Fat Cat Killers
Written Adam Szymkowicz; Directed by Andrew Block
The Gene Frankel Theatre | 24 Bond Street, New York, NY 10012
April 24th - May 17th
Photo Credit by Scott Fetterman.
Two days ago, Luigi Mangione pleaded not guilty to muder charges in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Across the street, his legion of fans held up signs of support. It's not often people celebrate the alleged murderer of someone who was shot dead in the middle of the street in broad daylight. Then again, it’s not often that the deceased has generated 16 billion in profits while denying some people chemo and telling others that prosthetic limbs are luxury items out of policy.
This story has dominated the news since December of last year, but Fat Cat Killers was first published in 2019. Two terminated, disgruntled, former employees decide to kidnap and ransom their former CEO for a big score. But they don’t necessarily agree on the full plan just as they don't necessarily agree on who is the hottest woman in the office. Steve (Christopher Lee) winds up being laid-off after sharing that he doesn't actually do any work all day. Not shockingly, his buddy, Michael (David Carl), is sent packing shortly afterwards. Thus they are spurred to get revenge. The duo gives off a Lennie and George vibe with Michael decorating his brother-in-law's investment property they use as their lair with electrical tape collages of Dog Day Afternoon and Taxi Driver. No one is more surprised than the audience when they actually succeed in kidnapping Dave (Philip Cruise) their former CEO. And, now what do they do!
I found the audience far too timid when I saw the show this Sunday. Perhaps, given the headlines, they were truly afraid to laugh about kidnapping and manifestos. Cruise, Carl and Lee work well together and director Andrew Block is no stranger to Adam Szymkowicz’ unique brand of humor having previously collaborated to make one of the most roaucously punny shows i've ever seen. The creative team has created a 90-minute piece that flies by in an instant. Lee bookends the show with monologues, first his interview for a promotion and later with the Fat Cat Killer's manifesto - both given in direct address to the audience giving him a moment to shine. I just wish the audience could have lend their support with some well earned laughs. Perhaps they need a disclaimer at the beginning, “No CEOs were harmed in the making of this play.”
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Nicole Jesson.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on April 29th, 2025. All rights reserved.