Williams Hall has once again brought the vibrancy of live theater to Key West with its latest production, Parallel Lives, a delightful, thought-provoking play that opened on February 12th. With a limited run of only eight performances through February 22nd, this fast-paced, laugh-out-loud comedy is a testament to the versatility and brilliance of its two stars, Erin McKenna and Puddin Taine, under the expert direction of Jeremy Zoma. The play, a series of sketches originally written by Mo Gaffney and Kathy Najimy, dives into the complexities of gender, relationships, and societal expectations with a healthy dose of humor and poignancy.
Parallel Lives is structured around a series of vignettes that explore the myriad contradictions in our daily lives. From the opening scene, where McKenna and Taine play celestial beings planning the creation of the world, to the final moments, this play presents an absurd and hilarious view of how societal norms are created and dismantled. Each sketch stands alone, but together, they form a mosaic of human experiences that touch on everything from love, friendship, and sexuality to the roles society expects us to fulfill.
What sets Parallel Lives apart is the way it tackles serious subjects with an undeniably comedic approach. The blend of sharp, witty dialogue with physical comedy makes the material accessible and entertaining, while still encouraging the audience to reflect on deeper themes. One minute you’re laughing at a send-up of a beauty pageant, and the next, you’re contemplating the complexities of modern-day feminism or the absurdity of societal pressures. McKenna and Taine’s performances are so in sync with one another that they effortlessly shift between characters and emotions, keeping the audience engaged throughout.
Erin McKenna and Puddin Taine are electric on stage. The chemistry between the two actors is palpable, and they complement each other perfectly. McKenna’s physical comedy is particularly outstanding, and her ability to switch from one character to another with lightning speed is impressive. In one sketch, she portrays a man engaging in locker-room banter with Taine’s character, effortlessly embodying the exaggerated machismo and bravado typically associated with male interactions, and in the next, she’s a deeply introspective woman grappling with her identity and the expectations placed upon her.
Puddin Taine, meanwhile, brings a softer touch to her performances but still packs a punch when it comes to comedic timing. Her portrayal of women navigating the absurdity of romantic relationships is both hilarious and heartbreakingly real. Taine has a way of grounding the more outrageous sketches in reality, making even the most absurd scenarios relatable to the audience. She shines in a scene where she plays a woman at the mercy of a judgmental therapist, and her subtle shifts in expression and body language keep the audience hanging on her every word.
What makes McKenna and Taine such a powerful pair is their ability to work as one unit while also giving each sketch its own distinct flavor. Whether they’re playing celestial beings, suburban housewives, or men in a bar, their performances feel fresh and inventive, and they bring out the best in each other.
Director Jeremy Zoma deserves significant credit for the success of this production. His vision for Parallel Lives emphasizes the play’s fast pace and high energy, allowing the actors to truly shine. Zoma has created a staging that’s minimal but effective, ensuring that the focus remains on McKenna and Taine’s performances. The transitions between scenes are seamless, keeping the audience on their toes as they’re whisked from one vignette to the next. Zoma’s direction highlights the absurdity in each scene while also grounding the play in its more poignant moments.
The use of lighting and sound also adds depth to the production. The shifts in lighting, designed to match the emotional tone of each sketch, help set the mood and enhance the audience’s immersion in the different worlds McKenna and Taine create. The subtle sound effects complement the humor and emotional beats without ever distracting from the action on stage.
Parallel Lives is a perfect example of how theater can entertain and provoke thought simultaneously. Williams Hall, located at 729 Fleming Street, Key West, Florida, provides an intimate venue that enhances the play’s personal and relatable themes. The close quarters make every laugh, gasp, and pause resonate throughout the room, creating a shared experience between the actors and audience that is rare in larger theaters.
This production will run for only eight performances, from February 12th to 15th and February 19th to 22nd, and tickets are expected to sell quickly. The limited run adds a sense of urgency for theatergoers to experience this hilarious and thought-provoking piece before it’s gone. Audiences looking for a night of laughter, reflection, and exceptional performances shouldn’t miss out on this unique production.
Parallel Lives at Williams Hall is a must-see for fans of smart, engaging comedy. Erin McKenna and Puddin Taine deliver performances that are both hilarious and deeply resonant, making this production one of the standout theater events of the season. With Jeremy Zoma’s sharp direction, Parallel Lives successfully walks the line between absurdity and sincerity, offering a night of theater that will leave you laughing while contemplating the intricacies of life.
Tickets for Parallel Lives can be purchased through the Williams Hall website at https://keystix.com/williams-
No Comment