PARTY TRICK – Hudson Theaters
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Love is the connecting tread in this play; and great friendship, which is so pleasant to watch. A group of young people had a party last night; but something happened, and everyone has a story about ‘what happened last night.’
Messy apartment, which is otherwise a very charming set. Nice, comfy bed, pleasant lighting, lots of furniture, flowers in vases, candles … Clemmie, beautifully portrayed by Chloe Avakian with real and dynamic storytelling ability, had a little bit too much to drink and doesn’t remember what exactly happened last night. She remembers Tommy (David Levi), a nice boy who probably did what she asked him to do. She also knows that she just wants to be good; and that probably one thing led to another, she blacked out and the rest is out of her memory. The nature of mankind is to persuade desire, persuade pleasure and avoid pain.
In the play many elements of life have been explored like; the everlasting confusion between mother and daughter, realizing that many things are wrong in this world, and we build the cocoon around us if something bad happened to us when we were children. We were all a little girl and a little boy once and we still are on a certain level, no matter the age.
It was truly a delight to see five young actors being so true to their feelings, so loving, protective and hugging. Clemmie, Tommy, Frances (Ava Capri), Lydia (Maya Donato), and Jude (Buddy Keaton) interchange with being funny to being very serious, intermingling and going wild; laughing, jumping and singing, to switching into the seriousness of the situation. They are totally honest with each other; they tell each other everything. Sometimes we need distraction to get us out of the moment where we don’t want to be. They are asking for God, is it there for them? Remarkable interlace. Effective altruism.
Tianna Loverde wrote a comedy PARTY TRICK confronting with possible sexual assault while exploring friendship and humor. Great TEAM work. The relentless and talented cast work so cohesively, with true chemistry and enthusiasm. They brought the script to life. Lots of strong comedic moments. They demand to be listened to.
Party Trick is a new play written and directed by Tianna Loverde, running at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA from November 6–15, 2026. Performances are Friday & Saturday at 8:00pm, Saturday 11/14 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, Sunday 2:00pm and Thursday 11/12 at 8:00pm, Friday 11/13 at 8:00 pm, Saturday 11/14 at 2:00 pm & 8:00 pm, and Sunday 11/15 at 2:00 pm. Running time is 75 minutes, no intermission.
General admission is $33.85. Tickets are available via Eventbrite and Hudson Theaters.
It’s a short run, so if you wish to see it – hurry to get tickets.
URL: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/party-trick-tickets-2000306984036?aff=oddtdtcreator
IG: https://www.instagram.com/partytrick.play/@partytrick.play