Handjob
When a gay writer hires a man to work as a “shirtless cleaner,” homophobia, racism and issues of consent bubble to the surface. Erik Patterson’s (One of the Nice Ones) dark comedy explores the deepest sensitivities in our culture — with unexpected and hilarious consequences.
“EXCITING… Playwright [Erik Patterson] masterfully plays on what the audience knows, maybe even what they are thinking… A story you thought you had a sense for, and frankly had gotten a bit ahead of, cracks itself open and becomes simultaneously deeper and funnier, much funnier” — Anthony Byrnes, KCRW 89.9 FM
On Stage Los Angeles
“BRILLIANT… tight and eloquent… the performances are letter perfect… [an] amazing script.” — Michael Sheehan, On Stage Los Angeles
“ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT, opening up a discourse about why any artist needs to shy away from controversy as it continuously barrages those gathered with uproariously funny dialogue and awkward situations.” — Travis Holder, Ticket Holders LA
“INGENIOUS… imaginative and funny and outrageous and startling.” — Dan Berkowitz, Los Angeles Post
Los Angeles Times
“THOUGHT-PROVOKING… ENTERTAINING… grapples with the very nature of theater and how it could or should reflect life… terrific acting, directing and production elements.” — Daryl H. Miller, Los Angeles Times
Broadway World
“A STUNNING WORLD PREMIERE… Patterson’s very witty and smart script of clever puns and sharp observations gets even more witty and even smarter after a big reveal… comic gold” — Gil Kaan, Broadway World
“EXTRAORDINARY… ELECTRIFYING… scintillatingly intellectual and passionate. The stakes are high and words flow powerful and gripping… Don’t miss it.” — Paul Myrvold, Theatre Notes
“RECOMMENDED… STAGE RAW TOP TEN… SMART AND VERY FUNNY… expertly acted and directed and genuinely thought-provoking in the best way.” — Terry Morgan, Stage Raw
LA Observed
“INGENIOUSLY STRUCTUIRED AND REMARKABLY TOPICAL… unfolds new layers every 20 minutes or so… plenty of rich, ironic comedy… [a] theatrical adventure” — Don Shirley, LA Observed
“VERY ENTERTAINING… I loved the acting“ — Patrick Chavis, LA Theatre Bites
“PROVOCATIVE… SENSTATIONALLY PERFORMED… ‘I didn’t see that coming’ twists’… issues as diverse as gay representation in the media, the role of theater in a rapidly changing world, the pros and cons of showing actual sex acts on stage, racial stereotyping and objectification, the dearth of diversity in casting, sexual harassment in the workplace, how much liberty an actor should have in determining his character’s actions, and one man’s right to appropriate another man’s story as his own.” — Steven Stanely, Stage Scene LA
“PUSH[ES] THE CONVENTIONAL DRAMATIC ENVELOPE … The cast is uniformly strong, and they play even the trickiest and most uncomfortable moments with total conviction.” — Michael Van Duzer, Showmag
“GIVE THIS PLAY A HAND… tackle[s] some very dangerous subject matter… observe carefully and discuss intensely but ultimately sit back relax and enjoy” — Todd Gaebe, Hollywood Revealed
Mike Check
“SHARP… some of the best writing you will see on-stage… [a] ninety-minute rollercoaster ride… I highly recommend checking out this one.” — Mike Reyes, Mike Check
“TANGIBLY ELECTRIC… I was on the edge of my seat… I stayed for the talkback at the end of the play, which I did not anticipate would be included in the review. However, the experience was so impassioned and fervorous that it revealed the true nature of the play’s effect better than a review of the play itself.” — Ginger Gordon, USC Annenberg Media
The Tvolution
“THOROUGHLY ENTERTAINING… a theatrical rubik’s cube” — Ernest Kearney, The Tvolution
written by
Erik Patterson
directed by
Chris Fields
featuring
Steven Culp, Tamarra Graham, Stephen Guarino, Ryan Nealy, Michael Rishawn
Scenic Design: Amanda Knehans
Lighting Design: Jared A. Sayeg
Sound Design: Jeff Gardner
Costume Design: Ann Closs-Farley
Intimacy Coach: Benjamon Toubia
Graphic Design: Christopher Komuro
Casting Director: Meg Fister
Production Stage Manager: Rebecca Schoenberg
Associate Producer: Ariel Labasan
Producers: Chris Fields and Rachael Zambias
Watch the Video Trailer for Handjob (videographer: Shea Vanderpoort)