NEXT EXIT
Written by j.chavez
Directed by Max Koh
February 6 – February 21, 2026
Preview: February 5th
Trapped on the side of the highway on the record setting hottest day, Miguel passes the time with Orlando, a dead possum. Together they question anything and everything that crosses their minds, all the while a sinister being lurks in the forest waiting to claim a lost soul left to die by the cars that pass along I-5. Do the deer really lead you home? Who is the Lady In Yellow? And how far can they make it in Slide?
Tickets Now Available
Performances
Thursday, February 5 at 7:30 p.m. (Preview)
Friday, February 6 at 7:30 p.m. (Opening)
Saturday, February 7 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. (Matinee)
Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 13 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 14 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, February 15 at 2:00 p.m. (Matinee)
Monday, February 16 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, February 19 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, February 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Saturday, February 21 at 7:30 p.m. (Closing)
Playwright
j.chavez
j.chavez (any/all) is a Seattle based undiscovered icon. They work at the Seattle Aquarium as a Marine Science Puppeteer, teaching kids and patrons empathy for marine creatures through the art of puppetry.
They were crowned the unofficial title of Lil’ Miss Kennedy Center and Miss Kennedy Center Continental for their play “how to clean your room (and remember all your trauma)” which was awarded The KCACTF National Undergraduate Playwriting Award 2020 and the David Mark Cohen National Award in 2021.
"An icon, a legend, and she is the moment"
Director
Max Koh
Max (they/them) is a Seattle-based playwright, director, and sound designer. Max was a long forgotten chestnut trapped in a chimney before being discovered and poorly digested by a small bird. The symbiotic relationship between the bird and the chestnut trapped in the bird's stomach flourished into a full-fledged human.
"An old pear tree who is friend to all woodland creatures"
The Cast
Kevin Masayuki Tanner
as Miguel, the Broken Down Car Guy
Kevin Tanner (he/him) is an ensemble member with Dacha Theatre and has performed with Washington Ensemble Theatre, Seattle Public Theatre, Taproot Theatre, UW Drama, Reboot Theatre, and more.
Kendra (she/her) is a Seattle-based Actor and Writer who is excited to do her second production with Annex. Notable roles include Amber in Dirty (Annex Theatre) and Artemis in Pomegranate Tree (Dacha). Kendra would like to thank her family and friends for their unwavering support. luuwii u iluwechis!
as Orlando the Dead Possum
Kendra Tamär Budd
Karissa Chen
as Scarlet the Stag
Karissa Chin (she/her) is a Seattle-local actor making her debut with Annex Theatre. Since moving to Washington, she's worked with Pork Filled Productions, Copious Love Productions, Artemis Theatre Project, and administratively with Taproot Theatre Company. Previous theatre productions include The Thanksgiving Play (Alicia), Rumors (Chris Gorman), Avenue Q (Christmas Eve), and Athena (Athena).
William Eames
as Cody the Truck Mechanic
William Eames (he/him) is thrilled to be making his Annex debut with Next Exit. Past shows include Happy Christmas Jeeves!, The Book of Will, and Georgianna & Kitty: Christmas at Pemberley. He’d like to thank the cast & crew, his friends & family, and everyone at Annex Theatre for their support!
Kenzie Wells
as Aurora the Baker / The Lady In Yellow
Kenzie (they/she) is a Seattle based actor and deviser, and they are so excited to be in their first show with Annex, as well as making her debut as a choreographer! Past credits include Magpie Artist Ensemble's Arthuriana Fest; various productions with Dacha Theatre such as Scandalton LIVE!, The Pomegranate Tree, and The Veil; and most recently Latitude Theatre's A Klingon Christmas Carol. For even more shenanigans outside of live theatre, you can find them on the up and coming actual play D&D podcast Railroad Community Casters Club!
Steph Couturier
as G. Jan the Tow Truck Man / Rita the Burly Lesbian from Boston
Steph (they/she) is a Seattle based theatre artist and administrator. This is their first Annex show! They are a proud Dacha Theatre company member, and they have been seen onstage recently with Rainy Day Artistic Collective and Reboot Theatre Company. Thank you for coming!
Production Team
Max Koh
Director / Sound Designerj.chavez
Playwright / Set DesignerSophie (they/them) is a Seattle-based stage manager and multidisciplinary artist excited to be back at Annex! Their most recent credits include stage manager for Hells Canyon with Washington Ensemble Theatre, and stage management apprentice for Seattle Rep's 2024/2025 season. They received their BA in theatre from WWU. Shoutout to invertebrates.
Stage ManagerSophie Tuell
Lighting DesignerRichard Klem
Richard is a Seattle based theatre artist who lights up the stage either with literal lights or in the way he shines! Thank you to all my friends who love and support me. And thank you Josh Naylor for signing a five year contract with the mariners!
Benny (he/him) graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in Theatre in 2020. Since then, he has continued to work in the performing arts with the Seattle Men's Chorus and Seattle Women's Chorus, overseeing their office and marketing, and by helping out friends in the Seattle theatre scene.
Costume DesignerBenny Hough
Lena Pulve is so excited to be a part of this team. She has designed props for Western Washington University’s Music and Theatre Departments and Village Theatre KIDSTAGE. She is also the one woman show behind the local craft business Hobbit Hole Handmade. Much love to Guy and Frodo.
Props DesignerLena Pulve
Kenzie Wells
Fight Choreographer / Cast