←Recommendations of Second Look (10 minute excerpt of SEEING EYE)

I'm old and therefore don't have all the confidence when using this phrase, but I think this play personifies "meet cute". The twist of one man's blindness personifying the other's different type of blindness is so well handled that the script just flows like a beautiful scent on the breeze.

I love that this play takes us into a familiar set-up and then adds an element that not only turns the situation on its ear, but becomes an engine of storytelling. Depending upon how an actor plays it, Jason's false starts could be played for laughs or pathos, until the reveal of his blindness. Some great laugh-out-loud lines in here too. My favorite: "I'm not a...bloodhound or whatever."

The opening exchange about cologne and what various scents represent to different communities really draws us into this awkward first meeting, especially when we recognize the importance of smell to Jason, as well as Robby’s cluelessness about Jason’s blindness. Every line in this excerpt is multi-layered and reveals subtext, and yet the dialogue is appropriately light and conversational. I really want to read, or better yet, see the full-length version now.

This play is wonderful in many ways, and the direct representation of disability with honesty and humor is so original and much needed in theatre. The writing is fresh and genuine, and the relationship between the men offers a universe of potential in a location that could easily be the opposite. An absolutely gripping first 10 minutes of a full length that makes you want to explore the entirety of this world and its many possibilities.

Nick Malakhow wrote a lovely play in SECOND LOOK - This is an excerpt of SEEING EYE. A cute meeting of 2 gay men outside a gar bar introduces us to a scene that is both sweet and tough. The characters grow as they take the time to learn to really find out what the other meant. I look forward to more of Malakhow's work.

A meet-cute two-hander set outside a gay bar? You’ve already piqued my interest. One of the two characters is blind and their disability isn’t treated as a taboo? Extremely welcome representation. This excerpt is utterly irresistible and charming, works great as a standalone, and compels me to check out the full-length! Wonderfully done.

NICK MALAKHOW gives us a sweet taste of his full length play in his “Second Look (10 minute excerpt of SEEING EYE)”. I love the two characters and want to read the full play. Such a sweet meeting of two men in front of a gay bar. One is blinded by preconceived notions of what to expect in a first meeting, and the other is blind but has his own stereotypes.

"Second Look" may be an excerpt, but its humanity is rich, full, and complete. The two characters are beautifully drawn, and never condescended to; instead their funny, serious, hopeful interaction unfolds in poetic motion, albeit with awkward moments. Lovely work.

Having already enjoyed the full-length 'SEEING EYE', I was happy to see that this scenario exists in another format, in this beautifully self-contained short. This ten-minute play does what all great short plays should do: draws us in quickly, sets up the scenario, and leaves us wanting to hear more. While this does resolve in 'SEEING EYE', it also stands nicely on its own, with its tone of hope, good humor, and familiarity setting Jason and Robbie up as a wonderfully human pair. Read it, then read 'SEEING EYE'!

Sweet, beautiful, and smart. So much great dialogue. It's a wonder piece of theater and a beautiful slice of life. Malakhow writes with incredible charm and poise and makes you fall in love with these two characters in just ten minutes. Delightful, fun, and a wonderful read.