DON’T DRINK THE WATER
Written by Woody Allen, Directed by Amanda Montoni
Maggie’s Little Theater | 66-19 79th Place, Middle Viilage, NY 11379
March 8 - 22, 2026
Happy Anniversary to Woody Allen’s play, Don’t Drink the Water - his first play to be produced on Broadway, all the way back in 1966. And now, sixty years later, Maggie’s Little Theater is bringing it to you!
The audience is first introduced to Sister Drobney, played by the charming Miriam P. Denu. Originally written for a Father Drobney, this was a welcome and refreshing change as Denu dazzled us with her fun, whimsical, and delightful interpretation of a nun-turned-magician in hiding. She skillfully gives us a sense of what kind of comedy we are in for, and the play is off and running.
The action takes place inside an American Embassy behind the Iron Curtain. The single-unit set, designed by Ed Voyer, was done incredibly well as it greeted audience members into the theater and set up the farce to follow.
Ambassador Magee, played by Bob Acerno, decides to leave his bumbling, inept son, Axel, played by Chris Bias, in charge while he is away. We know that hijinks are going to ensue as Ambassador Magee does not allow his capable and experienced assistant, Kilroy, played by the polished Virginia Harmon, to take charge in his absence.
Bias gives off a great sense of being able to handle the task at hand, while simultaneously waiting for the other shoe to drop – like it always does – at any moment. Harmon’s wonderful stage presence is apparent the moment she steps on stage. It is clear that she should be in command of the Embassy. Her booming voice, upright posture, and resounding confidence allow the characters on stage, as well as the audience, to relax in her talented and capable hands. Sadly, as the play progresses, Allen takes away from Kilroy’s duties and diminishes her dialogue, so we lose Harmon to the backstage area.
Luckily, we are treated to the inciting incident of the play. New Jersey caterer, Walter Hollander, played by Jim Haines, enters with his wife, Marion, played by Dolores Voyer, and their daughter, Susan, played by Danielle Fleming. According to the Hollander family, they were innocently taking pictures while on vacation.
In pursuit of the family is the communist police, led by Krojack, played by Jason N. Fischedick. Krojack accuses them of knowingly taking pictures in a high-security area and is convinced that they are spies.
Fischedick’s portrayal of the villainous Krojack is perfectly executed, from the whipping around of his black leather coat to his outrageous accent. The audience has as much fun watching this character as Fischedick clearly has in playing him.
The Hollander family is now stuck in the Embassy as the plot moves forward and personalities begin to clash.
Fleming makes it abundantly clear that Susan is interested in Axel with her body language and constant smiles when she’s around him. In turn, Bias wastes no time returning the attraction, albeit in Axel’s signature awkward, oafish way. The pair work well together, but sometimes fall prey to the one-dimensional characters created by Allen.
The highlight of the show is the chemistry between Haines and Voyer. The two veteran actors are a well-oiled machine that we have the pleasure of watching throughout the rest of the play. Volleying off each other, you really do believe that they are a married couple who have been together for years.
Haines does an excellent job of giving Walter that annoying, overbearing, “toxic American male” persona that drives the members of the Embassy – as well as his family – crazy.
Voyer’s portrayal of Marion Hollander is authentic and lovely. She plays the positive so well, using it to deflect the harsh words of her husband, as well as the sometimes dated words of the playwright. She gave levels to the character that transcended the script. Watching her “just be” on the stage was a joy.
Director Amanda Montoni did a wonderful job of utilizing the stage and keeping the action moving.
Joseph Paciullo, who played the Sultan of Bashir, gave us a fun, lively standout character. The entire ensemble worked well together, being present in the moment and bringing their characters to life.
How well does the play relate to an audience in 2026? What is your knowledge of the 1960s? Some references tend to go over a younger audience’s head, while some concepts and jokes - that didn’t age well - don’t quite land. However, the cast and crew of Don’t Drink the Water at Maggie’s Little Theater did a wonderful job.
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Nicholas Radu-Blackburn.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on March 18th, 2026. All rights reserved.