Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
I love going to see plays at the Beverly Hills Playhouse, because everyone there, from the very beginning of getting the tickets to the concession stand, in fact the entire theatre personnel there are always so inviting and warm. The energy of the actors on the stage is inspiring, full of enthusiasm and they are all ready to move into action and live the life of their dreams in the theatre world.
The World Premiere of My Dad’s Kid, written by Eric Toms who eloquently cites his inspiration for writing this play. He is one of the kids who experienced a time when divorce became the trend and many family members went on to a fresh start with, in many cases, “more successful and emotionally healthy second families. Often, members of the first family were left behind, feeling like some unnecessary vestige, discarded and forgotten.” Eric Toms thoroughly paints the picture of two siblings, caught in the whirlpool of events at that time, showing their frustration, and, more importantly, the love and care they developed for each other, and how much forgiveness and letting go of grudges gets us into a much healthier world.
Pamela, an inspiring young class action lawyer, portrayed by Nanci Kelham, under the facade of ambition is a sensitive young girl, yet a go-getter–everything moves just too slow for her. Clever and sharp as she is, her portrayal of a younger sibling is powerful, real, and doesn’t waste time showing the strength of her acting talent and her unforgettable laugh makes us love and care for her.
On the other hand, Greg, a novelist, portrayed by Eric Toms, is creatively stuck, has a problem with writing because he needs to tell the truth and the truth is dark. It means showing what his dad did to him when he was a child and exposing his jealousy and grudges towards his dad for leaving and choosing a better family. He is embarrassed and envious of his younger half-sister. Pamela helps him to change his life, let go of the grudges, forgive and move on, to become a successful novelist. As wonderful the writer Eric is, so is his portrayal of his own story. The impact both actors have on each other and with that – on their audience is brilliant and completely unforgettable.
Director Allen Barton, a Los Angeles-based playwright/author, director, teacher, and classical pianist creatively guided the duo with his talent leading two gifted actors to success, set in Hollywood, California at Christmas time. Mia Christou is a producer and together with Collin Bernsen created a simple, yet spectacular set design. Love the backdrop. Lighting Design is Derrick McDaniel, and Stage Manager is David Bello.
My Dad’s Kid runs at Beverly Hills Playhouse (Main Stage) from September 12 to October 5, 2025. Located at 254 South Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, CA., 90211. Performances are on Friday and Saturday at 8:00pm and Sunday at 7:00pm. Tickets are $35.00 / $15.00 Students. Running Time is 120 minutes – including intermission. For information and tickets go to www.bhplayhouse.com