A Rare Find
“Tater” a Vietnam veteran whose PTSD has kept him from working a regular job, shows up to the daily self-imposed task of picking up litter in his neighborhood. Armed with a metal trash grabber and a walking stick made of recycled bamboo, he meets a distraught woman, Monica, he’s never seen before. As the unlikely friendship deepens, they discover that they share an experience of trauma that gives them both a unique view of the treasure that can be found within even the most devastating circumstances.
About the Playwright, Mary Donnet Johnson
Mary Donnet Johnson is a Tennessee playwright, who has been widely produced, frequently published, and recognized nationally with awards, commissions, and fellowships. She is delighted to have A Rare Find included in the 2025 SacTown Festival. As someone impacted by the Vietnam War in her youth, who now expects to care for a severely disabled child well into old age, Mary is no stranger to the isolation and grief that can be caused by trauma, and is strongly committed to offering encouragement to others through her plays as long as she has breath. Please visit www.marydonnetjohnson.com to learn more.
Meet the Director and Cast
Edward A. Nason (Director) has played a number of roles during his theatre career and some of his favorites are: the Lion in The Wiz, Dreyfus in Revenge of Pink Panther, and a recent show of shorts/monologues with pieces he wrote and directed. He was most recently seen on FreeFall’s stage in their August 2024 production of Help Me. This is his first time in the directors chair at FreeFall Stage.
Rick Grantham (“Tater” Thomas) grew up in Tucson AZ, and now lives and teaches high school in Roseville, CA. Rick has been pursuing his passion for drama in just the last few years appearing in local productions including: Theseus and Oberon (split cast) in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Bo Decker in Bus Stop, Alan Raliegh in God of Carnage, and Maurice in Beauty and the Beast with Stage Right Productions in Rocklin (nominated for Broadway-Sacramento best supporting performer in a musical). His previous acting and singing experience was in local church productions including A Christmas Carol and The Screwtape Letters. He was last seen on the Placer Community Theater stage in Auburn playing Richard Hanay in The 39 Steps.
Heidi Schuyler (Monica) is excited to take part in this year’s SacTown Play Festival and thrilled for her first time working with FreeFall Stage. Her recent credits include Grace Fryer in Radium Girls and Jacqueline de Severac in Murder on the Nile at the Ooley stage. Off the stage you might be able to catch Heidi supporting local artists and theaters as an audience member, pushing her limits with indoor climbing, or exploring new food spots. She hopes you enjoy this collection of shows as much as she enjoys bringing stories to life.