K, a quirky zookeeper with infectious enthusiasm and a penchant for storytelling, has just got to tell you about Wombats, lovely Wombats. And Red Pandas. And silent German movies. And Tortoise poop. And a sleeping Siamang Gibbon. And vertigo. And Moonrat vaginas. And sex education movies. And Wombats! Join K in his digressions and diversions as he exalts the remarkably unremarkable. Drawn from David S. Kessler’s almost forty years of experience at the National Zoo (and from his fevered imagination), Wombat Drool is the fictional and amusing rants of a man more comfortable with animals than people, a man who spent his life behind bars with a compulsion to share what he knows and feels about his fellow cagemates and the humans on the outside. K celebrates small mammals, the forsaken and forgotten of the animal world, the misfits, the weird, the smelly. Get small with K and discover that Small Matters.

Team Wombat has crafted an entertainment for those who love animals, for those who don’t love animals, and for those who fall somewhere in between. Join K and be stuck up a tree with a Red Panda, harassed in the Tortoise yard, pelted by the space Chimp, cuddled by the Siamang, and the Wombat? The Wombat Drool? You’ll just have to find out for yourself.

Wombat Drool is a work of fiction. Resemblance to any animals – human or otherwise – is pure coincidence. No animals were harmed in the making of this production.

Wombat Drool is supported in part by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council.

A version of Act II was originally presented at the 2015 Capital Fringe Festival.

PAST REVIEWS FOR WOMBAT DROOL

Washington City Paper: "Kessler delivers a vigorous and confident performance that, combined with compelling anecdotes, lulls the audience into a constant state of charm." 

DC Theatre Scene: "Wombat Drool may just be the quintessential Fringe show. It's personal, quirky, produced with nary but one actor, one slideshow, and a couple of stuffed animals." 5 Stars

The Washington Post: "Kessler's cheerily infectious wit and energy are well guided by director Jane Beard."

DC Metro Theater Arts: "Storytelling is definitely an art form only few master, and Kessler is certainly one of them."  5 Stars

The New York Times: Read all about Adelaide Waldrop's incredible Wombat Drool artwork.

Nu Sass has been supporting marginalized genders in the DC region since 2009.

Nu Sass Productions strives to encourage marginalized genders in all aspects of theater, especially in those roles traditionally dominated by cis-men. Nu Sass explores how disregarding prescribed genders can change the overall experience for the audience. Above all, Nu Sass aims to create engaging, thought-provoking art while being a responsible local and global citizen.

Nu Sass Productions was founded by Aubri O’Connor and Emily Todd in 2009.

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 laugh 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.