Back in February of 2021, I was dating this guy and we had this thing where whenever we were being affectionate, we would say that we were being mushy. I was a part of a campus organization called Theatre After Dark and for Valentine's Day, they held a cabaret titled “Love Songs and Soliloquies.” I decided to write a monologue, just for shits and giggles.
So I took that ooey-gooey mushy feeling and created Sophie’s monologue, the same one you see in this show (plus a few edits). Since then, the show has grown exponentially. What started as a 2 minute monologue became a 10 minute play then a full-length 60 minute show.
Alongside this piece, I have also changed. I’m no longer dating that guy. I came out as non-binary. And I’m learning to not follow the limits of what other people set for me, both in theatre and in real life.
Mushy is a very personal show for me in multiple ways. Not only does it reflect how I’ve grown over my college career, but a little piece of me is sprinkled in every single character (and yes that includes Chuck). This play is also a love letter to many people in my life. There are references to inside jokes I have with my mom. There are moments that remind me of my close friends. Mushy truly is a snapshot of who I am at this moment in my life.
I hope that everyone who watches this show has a character that they relate to. I hope there are moments that make you laugh. I hope that there are moments that make you cry. And finally, I hope this isn’t too mushy.
Love, KG
