Drawn from David S. Kessler’s almost forty years’ experience as a small mammal
biologist at the National Zoo and his fevered imagination, Wombat Drool is the fictional
and amusing rants of a man more comfortable with animals than people. K. doesn’t hold
anything back as he weaves anecdotes from his personal life along with tales of birth,
death, and even tortoise sex. A version of Act II premiered at the 2015 Capital Fringe
Festival. The play quickly sold out, and its run was extended. DC Theatre Scene called
David S. Kessler “a joy to watch.”
Important Things to Note:
● Wombat Drool is a work of fiction. Resemblance to any animals – human or
otherwise – is pure coincidence.
● This play is for ages 14 and up due to explicit language and scenes not suitable
for young children.
● No animals were harmed in the making of this production.
Cast and Crew
Written and performed by David S. Kessler
Producer: Aubri O’Connor
Production Manager: Ileana Blustein
Directed by Lynn Sharp Spears
Light Design by Liv Jin
Sound & Projections by Neil McFadden
Set & Props by Aubri O’Connor
Marketing by Hannah Wing-Bonica
Art Credits:
Paintings and Sculpture by Patricia Powell Kessler
Wombat Drawing (on Graphics) by Adelaide Waldrop
About the Star & Playwright
David S. Kessler cannot believe his good fortune to be able to once again team with Nu
Sass Productions (thank you Aubri!) and everyone on Team Wombat. He has written
numerous sonnets, including one in 45 minutes for WNYC’s The Next Big Thing, songs
for the short-lived Fidel’s Marching Marimba Band, three unpublishable novels for
nobody in particular, and numerous scientific papers. He spent almost four decades at
the National Zoo, many of them as a small mammal biologist. Nu Sass/Uncle Funsy
Productions: Writer/Co-Producer: Gwen and Ida: The Object is of No Importance. Uncle
Funsy Productions: Writer/Performer/Producer: Wombat Drool, One Mutual Happiness, Numesthesia (all at Capital Fringe Festival). The Arcanists: Medium (writer/performer):
The Tarot Reading IV, The Tarot Reading V. Pointless Theatre: Performer: Forest Treás.
Love and gratitude to his wife, Patricia, and his son, Benjamin, for their support and encouragement.
About Nu Sass Productions
Nu Sass Productions strives to encourage marginalized genders in all aspects of
theater, especially in those roles traditionally dominated by cisgender men. Nu Sass
aims to create engaging, thought-provoking art while being a responsible local and
global citizen.
About Uncle Funsy Productions
Cicada-like, Uncle Funsy Productions emerged in 2015, shed its skin, and bored its way
into the sweet soft bark that is the Capital Fringe Festival with Wombat Drool, which was
surprisingly successful, playing to sold out crowds and warranting an extension. There
is no accounting for taste. Undeterred by success, Uncle Funsy Productions returned to
the Capital Fringe Festival in 2016 with One Mutual Happiness, a laughter and tear-filled
drama featuring David S. Kessler and Rich O’Meara, composer extraordinaire. Once
again, it was a great success. David, Rich and Kevin O’Meara presented Numesthesia,
a comedy with music about synesthesia and perception at the Capital Fringe Festival in
2017. Yet another unexpected success. One day we’ll run into discerning audiences.
In June of 2019, Uncle Funsy and Nu Sass Productions joined forces to present Gwen
and Ida: The Object is of No Importance, a drama about art, creativity, obsession, and
connection.
Another success. Gee whiz, when will this madness end?
Covid shutdowns slowed your old Uncle Funsy down, but, as further evidence that the
world is slowly spiraling down the drain, this spring Uncle Funsy and Nu Sass will
present an expanded, two act Wombat Drool. Perhaps this time we will finally succeed
at failure. Join us for a play that promises to amuse, entertain, and move. Or not.
Wombat Drool runs March 8-29 at the Dance Loft on 14th, 4618 14th St NW, Washington, DC 20011. Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. Tickets are $25 general admission, $15 for students, educators, and essential workers, and $10 for theater industry professionals. Pay-what-you-will options are also available. Use the promo code DATENIGHT at checkout for a date night special: 2 tickets, 2 drinks, and 2 snacks for $60. The show will also be livestreamed. Livestream tickets are $10 general admission and $5 students/industry. Find complete details and tickets online.
