Orson & Jamie

OMG / JK Productions

A Show By: Owen McGowan & Jesse Kahat

Jaime and Orson work together at a mundane retail job. Orson is a young, gay man in his early 20's and Jaime is a seemingly run of the mill, middle aged white woman in her mid 40's. Despite having worked together for a while, they have never meaningfully interacted with each other.  It appears they don't have much in common but when they find out they are both vegetarians, it is enough to start a connection that goes well beyond the breakroom. Jaime makes it her mission to teach Orson how to cook and in the process, she discovers harsh truths about Orson's homelife and digs into her own identity and parenting struggles. They form an unexpected bond that will be the foundation for learning and friendship that bridges a generational gap. The show explores: chosen family, living authentically and out loud, and that there is more that connects us as humans than we may think.

Genesis of the Show:

This story is inspired by a real working relationship between Owen and myself and is rooted in our real life experiences. We are both vegetarians and I took an interest in wanting to teach Owen some of my culinary skills when he told me he wasn't much of a cook. During the 3 years we worked together, we found out things about each other that prove the old saying you can't judge a book by its cover. We have had the idea for the show for at least a year or two but never got around to writing it. Through the writing process we have started cooking together and will hopefully be something we continue doing. I really admire Owen for a great many reasons but his strength in living authentically is at the top of the list and makes me want to do the same in my own life. 

About the Artists

Owen McGowan

Owen McGowan (he/him) is an Ottawa actor, stand up comedian, and singer thrilled to be making his Fresh Meat debut. He’s acted in community and student theatre since childhood. His most recent roles, with Sock ‘n’ Buskin Theatre Company: Claudius in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern […] (2026); James Vane in The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Glenn in Rumors (2025). He participated in the Youth Infringement Festival in 2023-24. Owen is a three-time semifinalist in the Yuk Yuk’s Mike MacDonald Summer Comedy Competition and has told jokes all around Ottawa and environs. During sunnier months, he’s sailed with Pirate Life Theatre since 2022.

Jesse Kahat

Jesse Kahat (she/her) is an actor, director, choreographer, dance and music teacher. She has a BA in Theatre Directing from the University of Northern Colorado and an MA in Business Communications. Jesse is a regular cast member with Murder Mystery Ottawa, and is the creator and facilitator of the Toddler Tuesday program at the National Arts Centre since 2017. Jesse's most recent roles are: Baruska in ONCE with Elevator Theatre Company (2026), Demona in Lost Baggage Musical Theatre's One Small Misstep (2026) she also directed Rainbow Conceptions at Ottawa Fringe (2026). You can find Jesse directing and performing in shows, teaching performing arts classes, and tour guiding around the city of Ottawa.Instagram: TBC

Premiering October 28-31, 2026.