Lord Nil and the Seven Deadly Sins Created and Performed by Lord Nil Stage 42 August 14, 2025 Production website 💉💉 out of 5.
Lord Nil is an alum of America’s Got Talent and clearly a Las Vegas act that has come to NYC to test the waters. In 75 minutes, you get to see Lord Nil climb his way and un-padlock his way out of seven different “death defying traps.” I am not sure how the hell they are to be likened to the seven deadly sins but I guess it sounds eviller and more mysterious that way. The most notable sequence has Lord Nil balancing over a hot stove, with the scorching cooking surface only inches from his exposed skin. To ensure the audience understands that this stove is real, the other performers in 7 Deadly Sins cook bacon and toast for all to see. Lord Nil must utilize every muscle in his body to remain focused and somehow unlock the chains that bind him to strategically placed balancing beams. Strange because … well, do theatergoers really need to have the cast members descend into the audience to show them the bacon that is, in fact, cooked? The aroma of roasted pig stays with the show for the remainder of the evening. I guess . . .
TransMasculine Cabaret by Vulva Va-Voom NYC Theatre Fringe Festival at 14th Street Y April 13, 2024 Production website 💉💉 out of 5.
This second slice of Fringe Theatre for the trip certainly worked better than the first. To begin, the artist actually cared and invested in their message and how it was being shared. The story told was of a performer dressed as a female preparing for a cabaret performance that slowly transforms into a performance as a “drag king”. Along the way the performer- they/them shares the journey that they have experienced as a trans performer and how they have been received both off and on stage. The play is wild and offensive, gross and caustic – all good things you expect from a fringe piece.
A Drag is Born Creator, Producer, & Performer Edu Diaz Directed by Rachel Resnik New York City Fringe – 14th Street Y April 13, 2024 Production website ☠ out of 5.
This was one of the WORST nights in the theatre that I have experienced in years! I realize there is an entirely different metric to be used in judging and enjoying fringe pieces – and I do love seeing fringe pieces and supporting new artists – but nothing can excuse this shit! The “story” that was only “attempted” was about a middle-aged man letting go of his masculinity and its trappings and letting his freak flag fly was a suitable story line for a fringe piece but nothing worked here.
Messy White Gays a staged reading by Drew Droege The Fabulous Invalid Productions at the Soho Playhouse April 8, 2024 Production website 💉💉💉 out of 5.
Tonight I saw a staged reading of Messy White Gays. I came into the piece with relatively low expectations knowing that I was going to see a lot of gay silliness on stage and hoping not to be to bothered by all the cliches and worn out stereotypes. But I was surprised. Messy White Gays provided a rather fresh take on a gay situation comedy and introduced some new themes of race awareness and polyamory in an engaging fashion. The story launches off quickly as an upscale gay couple are offing their mutual boyfriend for really nothing more then just being a bit of a bore.
Created by 600 Highwaymen for Talking Band Featuring Ellen Maddox & Paul Zimit Perelman Performing Arts Center February 16, 2024 Production website 💉💉💉💉💉 out of 5.
The Following Evening was a piece of theatre history and theatre magic. Theatre legends were working alongside the cutting edge of theatre present. The production was created by 600 Highwaymen – one of perhaps the most exciting experimental theatre companies in the world stage today. Highwaymen (Abigail Browde & Michael Silverstone) have been making performances since 2009. Their work – which blends theater, dance, contemporary performance, and civic encounters – illuminates the magic and potential of people coming together.
