NOT EVEN THE GOOD THINGS, a new play by rising playwright Joseph Scott Ford. Kelsey Claire directs a cast of seven in this high-octane, heartfelt and delightfully bizarre production.

NOT EVEN THE GOOD THINGS is a dark comedy where a millennial getaway falls apart in the presence of the ghost of a young girl that only one character — despite his best efforts — is able to see. The play deals with a group of six 20-something-year-old friends who gather in a mountain cabin to enjoy a well-deserved vacation. It’s just that they can’t seem to enjoy anything, really. What is supposed to be a fun and carefree evening evolves into a drunken circus of attempted infidelity, nonsense, and weird religion. This all takes place under the watchful gaze of a young girl who only shows herself to one person, while he steadily and hilariously loses his grip on reality in the company of his oblivious friends. The nature of shame, sexuality, loyalty, intoxication, privilege and faith are all explored in this achingly funny new play.

Featured in the cast are Collette Astle (Hysterical Women), Victoria Janicki (Fun Home), Sea McHale (Marvin’s Room), Serena Parrish (Fun Home), Stephon Pettway (Ollie and Molly Can’t Get Arrested, Mickey Roberts (debut) and Allie Trimm (“30 Rock”/13, the Musical).

For tickets and further information visit noteventhegoodthings.com, or call (212) 239-6200.
Running time 75 minutes with no intermission.

After seeing “Not Even the Good Things,” we left Theatre Row’s Studio Theatre filled with questions. Who was the little girl? Why was Bill the only one who could see her? Why did Bill tolerate his toxic girlfriend Grace? However, the biggest question was posed as we walked from the theater to the train and were stopped by two other women who had been in the theater. What was the play about? A group of six 20 year olds rent a cabin together for a much-needed holiday. The six are never onstage at the same time. Playwright Joseph Scott Ford groups his actors in pairs or threesomes. Grace and Bill arrive first and she is very drunk. As Grace, Victoria Janicki is exuberant and emotional but much too expressive for the very small space that comprises the Studio Theatre. I found myself almost instinctively backing away. Director Kelsey Claire should have toned the performer down, seeing that it was too compact a space for such overt gestures and such a booming voice. In contrast, Bill (Sea McHale) who eventually becomes the focal character of the play, is too tepid when confronted by his girlfriend. The best part of the show is the enigmatic figure of The Girl (Serena Parish.) With a dirt …Read more