About the Play:

Light Sensitive is a full-length dramatic comedy by Jim Geoghan. In this bittersweet comedy where love conquers all, two lost souls meet in New York's inhospitable Hell's Kitchen. Tom, a blind embittered ex-cabbie who has become reclusive, and Edna, an introverted woman who has also isolated herself from the rest of the world. Lou, Tom's only friend, enlists Edna to take care of Tom. An epic battle of wills and wits ensues that proves, once and for all, that beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder.

Light Sensitive is a tough and sassy comedy-drama about three unforgettable New Yorkers that takes place during the eight days between Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve. Thomas Hanratty, lifelong resident of the area known as Hell's Kitchen and once the most dangerous cab driver in New York, was blinded eight years ago in a drunken freak accident and is fading into a routine of self pity and alcohol. Lou, a bartender and Tom's best (and only) friend, who was partly responsible for the accident, has a new girlfriend, a classy lawyer, and is setting out with her for a fresh start in the wilds of Vermont, but he can't abandon Tom. He recruits Edna a kindly volunteer reader from the Lighthouse for the Blind, to keep Tom company. When Edna's own feistiness rubs up against Tom's pessimism, a bond begins to grow between them, which leads to a gentling of Tom's rough edges, an increase in Edna's self-esteem, and the budding of a tender new romance. By the second act, they are falling in love. His buddy returns with tales of his "Christmas from hell" in Vermont, and doubt arises as to who will hold the number one position in Tom's life. Light Sensitive is a funny and touching holiday romance where friendship and love persevere. Jim Geoghan used to read to the blind in New York, which was the genesis of Light Sensitive.

Light Sensitive premiered in 1992 at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California. The play was nominated for the coveted Jefferson Theater Award in Chicago, seven Drama-Logue Awards in Los Angeles, an Ovation Nomination and five Bay Area Critics Awards. It's an ideal, one-set, three character play that has proved popular holiday fare on regional and community theatre stages.

Cast: 1 female, 2 male

What people say:

"Geoghan brings his characters to life and the audience to its feet cheering." — Los Angeles Times

"Written by Jim Geoghan with a tender understanding of our insecurities and pride in the face of unexpected affection, this engaging work ... is nothing if not an accurate and thoroughly enjoyable representation of life." — Backstage

About the Playwright:

Jim Geoghan is an award-winning American playwright and prolific TV sitcom writer. He spent nine years performing stand-up comedy before he hung up his microphone forever and turned his attention to writing full-time for such popular series as Silver Spoons, Punky Brewster, Three's Company, The Facts of Life, Kate and Allie, Too Close For Comfort, and Family Matters, among others. He was also executive producer of The Disney Channel's The Suite Life on Deck and the original The Suite Life of Zack And Cody.