providing moments of much needed levity without shying away from the weight of the subject matter. I believe most everyone will relate in some way to the experiences of these characters which are well performed by the cast. Most importantly, I feel this is a show that encourages the audience to consider other’s reactions with more empathy, more questions and less judgement. Truly a show I recommend!
Jake Lavelock (verified owner) –
A sobering depiction of what cultivates trauma. A hard and heavy thing to witness – and you’ll leave the theatre still thinking about it the next day. It forces me (as a father) to take a good long look in the mirror and recognize how my actions – my temper – my words will impact my kids. The show demands an intense performance by its actors – and they deliver. I also felt like the way they navigated/delineated the nonlinear timeline was super clever.
Alex Velasquez –
This production is truly a labor of love. An all too real story of strength and struggle. You follow a young woman who is constantly reliving her childhood and young adult trauma all while being unable to live in the moment and allow herself to be happy and fully herself. You feel everything she feels and it really makes you think about how often these traumatic experiences occur. The cast, crew, and worked together in harmony to show the audience that even if someone feels alone they never are. This show was a great reminder that there is always someone out there who cares and understands.
Wendy S –
The writing – incredible. The cast – incredible. The direction – incredible. The set – incredible. The lighting – incredible. The entire show is incredible, powerful, impactful, relatable, and life changing. Through watching this play, I learned why I react the way I do in certain situations. I learned that my own trauma impacts me today in ways I did not realize before. It is painful to watch at times, but for a good reason. It should be painful. But the painful memories are balanced perfectly with happier memories. This is the kind of play that you think about for days, even weeks after. Everyone should see this play – whether you’ve experienced trauma or not. What a great lesson on PTSD, trauma, empathy, and self-love. Do not miss this one.
Amanda Davis –
This show was impactful, important and powerful! Every person will find something relatable within the script, whether it be for yourself or someone close to you. The way the life changing impact of generational trauma is dealt with and approached is so important. It gives an important lesson in how we, ourselves, can work to break it and/or look at the way it impacts our lives and others in it. AND this cast played so many parts, so well. This is a not to miss show and one that I will be thinking about for days to come!
Tracy Cass (verified owner) –
12/10. Must see.
Sticks and Stones is such a well written play. It is a heart wrenching portrayal of how the traumas experienced in childhood affect the ability to love ourselves and to accept and trust the love given to us by others.
Jacob Lanier (verified owner) –
Wow! Just saw the show and was blown away by the incredible, clear writing of such an emotional & complicated story. The cast displayed every range possible of emotions which kept me glued to the stage and holding my breath. It was a really moving display of how moments in life shape who we become, and how revisiting those with an objective point of view can slowly deconstruct why ourselves (or others) have certain trauma, triggers, and vulnerabilities. The quick pacing of the show really turned into a masterclass for switching characters’ emotions on a dime, especially from Gemma. Bravo!
Adrienne Hernaez (verified owner) –
This show is deeply relatable for anyone who is on their journey of understanding and learning to accept and love their inner child! I left the show feeling seen and that I’m really not alone in this type of experience! It’s a beautiful show with a powerful message!
L. Tanner Smith (verified owner) –
It’s a powerful, emotional journey about stories we’re told and stories we tell ourselves. It’s told in very effective non-chronological fashion, showing which life events from youth led to particular emotional breakdowns as an adult. (The payoff is also very effective, using a pair, actually many pairs, of scissors as an essential prop handed over from scene to scene.) All of the actors did great work, especially Shannon Rousseau as the lead, who I commend for doing what most actors would find too challenging and making it excellent. Very well-done!
Lex L –
This was an absolutely stunning show. It handled the heavy topics with such care but also didn’t shy away from how hard abuse hits its victims. I have never seen such an accurate and deep depiction of what CPTSD looks like on stage (particularly in my own experience). I was so intensely immersed from start to finish and everything felt so cathartic to see a journey that mirrored my own. The actors were wonderful, the messages were deep and meaningful. Kudos everyone!
Scottie –
This is a very intense, emotionally powerful show. A great mix of past and present memories/experiences. The cast brings a lot of emotions to life that hit you in unexpected ways. Definitely worth seeing to expand your horizons. The play also has several funny moments, despite its serious subject matter. Sticks & Stones will leave you thinking about your actions and the impact they have on those around you.
E’Lynne Long (verified owner) –
We saw the show last night and I was floored! It’s a little heavy but definitely work the watch especially if you’re someone battling with identity issues, PTSD or issues from your childhood. I really enjoyed the message and the cast was amazing.
Tianna Burnett –
WONDERFUL play!! Very impactful and very inspiring. I love the way the play was really relatable I felt like the cast was directly speaking to me or that I was in Gemmas’ shoes. I really have to tip my hat to the cast as they did a wonderful job playing their parts I can’t wait to join another one.
Matthew Reynolds –
This show is a must see! The story is well written and has something relatable for everyone. Moreover, the actors do an excellent job bringing the story to life and holds your attention from beginning to end. The show will leave you floored!
Will Carter –
This was one of the most deeply moving shows I’ve seen in a long time. The story is raw and emotional and told in a way that grabs you and pulls you into the intense moments the main character is facing both in reality and in her head. The cast is absolutely phenomenal and should be commended for pushing their performances to the limit. Anyone who has ever experienced anything like this will get it. The show literally ripped my heart out. This is a MUST SEE at this year’s KC Fringe!
Victoria Troop (verified owner) –
Sticks and stones “hit” close to home on so many levels. It kept me on the edge of my seat. Had me scared at times and in tears other times. The emotion was incredible.
Cheri Brisendine –
This is such an emotionally vulnerable show, I would highly recommend it to anyone I know. It can be a little triggering for domestic violence, but other than that, I would say this show is a must see
Taylor J –
Amazing cast and delivery of such a impactful story. I recommend you see this show. It is very well done!!
Michael Pole –
This show is powerful. The amount of times the language and the actions pierced into my heart was cathartically astounding. The cast creates a wonderful ensemble performance with the two leads taking the story to heart. Wonderful use of symbolism throughout the show which is acquiesced brilliantly by the end. The back and forth nature of memory vignettes allows the author to capture what feels like a lifetime in twenty minutes and makes the performance feel full to the brim. I highly recommend you make time to see this masterpiece and incredibly raw and emotional work of art.
Jessica Whitfield –
An emotionally intense show. The play is well written and the actors did a great job bringing the story to life. One of the best that I’ve seen at Fringe this year
Deandra Carter (verified owner) –
This show was phenomenal.
Meredith Lindsey –
Painstakingly crafted, uncomfortably real and tragically relatable. Acted beautifully and superbly directed.
I sat in the back in the dark and cried.
Ron Worley –
Wow. I want to thank all those involved in this production for creating such a powerful, thoughtful and beautiful work of art.
Storm Davis (verified owner) –
Why is there not a possibility to rate this 6-stars?! Best of Fringe, hands down. The acting was full of a depth I haven’t seen on stage in a long time. The writing was well-paced and developed an emotional attachment to the characters in such a short period of time. The production value was incredible, especially considering these spaces are shared my multiple acts in a day. I feel like I witnessed something truly special today… This is why Fringe exists.
Brenda Bandy –
Amazing. Simply amazing. Innovative, thoughtful, and intense. In the best way possible.
Cassie Martin –
Intense and amazing show! Felt like a real life glimpse into the character’s past. I caught the last performance on 7/26 and I’m so glad I didn’t miss this one.
Stephen Matina (verified owner) –
Loved this show I felt like I was on stage with them experiencing it all. I wish I could have watched this more than once. When it was over I was happy my eyes weren’t the only ones red. Love love love this show!