Press Express

WORK IN PROGRESS

Series Executive Produced By Abby McEnany, Tim Mason And Lilly Wachowski

Created and written by Chicago improv-mainstays Abby McEnany and Tim Mason, and co-written by Lilly Wachowski (The Matrix, Sense8), WORK IN PROGRESS is a funny and uniquely human comedy. Written and shot in Chicago, the eight-episode, half-hour comedy series features McEnany as a fictionalized version of herself, a 45 year-old self-identified fat, queer dyke whose misfortune and despair unexpectedly lead her to a vibrantly transformative relationship. In addition to McEnany, the series stars Chicago based performer Karin Anglin alongside Celeste Pechous, with Julia Sweeney (Saturday Night Live) appearing in a crucial role as herself and Theo Germaine (The Politician) appearing as special guest star.

A finely-crafted cocktail of depression, OCD, queerness and anxiety, Abby’s life is in a quiet and perpetual crisis, despite her ability to charm those around her with her self-deprecating and endearing personality. When her confident, suburban sister Alison (Anglin) determinedly sets her up with Chris (Germaine), a younger, sexually explorative trans man, things start to radically shift in Abby’s mind in terms of her self-identity and self-worth, allowing her to rethink her choices and even confront the woman who “ruined her life,” Julia Sweeney. With the help of her acerbic best friend Campbell (Pechous), Abby attempts to navigate her way through modern-day dating, therapy mishaps, rude co-workers and more.

WORK IN PROGRESS is executive produced by McEnany, Mason and Wachowski, who also serve as co-showrunners. Lawrence Mattis, Ashley Berns and Josh Adler of Circle of Confusion also serve as executive producers, along with Sweeney and Tony Hernandez of JAX Media (Desus & Mero). Mason also serves as director this season, with Jacqueline “JJ” Ingram serving as producer.

Episode Synopses

101: Almonds

Abby begins an existential life evaluation vowing mortal consequences after 180 days. Her therapist checks out mid-session and a first date turns into a confrontation with the woman responsible for ‘ruining her life’: SNL’s Julia Sweeney.

 

102: 176, 172, 171

Abby feels out of place when Chris takes her to a hip, sex-positive, ‘queer wonderland’ for their second date and has a free therapy session at her therapist’s funeral.

 

103: 162

Abby and Chris plan to have sex for the first time at the end of a Bacchanalian day of three meals, four Lyft rides and an STD reveal.

 

104: 161, 153, 137, 122, 106, 104, 102 (We're Still Counting Almonds.)

Abby navigates public restrooms as a gender non-conforming queer dyke with OCD and pinballs against a cross-section of humanity and perspectives at a Dolly Parton concert.

 

105: “66, 65, 64, 62”

Synopsis:  At a barbecue, a cold interaction with Campbell leaves Chris wondering whether Campbell likes him. Abby and Chris are at Alison’s house for the “wedding of the century” conference call when Abby gets a call from Campbell in the emergency room. Later on, Campbell wakes up surrounded by Chris, Abby and Mike and, in a med-induced haze, speaks a little too candidly.

 

106: “15, 14 (pt. 1)”

Synopsis: Abby navigates Alison’s first born Type-A-ness as they set up for their father Edward’s wedding in Galena. During the reception, Abby and her father have a heart-to-heart on the balcony. Later in the evening, Abby sneaks back to her hotel room in search of a Xanax and accidentally violates Chris’ one request – plummeting her into an emotional spiral.

 

107 “14 (pt. 2), 12, 11, 10”

Synopsis: Abby returns from the wedding weekend in crisis. Julia Sweeney gives Abby some relationship advice and invites her to her upcoming live taping of This American Life. After seeking further guidance from Campbell, Abby decides to confront Chris at an art event.

 

108 “3, 2, 1”

Synopsis: The final almonds. Abby opens up to Alison about her current mental state. Abby meets up with her ex-girlfriend Melanie hoping for some resolution. Abby realizes Julia Sweeney’s This American Life show isn’t what she expected. Around the corner from the theater, Abby spots a surprise.   

 

 

Series Regulars:

Abby                                                   Abby McEnany

Alison                                                 Karin Anglin

Campbell                                           Celeste Pechous

and

Julia                                                   Julia Sweeney

 

Special Guest Star:

Chris                                                  Theo Germaine

 

Production

 

Executive Producers                       Abby McEnany

                                                            Tim Mason

                                                            Lilly Wachowski

Lawrence Mattis

Josh Adler

Ashley Berns

Tony Hernandez

Julia Sweeney

 

Producers                                          Jacqueline “JJ” Ingram

                                                            John Skidmore

 

Director                                              Tim Mason

 

Director Of Photography                Michael Ognisanti

 

Casting Directors                             Jennifer Rudnicke, CSA

Mickie Paskal, CSA

AJ Links, CSA

 

Production Designer                       Merje Veski

 

Costume Designer                          Jennifer Salim

 

Editors                                                Joseph Jett Sally

                                                            Mike Berg