Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
During the opening, we enjoy wonderful music and the Goddess of Spring greets us with her colorful dress, full of flowers in bloom. While we are enjoying her calm and promising opening, we are told to be ready to be swept away by the Manhattan train.
The Enigma in the First Car of the Manhattan Bound C-Train, written and directed by Jorge A. Pulido, unfolds, the train is loading passengers. On his way to work, a stockbroker arrives first. Slightly later, his daily routine is hijacked by love at first sight, leading him to spiral over making the first move. Usually brokers are confident and aggressive, but Brooks (Jeremy Bassett) is not, he is only persistent. He skips his stops and for the first time his morning routine is broken, and he is going to be late for his job. Needless to say – it seems that every move he makes is a wrong thing to do or say. Maya (Mindy Lee), Joe (R. Eric Hill) and subway rider (Luana Holtz), join him on the Manhattan bound C-train. Their exciting facial expressions alone make this scene a success!
In the second story, we are transferred into nature, Griffith Park to be more precise, where Miguel Ordenana (Jay Valles), a wildlife biologist, tells the tale of Wild Heart (part truth, part legend) of P-22, written and directed by Susan C. Hunter. P-22 is the subject of scientific study, and the first mountain lion who leaves his birthplace in the Santa Monica Mountains, crosses two freeways to become the Hollywood Cat. He wants to stay in the urban wilderness of Griffith Park and does not want to go to a cat sanctuary. Justin Gubersk beautifully portrays P -22.
From Write Act Repertory’s Firsts, a world premiere presentation of six original one-act plays that kick off the Spring season, the third selection) is Hit and Rita, written by Write Act Repertory theatre artists and directed by Abigail Peltonen. This story is about rushing to a job interview leads to a car accident with a drunk driver and the important job interview is derailed. Rita balances her misery between a drunk driver and a suspicious cop, all while coming to terms with her ex-boyfriend. The props, including the cars and the make-up are adorable. The play is very funny and well executed. Amelia Mackey portrays Rita, Cop is Adam Kroksh and Doug is Meilyn Luo. Fun and super creative.
The entire run of the show is about 100 mins, with one 15 min intermission. After the break we see another fun and entertaining piece called On the Surface, written by Thomas J. Misuraca and directed by Chris McGriff. This story takes us to the beach in Waikiki, where two lovers initiate a conversation about their past unrequited crushes, and maybe these events made them stronger people. It opens with a funny beach musician, who later also plays a cop, delightfully performed by Adam Kroksh. Two lovers are Brody (Justin Gubersky) and Edward (John Barbarotta). Justin and John play off each other beautifully and totally create the feeling of being on the beach. The scene is very inspirational with strong performances.
The fifth offering, The First Third, is written and directed by Darrin Yalacki, where after a couple spends an experimental night trying to re-spark their relationship, they deal with the fallout. Well done by Makeda Diggs (Sasha), Alyssa Lomosad (Morgan) and Mindy Le (Bailey).
Finally, the very last is The Anti-Strike, written and directed by Anne T. Mesa with Luana Holtz (Angela) and R. Eric Hill (Raymond), who portrays a burned-out first-time protester who quits activism and is ready to give up on speaking out. Challenged by a relentless co-worker to confront her silence, rediscover why her voice matters, Angela finds courage and an unexpected connection.
More than scenes and not quite shorr plays, each piece is Interesting, full of humor, well executed and all around is very enjoyable. The Show opened on March 28, and the run is through April 12, 2026, on Fridays at 7:30pm, Saturdays at 7:30pm – *Two Shows with Special matinee show on Sat, 4/4, 3pm and Sundays at 2pm – *No performance on Sun, 4/5, the Easter day. The last performance is on 4/12 Sunday at 2pm. Write Act Repertory at the Brickhouse Theatre is located on 10950 Peach Grove Street in North Hollywood, CA 91601. There is street parking (please arrive early). Refreshments are available at concessions.
The general tickets are $25. They can be purchased at www.writeactrep.simpletix.com or OnStage411.com