GASBAG: The Lovable Loudmouth Making Noise at Dances With Films

“He’s a beautiful mess, and I love getting to live in that.” — Chad Kessler

Meet George Nordstrom: a recently out, irrepressibly chatty, 42-year-old late bloomer stumbling into self-acceptance in Queens. GASBAG, the whip-smart comedy brainchild of playwright Lynn Rosen and actor Chad Kessler, premieres its Season 2 pilot at Dances With Films LA on June 28 at the TCL Chinese Theatre. Originally a webseries born of lockdown, GASBAG now blends the emotional heart of Ted Lasso with the offbeat ensemble of Abbott Elementary—only this time, it’s Queens, not Kansas.

A Pandemic, a Monologue, and a Muse

“I met Chad at a theatre event in NYC years ago and we immediately hit it off because we have the same playful energy and humor—and because Chad is wonderfully, adorably CHATTY.” — Lynn Rosen

Writer Lynn Rosen had long wanted to explore a character who couldn’t stop talking. When she met Chad Kessler, she found her George. As Rosen put it: “The fact that they cannot allow a pause to exist in a conversation intrigues me. What dark thoughts would flood in if they weren’t constantly talking?”

Kessler, for his part, saw something new in George: “Most of the comedy I’ve done recently doesn’t let you dive this deep into a character’s tumultuous inner life, but George is different.” He continued, “He doesn’t think he’s funny—but that’s why he’s so funny.”

Community Roots and Theater Blood

“Almost everyone involved with GASBAG had already worked with me on a play and knows the rhythms of my work.” — Lynn Rosen

The pilot’s cast is a who’s-who of NYC theater—Drama Desk winners Mia Katigbak and Mary Bacon, Lortel-nominated Danielle Skraastad—plus TV scene-stealers Jackie Tohn (Nobody Wants This, GLOW) and Deirdre Lovejoy (The Wire, The Blacklist). Chad’s real-life friendship with Jackie spans 20 years: “Like Chad, Jackie makes for a natural and hilarious overtalker,” said Rosen.

Comedy with Depth

“Plot is always driven by character.” — Lynn Rosen

Rosen is no stranger to character-driven narratives, having sold two pilots to major studios. “I write to untangle intriguing mysteries in the world around me,” she says. “Some of my work leans more dramatic, but humor is always present. I don’t know how humorless people get through life.”

GASBAG manages to balance outrageous comedy with tender truths. “Since I write character-driven work, there’s always going to be gravity and groundedness… and the irreverent humor is just, well, me.” Rosen says with a wink: “Really all of it is me, who am I kidding?”

What’s Next for George?

“He may make his first visit to a ‘clothing optional’ gay campground. I predict he will not be comfortable with this, as much as he’d like to be.” — Lynn Rosen

Season 3 promises evil twins, romantic stumbles, and maybe even witness protection. George’s job hangs by a thread thanks to workplace chaos at Marcia Powell Travel. “Next season will introduce Marcia’s evil twin, Melis, played by the same actress,” Rosen teases. “She will be a problem boss for George.”

But George’s biggest journey is inward. “We’d also learn more about what’s behind his overtalking,” Rosen notes. Kessler adds, “George’s efforts to evolve is something everyone can relate to.”

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The Story Behind the Pilot

How was the pilot funded? A freak accident. “We had money to shoot this pilot because Chad had a fight with a malfunctioning elevator and lost,” Rosen admits. “Fingers crossed (fingers almost lost in Chad’s case) that screening GASBAG at DWF… will lead to more funding opportunities.”

GASBAG West Coast Premiere at Dances With Films LA 📍 TCL Chinese Theatre, June 28, 3:30 PM 🎟 Tickets Here

🎬 Created/Written by Lynn Rosen 🎭 Starring Chad Kessler, Jackie Tohn, Deirdre Lovejoy, Mia Katigbak 🎥 Directed by Christopher Gerson & Julie Kramer

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