in a word

By Lauren Yee
Directed by Jocelyn A. Brown

Awards and Recognition

  • WINNER! Will Glickman Playwright Award
  • WINNER! NETC John Gassner Playwriting Competition
  • So Cal Premiere

Reviewer Quotes

“ heart-pounding ”

Orange County Register

“ taut, emotionally complex direction ”

OC Weekly

“ imaginative, honest and insightful ”

Orange Curtain Review

Surreal, funny, and potent, in a word explores the complexity of language and how it can impact the ways we see and feel about the world around us. Today is the two-year anniversary of Fiona’s son’s disappearance, and she still can’t come to terms with reality. The case is cold as ice, and the once hopeful Fiona now grapples with sadness, grief, and — worst of all — bad puns. Her blase husband has moved on, the inept detective has given up, and the neighborhood kidnapper keeps introducing himself at the supermarket. In this emotional and comedic look at how tragedy can distort our speech and reality, ordinary words and turns of phrase take on new meanings as Fiona relives one fateful day.

Recommendation: Ages 13 and above. Contains adult language.


SEASON PRODUCERS Bette & Wylie Aitken

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Rachelle Menaker & Eddie Schuller

ASSOCIATE PRODUCER Steve Brown

  • Save $10 by attending Previews (Sep 8-15).
  • Save $5 by attending Weekdays (Sep 20-Oct 6). Limited availability.
  • Seniors, Students and Military save $4 per ticket.
  • 2-for-1 Tix on Wed, Sep 20 at 7:30pm... Use online code "LY757". Limited availability.
  • $15 Rush Tix available 1 hour prior to the performance. Cash only. Subject to availability.
  • 40% off for Groups of 10 or more.

Articles & Reviews

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Audience Buzz

    1. I saw “King of Yees” at the Kirk Douglass Theater, which motivated me to see this play, “In A Word”. Definitely an author to follow.

      — Anonymous
    2. Outstanding! One of best I’ve see in years and I attend SCR regularly. Performers, director, set design all extremely satisfying and thought provoking.

      — Kameel R.
    3. amazing production — beyond amazing acting

      — Anonymous
    4. McHale was absolutely phenomenal. All of the actors were AMAZING!

      — Anonymous
    5. I was deeply impressed with the quality of the writing, the depth of emotion portrayed by the actors, the versatility of the actor who played so many roles, the intimacy of the theater, the intelligence of the writing.

      — Anonymous
    6. Really enjoy the Chance theater–innovative, creative and emotionally moving!

      — Anonymous
    7. I was so impressed with the acting and the story. I feel it a must see theater production! It is an exceptional play and I hope I will have a chance to see it again.

      — Victoria
    8. All performers were great. James in particular impressive with the way he nailed so many diverse characters so well. He can throw a great tantrum.

      — Lisa K.
    9. I saw in a word this evening and it was excellent. The actors do a fantastic job. I couldn’t keep my eyes of the play. I also couldn’t help but shed some tears! It is a very emotional play. The acting is second to none! I would consider this to be a must see play!

      — Victoria A.
    10. I was absolutely enthralled by the play. The mother pulled me in.

      — Marie P.
    11. Because of this experience, we are signing up for you 2018 season tickets.

      — Jefferson E.
    12. WOW! Mind blowing reaction to Fiona’s anguish/fear/remorse; actors were all truly incredible

      — Anonymous
    13. We enjoyed the “poetry” of the dialogue–very creative and thought-provoking

      — Robin F.
    14. I thought the structure of the play was unique, the setting is intimate, and the acting was fantastic!

      — Doug R.

Venue Bette Aitken theater arts Center

Bette Aitken theater arts Center
5522 E. La Palma Ave.
Anaheim, CA  92807
More Information Get Directions
Venue Amenities
  • Full-Service Bar
  • Free Parking
  • Conveniently Located

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At a Glance

Approximate Running Time:
1 hour, 15 minutes with no intermissions
Special Notes:
  • @ Bette Aitken theatre arts Center
  • On the Fyda-Mar Stage
  • Post-show discussions after each performance (except Opening)
  • Join us for Opening Night by becoming a Gold Member
  • "Salon" on Sun, Sep 17 at 2pm... Arrive early for a hosted discussion with the artists.
  • "Chance Encounter" on Sat, Sep 23, following performance... Chance staff joins the talkback to provide background about the Chance
  • "Wine Wednesday" on Wed, Sep 20 at 6:30pm... Sign up to mingle with other Chance lovers and enjoy a complimentary wine tasting
  • "Beer Bash Friday" on Fri, Sep 22 at 7:00pm... Sign up to mingle with other Chance lovers and enjoy a complimentary beer tasting