Hold That Thought While I Scream at The Hobgoblin Playhouse
This play was pitched to me as “a therapist trying to manage her inner thoughts,” which immediately caught my attention. I know a thing or two about therapy and the ethics of therapy, so I thought I would check this out. Early on, I found myself wondering whether the playwright had consulted with a therapist, as some of the situations felt removed from how therapy would unfold in real life.
Then I reminded myself: this is a play, not a documentary.
Once I let go of the expectation of realism, I was able to appreciate what the production was actually exploring, the anxiety of living truthfully. The three acts didn’t feel particularly linear to me, and felt like an exploration of the main character through different episodic stages. The characters continually switch between the straight-man of comedy and different roles of absurdity, exploring different masks to their core. Ultimately, I really enjoyed the play’s willingness to move through different dream states and psychological landscapes. The show is strange, funny, and emotionally resonant, and keeps you thinking about the different characters after the show is over.
MPAT’s Burt Thunders Presents: The First Annual Fundraiser to Save the Whales at The Zephyr Theater
Burt Thunder is a delightfully unhinged comedy that thrives on chaos. The premise is wonderfully simple: fading local celebrity Burt Thunders is determined to raise a million dollars to save the whales through a telethon, and his increasingly desperate attempts to do so send the entire production spiraling into absurdity.
The real joy of the show comes from watching a slow-motion disaster unfold. The characters’ situations become progressively worse, and the comedy escalates right alongside them. Every new setback feels like another wave crashing over an already sinking ship, and the audience is invited to laugh at every glorious catastrophe.
The ensemble delivers charming performances filled with distinct personalities, giving each character a memorable presence amid the madness. The production also makes excellent use of the performance space, and the props are deployed with creativity and confidence, becoming an essential part of many of the show’s biggest laughs.
My one criticism is that the show occasionally struggles to find its exit. Several moments feel like they could have served as satisfying endings, yet the story continues beyond them. While the comedy remains entertaining throughout, tightening the final stretch would give the production an even stronger impact.
The Magic Computer at LGBT Center
A staged reading for the most part, but I was blown away. Deeply personal, the one-person show follows Kel Cripe’s journey into discovering their gender. The Magic Computer offers unsolicited photos that are memories from the past, and Cripe is here to share and explore what has come up on their magic computer. Cripe has a comedian’s instinct for finding humor in vulnerability, and the laughs arrive naturally alongside genuinely moving moments. As they read through her story, we see pictures of their life in different stages projected behind. A wickedly funny and important show, one that offers insight and soul-stirring moments. What I liked most about Kel’s performance was the aliveness and connection they created with the audience for the hour; they were not simply reading from a script, but they were reacting to the living space between us. For instance, as we heard audience clapping for another event outdoors, Kel would respond to the applause humorously. I highly recommend this show. Like the memories it explores, you never quite know what will surface next, and that’s part of what makes the experience so special.
Coffee Date at The Broadwater
A charming, witty, and surprisingly heartfelt romantic comedy that captures the awkwardness, excitement, and vulnerability of dating later in life. The cast delivers strong performances across the board, bringing warmth and authenticity to relationships that feel real and connected. The dialogue is sharp and funny, funny moments with genuine emotional depth.An interesting take on dating in the modern era, heavy with philosophical discussion. Very relevant themes, but I don’t want to spoil anything. A comedy that feels like a Woody Allen play. I’m not sure it needed to be on main stage, felt like it could use more intimacy at a smaller space. Also, why were audience members seated on stage to create ambiance?
Stage Takes 