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Brianna Barrett

Recommended by Brianna Barrett

  • The Magician's Sister by Jami Brandli
    1 Dec. 2023
    “ A memory play with the repetitious rhythm of a folk parable. The use of magic/escape artistry would be a lot of fun to see staged, and I particularly love the idea of the unseen escape artist in the background, demonstrating the tricks during the characters conversations. Ominous and rigorously researched -- female magicians are bizarrely underrepresented in the field and I appreciated the opportunity to learn more. ”
  • The TomKat Project by Brandon Ogborn
    16 Nov. 2023
    “ This highly theatrical, actor-driven ensemble piece maintains a fast pace and a straightforward, playful handling of a large cast with a lot of doubling. It's sarcastic, but joyful. It embraces the fun of being a play about celebrity gossip, while taking its subject seriously and presenting an ultimately disturbing portrait of a life gripped by Scientology. A breathless and humorous retelling of a story you may have peripherally thought you knew, laid out in such a way that we're left wondering what we ever can truly know. ”
  • a home what howls (or the house what was ravine) by Matthew Paul Olmos
    15 Nov. 2023
    “ This lyrical, wispy, heartbreaking drama pairs music with powerful imagery to explore the trauma of native people displaced from their original lands. Poetic in its language and the way it plays with visuals. All of the characters feel larger than life, imbued with meanings and double meanings. A twist that leaves you with much to consider once the play is over. ”
  • Billy to His Friends by Cassandra Rose
    5 Sep. 2023
    “ A completely arresting look at a true, historical event that absolutely deserves to exist more predominantly in the public consciousness. This play explores how homophobia, internalized shame, politics, and a relentless new cycle contribute to a climate where it's possible for a man's life to be ruined by LITERALLY SAVING THE PRESIDENT FROM AN ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT. It's heartbreaking, compassionate, nuanced, and utilizes space, sound and an ensemble of actors doubling various roles to absolutely gorgeous effect. I very much hope to see this play staged. ”
  • What Norman Saw by Joe Nelms
    27 Aug. 2023
    “ A captivating look at a mother-son relationship poisoned by shame and mistrust, along with the ways in which our justice system, perpetual news cycle and perhaps even our nature as humans prevents us from being able to look past the stain when someone's reputation is tarnished. Donny is a great character because he's not a great guy -- he's messy, rough around the edges, he may not have a heart of gold -- but being an obvious suspect is not what makes someone a killer. ”
  • The (Other) by Alexander Pine
    15 Jun. 2023
    “ A horror comedy that externalizes the idea of “inner demons” to explore how we can ever get over our own insecurities enough to love anyone and accept love in return. It’s a clever concept and offers lots of opportunities to be creepy, funny and oddly touching. ”
  • Spindle Shuttle Needle by Gab Reisman
    7 Jun. 2023
    “ This play delves into the absurdity of war and violence, as well as the arbitrary nature of who is on what side of a war you have no say in anyway. Instead of focusing on the battlefield or the heads of state, this is a wartime play about the women sidelined by a conflict. Something I love is that no one is positioned as conventionally “heroic” in any way. It’s much more about survival than heroics, but in a way that successfully makes the case for the overlooked heroism in doing what you need to do to survive. ”
  • California by Trish Harnetiaux
    21 Apr. 2023
    “ "Splitting the atom wasn’t the miracle, it was putting it back together. Proving matter can exist in two places at once. What if a story can split, just like the atom? Does everyone live forever?” In this play, this is not just a philosophical question, but a description of the play’s form. While some initial scenes present as naturalistic, the playwright ultimately explores simultaneous action taking place in a non-linear future and a possibly-completely-hypothetical past. There’s much we never fully understand in terms of a literal story, but in a way that feels intentional and thematically rich. ”
  • Anna Considers Mars by Ruben Grijalva
    20 Mar. 2023
    “ Anna is a struggling "uncharismatic animal" preservationist who gets selected for a unique opportunity to go to Mars. Funny, smart, compelling take on a near-future dystopia. Interesting characters dealing with difficult moral questions that feel particularly relevant - climate change, augmented reality, advanced medical treatment (and its cost!), space travel and both the guilt and beauty of being human collide in this strange, adventurous, simultaneously defeatist yet optimistic play. Would love to see it staged! ”
  • The Beautiful People by Tim Venable
    10 Oct. 2022
    “ An absolutely arresting depiction of the complicated push and pull of a toxic friendship, wherein two young men have no idea how to give or receive affection, and instead feel safer in a state of aggressive posturing. It's heartbreaking, even-handed and compassionate in its view of violent people and the deep vulnerability that keeps them locked in an isolated, destructive mindset. This play has you leaning in, holding your breath and rooting for a redemption that you know can never come. But these boys aren't just THESE BOYS, they're familiar, and you're left clinging desperately for hope for the future. ”

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