For all those girls out there who lost their boyfriends to the male persuasion, Hot Mess is a show where our side finally wins. Now granted, in this new romantic comedy, by Dan Rothenberg and Colleen Crabtree, it takes a while for Max (Max Crumm, Disaster!) to tell Elanor (Lucy DeVito, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia) that he likes guys – and when he does, it turns out her ex did too. With some pushing by his best friend, Lewis (Paul Molnar), there is a happy ending, but not before kibitzing and some rather hilarious jokes. You see, angst-ridden Max and highly unstable Elanor are soulmates. From moment one, they have revealed their downsides with every crazy and embarrassing quirk, which has only brought them closer together. However, Max forgot to tell Elanor he previously batted for the other side. Based on a real-life story, this is a love match that took being a mess to win.
Both Max and Lucy have chemistry. Mr. Molnar plays several roles, each funnier than the last.
Jonathan Silverstein keeps the pace going in this very enjoyable version of modern love.
Dan Rothenberg and Colleen Crabtree allow their story to flow naturally. After all it is based on their real life story.
Tobin Ost (scenic design), Bobby Frederick Tilley (costume design), Matthew Richards (lighting design) and sound design by Bart Fasbender all did miracles with the tiny stage.
Not much substance, but a rather enjoyable hour of theatre. The audience really enjoyed it, as did I.
Hot Mess: Jerry Orbach Theatre, 1627 Broadway at 50th Street.
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