NACHO ATE SPIDERMAN – Ruskin Group Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Life has a way of doing what it does best: giving us stories. Some are extraordinary, some are familiar, but all have something to say about who we are. So, let’s dig into one of our own local neighborhoods, Nacho did, and discover the stories waiting to be told.
“Nacho Ate Spiderman” is a laugh-out-loud comedy from multi-award-winning playwright Michelle Kholos Brooks (H*tler’s Tasters, Hostage, Kalamazoo) whose work has been staged both nationally and internationally. This time Brooks turns her attention to an unlikely neighborhood rivalry involving two very different characters: a prize-winning rabbit named Spiderman and a rescue dog, Nacho from Tijuana – with a penchant for digging. The rabbit enjoys a carefree existence – having been raised “free range” by his humans, roaming untethered around the neighborhood. Nacho, Spiderman’s next-door neighbor is allowed out with human supervision or within their fenced in yard.
When Spiderman suddenly goes missing and a suspicious hole is discovered beneath the fence that divides the two homes, all bets are off. Harmless digging habits may be more troublesome than anyone suspects. What follows is a delightful unraveling of neighborhood harmony, as suspicions mount, cover-ups are contemplated, and accusations fly between neighbors who were once perfectly content to live side by side. And just when you think you’ve figured it all out, Brooks delivers a plot twist that keeps the laughs coming almost to the end when funny takes a surprisingly thought-provoking turn.
“This story grew from a funny – not so funny incident in my neighborhood,” says Brooks, and the incident itself grew out of something as old as neighborhoods: the challenge of living in close proximity to people who don’t necessarily see the world the way we do. We share sidewalks, fences, and property lines, all while viewing them through wildly different lenses. But no matter how we look at it, if we zoom out far enough, we arrive at the same burning question: How the hell do we live with each other? As a dark comedy – in all seriousness – it sinks its teeth into questions of boundaries, fences, gentrification, and tolerance. The limits of good intentions. There’s even a little debate about free-range parenting.”
Director Casey Stangl has worked at numerous theaters across the country, developing works with playwrights. She steers the perfect cast with her strong knack for comic timing. Laughing is healing, and this production is exactly that.
An inspiring performance by Sharon Lawrence, whose Broadway credits include a revival of Cabaret and Fiddler on the Roof as well as many TV roles, keeps the audiences guessing, as the perfect foil for the two Brad’s – Nacho’s humans. Her portrayal adds another delightful layer to the production’s wonderfully irreverent, tongue-in-cheek send-up of extreme liberal ideologies and the often-absurd realities of gentrification. As a versatile actress with a strong background in comedy, Sharon tackles the role of Devorah with ease. Her expressions and reactions are priceless. She is beautiful, strong, and emotionally charged. Great work! Fabulous actress!
Her husband Xander is played by Dann Florek, whose Broadway credits include The Front Page as well as numerous TV roles where he is best known for his portrayal of Captain Donald Cragen on Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Dann received a PRISM Award nomination for his performance in a Drama Episode. Florek portrays strength even when he is not speaking. His character is calm and put together, with perfect timing on his comments and reactions. The audience sits eager to hear his next remarks. Strong actor with determination and purpose.
Jamie Pierce who portrays Brad #1, received a Desert Theatre League Award nomination and Ovation Award nomination, and Matthew Scott Montgomery plays Brad #2, is a recipient of Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Actor, and Ovation Award nominee for Best Actor.
The two Brad’s are flawless, exhilarating, and wonderfully animated in their roles as the couple next door – Nacho’s parents. They are perfect in every way possible. So pleasurable to watch them react to each other and others. The sparks, the chemistry is powerful among all the actors. Beautiful work!
Produced by John Ruskin and Michael R. Myers, the creatives are Stephanie Kerley Schwartz (Scenic Design), Brandon Baruch (Lighting Design), Hannah Owens-Bender (Costume Design), Keith Stevenson (Sound Design), Megan Trapani (Props), Victoria Hoffman (Casting), Nicole Millar (Production Stage Manager).
The West Coast premiere of Nacho Ate Spiderman runs through December 20, 2026. The shows are on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 8:00 pm, and Sundays at 2:00 pm (no performances on Nov. 14, 19; Dec. 3, 12. Added performances at 8pm on Nov. 16; Dec. 7, 14). Run time is approximately 90 minutes with no intermission. Ruskin Group Theatre is located at 2800 Airport Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Free parking is available on site. More information: 310) 397-3244. Tickets are $45, with discounts for students and seniors, and can be purchased in advance at https://app.arts-people.com/?show=364403