We Do the Same Thing Every Week
Written by Robert Leverett; Directed by Liza Couser
A.R.T./New York Theatres | 502 W 53rd Street, New York, NY 10019
May 2-17
Photo Credit: HanJie Chow
What do you see when looking back on your childhood? In the pre-digital age, there was Candyland and Monopoly, card games and checkers, books and stories, but ultimately we were left to our own imagination. There was no endless stream of children's television. There was playing outside and going to the beach. But then, there was the dreaded rainy day. Unlike snow, which brought with it wonder and amazement, rain was just gloomy.
And on this rainy day, we find Dick (Robert Leverett) and Jane (Jessica Nesi) listlessly playing Gin Rummy. Dad is busy as dads always are, and Mom is running important errands. These well behaved kids have been left to their own devices, and they are bored, bored, bored.
Besides the reference to the Dick and Jane books, this may sound like a familiar set-up to a Dr. Seuss story, and a set dressed in primary colors lends to the vibe. And low and behold, there is a Cat (Casey Worthington) at the door! And the Cat brings along Thing A (Kate Budney) and Thing B (Justin Choi)! Oh, and there's a Fish (Tora Alexander), too!
Leverett brings us this brilliant romp through our youthful joys as if reimagined by David Lynch. It's smart, funny, shocking, dark and brought to you by Coca-Cola. (The good glass bottle coke from our childhood before corn syrup!) These are not children slightly traumatized by a rambunctious, joyful cat. This is a joyful cat driven mad by nihilistic children awaiting the cosmic void. And the Fish is a snitch! Or it would be if its memory was longer.
Lucas a. Degirolamo Scenic and Prop Design and Olivia Hern Costume and Puppet Design have done brilliant work under the direction of Liza Couser. They have skillfully created this parallel world with Fish speak, Cats bring Coca-Cola, and Things work on contact. The purposely flat tone of Leverett and Nesi perfectly juxtapose them to the earnestly emotional Things, Budney and Choi. As the formerly carefree cat, Worthington is both evil boss and tortured soul. How he restrains himself around Alexander's obnoxious Fish, none of us know!
We Do the Same Thing Every Week is an absolute joy!
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Review by Nicole Jesson.
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on May 8th, 2025. All rights reserved.