←Recommendations of The Carbuncle

An arresting satire of a married couple (both HOA members) appointing themselves judge, jury, and perhaps more while on their quest to ensure the neighborhood adheres to proper code and image. Fun roles for actors here that eloquently and absurdly show why the Sartre quote is so iconic.

A fast-paced comedy that audiences will enjoy watching and actors will enjoy playing.

A funny exploration of the absurdism that can come from neighborly confrontations. Dealing with justice and being guilty in a literal sense. I love that the overbearing nature of community leaders was accurately represented through absurdism, as HOAs are in nature full of absurd people with absurd requests on both sides.

[2025-12-15]

Ask not for whom the HOA calls. It calls for thee.
Dan West's "The Carbuncle" is a delightfully theatrical, intentionally messy satire of suburban life and the rules we all live by to keep from driving one another insane. I kept waiting to see if Wallace would have a redeeming moment, and I — won't disappoint you by spoiling it. Audiences will love this play that picks apart what it means to be a good neighbor. Actors will have a ball with the roles. Bravo!

This is an HOA HORROR play. Wickedly funny. This play skewers suburban conformity with really biting wit observation. The mock trial is theatrical gold. Wallace's sudden recitation of the sonnet adds depth. This is a well crafted world where civility becomes cruelty and justice is a performance. Great read. Would love to see it staged.

Sharp, witty, and well-paced dialogue, a hilarious premise, and strong emotional moments made reading this play a total delight. The tyranny of HOAs is on full display to a ludicrous display, as they utilize a mock trial to sentence a failed academic to self-actualization. I greatly enjoyed this play, and recommend it to anyone seeking some laughter as well as tsuris.