A Write Teacher(s) Spotlight: PETUNIA

Hello Beautiful People,

FRINGE SEASON is upon us, and I’m delighted to tell you all about the first show that I attended during this particular festival, Petunia, in one of my all time favorite theaters in Manhattan, Theatre 80 St. Marks.

Here’s what the formal press releases will say:

A bitter old man gets a new lease on life when his nagging wife of forty years suddenly drops dead – that is – until she comes back to haunt him as a houseplant…This offbeat, comic musical tells the tale of lost love and redemption.

Here’s what you REALLY need to know:

The cast is lovely. An absolutely cohesive unit, which is a testament to the work of director Nicolas Minas. 

This show will make you laugh. Like, really laugh. Like, laugh so hard your stomach muscles will-hurt-type-of-laughter. The stage for intrigue and comedy is set in the very first line of the show -“There once was a man who lived on a sofa.” I mean really, how could you not want to know more after hearing that? The writing of John Levy coupled with the fierce performance of Louisa Flaningam makes for a strong and solid start to this show.

Petunia is a show that centers around the relationship between an older married couple, Buddy and Petunia, (I’m going to just go ahead and say that they’re supposed to bein their mid – late 60s), and the aftermath of her untimely death.  Petunia (Louisa Flaningam) is a nag. Buddy, (Ira Denmark) makes the characters in Grumpy Old Men look like saints. He’s crotchety perfection. I think it’s safe to say that everyone knows someone like Buddy. Someone you’re not quite sure whether you want to smack or hug, hate or love. Ira Denmark’s portrayal of a character with such depth and humanity was truly a pleasure to watch.

While songs like Mice Move In, Sofa Song, and Kiss Your Ass Goodbye will have you laughing, there are other moments, precious, tender, intimate moments like Spend A Little Time with Me and Don’t Wait for Me, that will tug and your heartstrings and unleash waves of nostalgia.

Yes, Petunia is a dark comedy. But even in the darkest of comedies, there are elements of light. Yes, Petunia is a show about a death. But it’s often in times of loss that we learn to appreciate life.

I would urge all of you Write Teacher(s) readers to head down to Theatre 80 St. Marks and see this show – I promise you it will be money well spent.

There are three more opportunities to see Petunia at Theatre 80 St. Marks (80 St. Marks Place between 1st and 2nd):

August 13 @ 3:00pm

August 20 @ 8:30pm

August 24 @1:00pm

Click here for more ticket information.

Go. Support. LIVE. Theater.

Live, Love, Learn,

Megan & The Write Teacher(s)