From page to stage, Igna Ballard brings “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” title character to life

World premiere started in Capital Repertory Theatre’s Next Act! New Play Summit

ALBANY— Igna Ballard and the eponymous Rosie have been connected for some time. Having first brought the character of Rosie to life in a reading during Capital Repertory Theatre’s 2023 Next Act New Play Summit First 15 event, Ballard is thrilled to return to the role this spring for the world premiere.

Ballard, a successful actress born in Sacramento, debuted on the MainStage at theREP in “Sweat” last fall. John Spellos, the playwright for “Rosie” saw Ballard in the production, and was determined to have Ballard lead the full-staged production.

“Everybody can relate to this story. You have all these characters living under one roof and Rosie just wants her space– which a lot of people understand with adult children moving back home,” Ballard said.

The play follows Rosie, who seems to be living the proverb “when it rains, it pours.” Her brother-in-law is living in her small house, driving her up one wall and down the other, and her down-and-out adult son has moved in too. All this while Rosie secretly battles her own problems and emotions, just trying to make it through each day.

“This could be anybody’s family. Whether it’s the family you’re born into, or your chosen family,” Ballard said – relating to the struggles the characters face. “You want to be able to take care of them.”

Directed by Reginald Douglas, “Rosie” is a fast-paced and heartfelt comedy filled with sharp, witty banter. Be the first to see this endearing new play that will have you hooked in the first minutes! Ask the audience of its stage reading during the 2023 Next Act Summit. Honored to bring new productions to the world, theREP is happy to debut “Rosie Is Red And Everybody Is Blue” on the MainStage.

“Rosie” opens Tuesday, April 29 and runs until Sunday, May 18. Tickets are on sale now at the Box Office at Proctors in-person or via phone at (518) 346-6204 Tuesday-Saturday 12-6 p.m. or online by visiting attherep.org.

“Come laugh with us! There’s something here for everyone,” Ballard added.