what passes for comedy

WORLD PREMIERE

BY g.D. Kimble

DIRECTED BY rick hamilton

Set in the golden age of live television, a late night talk show host reads the wrong cue card landing a punch-line that rocks the nation. The three young writers behind the prank are now in the fight for their professional lives as celebrity guests drop, the head of the network is out for blood, and an all-night work session reveals hard truths. They each find out where the laughter stops and bigotry begins.

October 28 - November 19

CHAIN THEATRE 3rd FLOOR

All audience members must wear masks while in the theatre. NO LATE SEATING, please arrive on time. No refunds. No exchanges.

The production stars Stan Buturla (Classic Stage Company, The Crucible, Look Back in Anger) as Bob, Jordan Elman (National Tour: PAW Patrol Live, the Great Pirate Adventure (Nickelodeon and Vstar Entertainment) as Zep, Michael Filisky (Rabbit Hole, Vanishing Knowledge) as Jack, Rory Lance (Death In Venice In First Person, The Fred Allen Show) as Jerry, Andrew O'Shanick (The Office, Pitch Perfect) as Will, Alain Pierre (The Exes, Twelfth Night) as Tory, and Ryan Brooke Taylor (Broadway:The Lion King Off-Broadway: The Alchemist) as Bunny.

The production, produced by Christina Perry (macbitches, Garbageman), features scenic design by E.A. Frank (she/they), costume design by Debbi Hobson, and lighting design by Michael Abrams (I of the Storm). Greg Russ is the sound designer, with original music by Robert Pound and Allie Goldhammer (macbitches) is the stage manager. Publicity by Katie Rosin/Kampfire PR, production assistants are Grace Loeb and Anna FitzGerald-Larrison.

The play runs approximately 120 minutes.

There will be one 10 minute intermission.

WHAT THE CRITICS ARE SAYING:

"Rich with mile-a-minute banter, thoughtful, tells a story from the past, but resonates a truth that rings just as loud today."

"If you get distracted for one moment, you’ll miss a gem of a line."

"Besides the firecracker dialogue... each character was written with a depth that is a gift to any actor."

"...A joy to watch. Put together great writing and good acting, and you’ve got a winner."

"Set, costumes, and lighting add their magic to create an atmosphere of reality that blends seamlessly into the 50s television world."

-Front Row Center, David Walters

“The two best new plays I’ve seen so far this season were both at the Chain Theatre over on W. 36th Street.”

“Immensely thought-provoking”

-OnStage Blog, Michael Dale

"Impossible to watch and not be truly riveted!"

“Brilliant new play”

“This high tension turns explosive in Act 2.”

“G.D. Kimble’s script combined with the intense performances by Ryan Brooke Taylor as Bunny and Alain Pierre as Tory make this tension very palpable, without ever becoming heavy handed or having the audience be forced to “choose sides”.”

“Impossible not to get moved by the personal revelations of Jordan Elman’s Zep and Andrew O’Shanick’s Will.”

“The acting by this entire ensemble cast is superb.”

“The Set Design by E.A. Frank deserves a special shoutout: With its meticulous attention to detail, we the audience really feels like we’re looking into a 1960s TV studio writer’s room.”

“Debbi Hobson also deserves kudos for Costume Design: All the men’s wardrobe selections are spot on.”

“As entertaining as it is provocative, What Passes For Comedy packs a wallop into its two-hour running time.”

“The final scene is indeed a real stunner”

- LavenderAfterDark, Jed Ryan

“A sparkling comedy/drama that confronts racism, privilege, responsibility, our past and our future.”

“Rick Hamilton’s skilled direction”

“It is a thoughtful exploration of all sides of the racial issues that continue to plague us today. This is extremely rare in our confrontational, media-driven world. And it is very welcome.”

-Theaterlife, Paulanne Simmons