DONNIE and RAYMOND are best friends (don’t tell RAYMOND that, though). They’re also becoming fathers. Looking at the dads they’ve seen and grown up with, though, this doesn’t seem the best proposition. Maninars, Primal Screams and therapy sessions fill their night in RAYMOND’S basement as they wonder how to be the men they need to for the women upstairs. The women who changed their lives before and if this night has anything to say about it, might just do it again!

World Premieres at

Riverside Theatre, Iowa City IA Oct 12-28
Salt Lake Acting Company, SLC UT Nov. 7- Dec. 9
Actor’s Summit, Akron OH May 16- June 2

Reviews:

“”Brilliant…pregnant belly-laugh hilarious, with just enough heart-breaking moments to keep it grounded…The show’s world premiere opened to roars, cheers, whistles and an immediate standing ovation Friday night”- Cedar Rapids Gazette/Hoopla

‎”Outrageous, insightful and above all very, very funny.”- Iowa Theatre

“Hit the audience’s collective funny bone.”- Salt Lake Tribune

“(Critic’s Pick) Charming and satisfying…Lewis is savvy enough to recognize that there’s no simple dichotomy between Dad the Protector and Dad the Nurturer…with his snappy dialogue, Manning Up manages to find rich human comedy in figuring out that there’s a particular courage in deciding you’ve got what it takes to do the best you can.” City Weekly

“Manning Up is a funny, delightful play, one that will certainly spark debate and conversations about manliness and parenthood as it receives more and more productions. This is Lewis’s first foray into pure comedy, and it is a successful endeavor.”- Utah Theater

“Highly recommended”- Cleveland Examiner

“Lewis knows his subject well…evokes laughter by pulling out the ridiculousness of the plight of a modern suburban man”- Broadway World

“Sweet and funny… Manning Up is a life-affirming, often poignant exploration of men’s insecurities as they face the uncontrollable uncertainties of first-time fatherhood… an emotionally heartfelt comedy.” – Kerry Clawson Beacon Journal

“The show may be billed as a comedy, but the playwright brings some serious topics to the stage. People leave the theater talking about more than where they parked the car…“Manning Up” brings new thoughts and actions to a local stage. I urge my readers to enjoy this production.”- Akron News Leader

“The play is a pathway to self-discovery, maturity, and acceptance… the intimate two-hander upends traditional notions of manhood, gender roles and male bonding.” -Cleveland Jewish Times