Lauren Katz

1 week ago | thirdcoastreview.com | Lauren Katz

It’s the top of the show. The Poet (Timothy Edward Kane) enters and the lights start to dim—but only just. With the house still lit, the Poet begins to introduce the story that is about to unfold. As he takes us through a summary of details—the bloodshed of the Trojan War, and all the unnecessary deaths, we are all still lit. In fact, you can see the audience surrounding you more clearly than the actor on stage. It may feel almost unsettling. You might start to wonder: Has the play started?

2 months ago | thirdcoastreview.com | Lauren Katz

Yolland (Erik Hellman) and Maire (Tyler Meredith) have left the dance and come running into the clearing. As they try to catch their breath, they realize they are still holding hands and immediately drop them, breaking all contact. The two try to speak, but it’s clear that they do not fully understand each other—with Maire unable to speak English and Yolland not knowing Gaelic. However, then things begin to slow down.

Mar 18, 2025 | thirdcoastreview.com | Lauren Katz

The lights slowly come down at the top of the show. Audience members quiet down and all look towards the stage, waiting for the action to begin. Then, the lights begin to flash. At first you might almost miss it—the flash is so quick. But then the flashes increase, and lighting designer Laura J. Wiley throws bright colors into the mix. Shades of pink and purple begin to fill the space as the actors strut onto the stage in time with sound designer L.J. Luthringer’s boppy music.

Feb 21, 2025 | thirdcoastreview.com | Lauren Katz

There have been two murders at Boddy Manor, and the stakes have never been higher. Wadsworth, Yvette, and the dinner guests are becoming increasingly terrified, and no one quite knows where to look. It’s suggested they split up into groups of two to check the rest of the house—a suggestion about which no one is thrilled. However, it’s understood that it must be done, and each individual can only hope their partner does not happen to be the murderer. As the pairs split, a shift occurs.

Jan 21, 2025 | thirdcoastreview.com | Lauren Katz

We are in a hair salon in Harlem, New York. Miriam (Bisserat Tseggai) is braiding Jennifer’s (Mia Ellis) hair. Hours have passed and there are still many more to go. Miriam is treating each step with care, and Jennifer understands that the task at hand is no small feat. The two at this point have shared pleasantries and snacks, and now Jennifer begins to ask the deeper questions. What else is one to do when sitting in the salon chair?