Great comedy has a kernel of truth at its heart and Natalie Zutter's AN AWFUL WASTE OF SPACE hits the truth over the head when the lead character, Gav speaks of being tired of feeling ashamed of our broken world. I completely buy into someone not wanting to initiate first contact because of our political leaders and Zutter makes a very funny case for putting up a big "Closed" sign on our planet. Hilarious and sad at the same time. Well worth producing!

Timing is everything.

When you're visiting another planet hoping to interact with their leadership, maybe do a little research first, specifically about that leadership because, well...

Zutter's wonderful satire captures the rogue nature of various government agencies during a previous presidential administration, one that at the very least did not like people from other places or intelligent life. And while one wants to be a good host to distant travelers, one is not always prepared for surprise visit. Great roles, even if one of them is an offstage voice, and sharply observed!

I love this play with all my heart. A stirring display of humanity when faced with the not-quite-human, it meant a lot to me to see this soon after Maria and it remains relevant now. A great, unusual role for a Latinx performer.