Live Ink Theatre presents a staged reading of 'Bad Books'

Live Ink Theatre will present a lively staged reading of "Bad Books" by award-winning playwright Sharyn Rothstein on Sunday, August 23, 2026, at 3 p.m. at Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture. Directed by Martha McDowell and featuring Cynthia Riegler and Sinda Nichols, "Bad Books" is an entertaining and thought-provoking play about libraries, parents, children, and the power of the written word.

The story begins when a concerned mother visits her local library expecting a reasonable and polite discussion about which books are appropriate for her teenage son. Her confrontation with the town librarian — a woman equally devoted to her work and her community — sets off an unexpected chain of consequences.

“I fell in love with Sharyn Rothstein’s play 'By the Water' many years ago, and audiences here loved our staged reading of it,” Live Ink founder and artistic director Sinda Nichols said. “When I learned about 'Bad Books,' I was thrilled to begin bringing it to Live Ink Theatre audiences. The play speaks directly to my love of libraries, books, and the power of words to build bridges.”

McDowell, a familiar actor on local stages, will make her Live Ink Theatre directorial debut. Riegler, who has appeared on stages throughout Amelia Island and Jacksonville, returns to Live Ink Theatre after performances in "The Roommate," "I Got Sick, and Then I Got Better," and numerous storytelling events.

Nichols may be familiar to local and regional audiences through her one-woman shows "The Belle of Amherst" and "The Lady With All the Answers," as well as her appearance in the film "The Artifice Girl."

Nichols founded Live Ink Theatre in 2015 to present thought-provoking plays that invite audiences to use their imaginations and engage in meaningful conversation. The company has produced more than 20 staged readings and storytelling events. Its most recent production, "Walter Cronkite Is Dead," was presented as part of the Let’s Listen series at Story & Song.

Bad Books
Sunday, August 23 – 3 p.m.
Story & Song Center for Arts & Culture
1420 Park Avenue

Tickets are available online at Story & Song and may also be purchased by calling 904-601-2118