Coming Up Next in Our Script in Hand Series: The Next Best Thing
Jo is outspoken, inappropriate, and – at 80 – a hoot and a half. Her one goal? To make sure her impressionable 9-year-old granddaughter inherits her ferocity, strength and courage. So when her AI programmer son John offers to scan her and download a copy of her personality into a lookalike AI android, Jo agrees – eager for at least an echo of her irreverent perspective to stay behind to inspire her granddaughter. But when it’s time to scan her personality, John secretly flips a switch – and instead of giving the robot an identical copy of his mother’s difficult personality, he filters it – and creates the kinder, gentler, sanitized mom he has always longed for. This “optimized” robot accidentally activates while Jo is still alive, and, to Jo’s horror, charms her family and her granddaughter into preferring her! Thus begins a Battle of the Aged – er, Ages – in which Jo uses every formidable trick in her bag to oust the synthetic usurper and save her granddaughter from a childhood free of the character-shaping conflict Jo believes she’ll need to face the world that awaits her. Ultimately, this comedy asks the question not even ChatGPT can answer: should we embrace what’s difficult about the people we love – or remember only the Next Best Thing?
Artwork by: Steve Pacek
“It’s a time to celebrate new work at the Playhouse! As we launch a season filled with new work on our mainstage, our Script in Hand series continues to celebrate new plays with Matt Hoverman’s ‘The Next Best Thing.’ This wild and wonderfully funny ride introduces us to a family any of us might recognize, while mixing outrageous comedy with smart observations about technology, family dynamics, and the very nature of what it means to be human. Matt has a soaring imagination and a singular wit, and I couldn’t be happier to welcome this Connecticut native to the Playhouse to share his terrific new comedy with our audience."
Mark Shanahan, WCP Artistic DirectorABOUT SCRIPT IN HAND PLAYREADINGS
Every Script in Hand playreading is a brand new experience.
At a Script in Hand playreading, there’s nothing between you and the actors on stage. These readings bring actors who’ve just met — or who’ve known each other for years — together for one day to rehearse and perform a play on a bare stage, with simple lighting — and you. The audience is in charge of conjuring the set, costumes, and atmosphere — or nothing at all. Actors, audience, and the director come together to create a special, one-night-only experience.
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MEET THE CURATOR
THANK YOU
The 2026 Script in Hand Playreading Series is supported by Joyce Hergenhan and the White Barn program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation.
2026 Programming & Season Sponsorship is generously provided by Barbara Streicker.
Media Sponsorship for the 2026 season is generously provided by Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio.
All titles, dates, and artists are subject to change.
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Series curated by Mark Shanahan
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