BroadwayRadio Podcast Summary: Class Notes with Abby Rosebrock on “Lowcountry”
Episode Title: Class Notes: Abby Rosebrock “Lowcountry”
Release Date: July 4, 2025
Host: Lauren Klaus Schneider
Podcast: BroadwayRadio
Introduction
In this episode of BroadwayRadio, host Lauren Klaus Schneider engages in an insightful conversation with playwright Abby Rosebrock, the creative mind behind the premiere play “Lowcountry” at the Atlantic Theatre Company. The discussion delves into the inspiration, creation process, and thematic depths of Rosebrock’s latest work, offering listeners a comprehensive look into contemporary Broadway playwriting.
Exploring “Lowcountry”
Lauren begins by introducing “Lowcountry”, describing it as a dark, twisted romantic comedy that navigates the complexities of love in the digital age within the backdrop of South Carolina’s Low Country. She highlights the play’s unique blend of humor and psychological depth, setting the stage for a deeper exploration.
Lauren Klaus Schneider [00:36]:
“…Lowcountry is described as a dark, twisted rom com about the psychic distress of looking for love in the digital and the Carsonal state.”
Character Development and Inspirations
Abby Rosebrock discusses her approach to character creation, emphasizing the blend of personal experiences and observational insights from her South Carolina upbringing. She clarifies that while the characters are influenced by real people she knows, they are not direct representations.
Abby Rosebrock [01:20]:
“The voices are definitely voices shaped by people I knew and grew up with and by my own way of speaking. So I can’t say there’s a one to one correspondence between each character and a real person.”
She highlights that the primary medium for developing characters in her plays is their dialogue, ensuring authenticity and relatability.
Critical Acclaim
Lauren shares a glowing review from Theatermania, praising “Lowcountry” as a masterpiece, which underscores the play’s impact even before its official premiere.
Lauren Klaus Schneider [01:53]:
“Low country is a masterpiece. Abby Rosebruck's exhilarating new drama makes its astonishing world premiere at the Atlantic Theater Company.”
Abby Rosebrock [02:12]:
“God bless whoever said that.”
The Commission Process with Atlantic Theatre Company
Rosebrock explains how the Atlantic Theatre Company discovered her work and extended a launch commission, leading to the development of “Lowcountry”. She reflects on the support and opportunities provided by the company, especially during the challenging pandemic period.
Abby Rosebrock [02:25]:
“The Atlantic saw some early work of mine several years ago and they have early career commissions called launch commissions... I had a wonderful experience.”
Collaboration with Director Joe Bonney
The conversation shifts to Rosebrock’s collaboration with director Joe Bonney, whom she admires for her previous work, notably on Martina Mayok's “Cost of Living.” Rosebrock expresses her gratitude and excitement in working with Bonney, citing her perfect sensibility for the play.
Abby Rosebrock [03:42]:
“I can't imagine a director with a more perfect understanding of all the things the play requires to live beautifully on stage.”
Casting Process and Stellar Performances
Rosebrock elaborates on the casting process, highlighting the involvement of acclaimed actors Jodi Balfour (“Ted Lasso”) and Babak Tafti (“Succession”). She speaks highly of Keith Kupfer, a Chicago-based actor, praising his exceptional performance and contribution to the character development.
Abby Rosebrock [04:39]:
“Keith Kupfer... is just one of the greatest performers I've ever worked with. He's just a real genius who crafted the third character in the play to perfection.”
She emphasizes the synergy between the cast and the play, noting that the collaboration felt effortless and natural.
Memorable Rehearsal Moments
A standout moment from the rehearsal process involves Keith Kupfer’s influence on his character, Paul. Rosebrock shares how Kupfer encouraged her to delve deeper into the darker aspects of Paul's psychology, enhancing the character's complexity beyond the initial one-dimensional portrayal.
Abby Rosebrock [06:05]:
“Keith... encouraged us... to explore the darker aspects of his psychology in a way that I think I would have been too shy to do had I not been encouraged by the actor inhabiting the role.”
Playwriting Influences as an Actor
When asked about how her acting background influences her playwriting, Rosebrock emphasizes the importance of authentic dialogue and creating characters she would personally want to portray. She prioritizes realistic human speech, ensuring that her characters resonate with audiences on a genuine level.
Abby Rosebrock [07:14]:
“I only write characters that I'd want to play... I definitely prioritize realness and dialogue as kind of a governing value for the writing process.”
Literary Influences and Stylistic Comparisons
Rosebrock acknowledges the influence of playwright Martin McDonagh, noting his ability to reflect psychological shadows and intense emotional experiences. She compares his work to her own, highlighting a shared interest in exploring internal human conflicts and their social ramifications.
Abby Rosebrock [08:08]:
“I share with him an interest in the kind of violence that we all experience inside of ourselves when we grapple with emotions like that.”
Themes of Addiction and Recovery
Addressing the recurring themes of addiction in her work, Rosebrock explains that her exploration is both personal and societal. She discusses how consumerism fosters dependency on external validations and how technological addictions, like those to smartphones, are becoming increasingly prevalent, especially among younger generations.
Abby Rosebrock [09:45]:
“I think that consumerism and consumer capitalism make addicts of all of us... as our world gets more and more volatile, I think that problem stands to increase exponentially.”
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Lauren expressing gratitude to Rosebrock for sharing her experiences and insights. Rosebrock reciprocates the appreciation, highlighting the rewarding nature of the collaboration.
Abby Rosebrock [10:41]:
“Thank you so much. It was such a pleasure to speak with you.”
Lauren Klaus Schneider [10:44]:
“I'm Lauren Klass Schneider with Abby Rosebrock, the playwright of Low country at the Atlantic Theatre Company. Thank you.”
Key Takeaways:
- “Lowcountry” is a dark romantic comedy exploring love and psychological distress in the digital age.
- Abby Rosebrock draws from personal experiences and observations to create authentic characters.
- The Atlantic Theatre Company’s launch commission played a pivotal role in the development of the play.
- Collaboration with director Joe Bonney and actors like Jodi Balfour, Babak Tafti, and Keith Kupfer was instrumental in bringing “Lowcountry” to life.
- Themes of addiction, consumerism, and authentic human interaction are central to Rosebrock’s work.
- Influences from playwrights like Martin McDonagh shape Rosebrock’s storytelling approach.
This episode offers a deep dive into the creative process behind a modern Broadway play, highlighting the intricate interplay between playwright, director, and actors in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with contemporary audiences.