"White Rabbit Red Rabbit" -James Roday Review
Start writing a post
Entertainment

"White Rabbit Red Rabbit" -James Roday Review

This mysterious play is worth seeing even though you have no idea what you're getting into.

81
"White Rabbit Red Rabbit" -James Roday Review
White Rabbit Red Rabbit

"White Rabbit Red Rabbit" is an experience unlike any other you will have again. It's so secretive and elusive that I honestly don't know how to explain it without giving too much away. It was written by Nassim Soleimanpour, an Iranian who was not allowed to leave his country, so he wrote this play and let his words travel where he could not. There's a catch though (Isn't there always?). The actor performing the play is handed the sealed script as she/he walks out on stage, with no previous knowledge of what's about to happen. You can only perform the play if you know nothing about it. Because of this, every single performance has a different actor on stage. The tagline is "We dare you not to Google for more. Join the actors and leap." Now this is a frightening concept for actors and audiences alike. What in the world can possibly happen that makes it so shrouded in mystery? Still, an all star cast has rotated in and out of the Westside Theatre in the past year. The first performance was done by Nathan Lane and other leads included Whoopi Goldberg, Alan Cumming, Stana Katic, Mo Rocca, Wayne Brady, Darren Criss, Kyra Sedgwick, and most recently, James Roday.

James Roday's performance is the one I saw because I have been a "Psych-o" (affectionate fandom name for Psych fans lol) for over a decade. Luckily, his show was the second to last in this iteration, which is a show I had been dying to experience anyway. Since the entire point is to experience it not spoiled, I will try my best to only talk about moments specific to James Roday's interpretation of the words in the script. If the actor decides to add their own commentary, they simply raise their right hand to show that those words are their own and not what is written.

Before the script's envelope was opened, Roday decided to break the ice. To do this, he made the weirdest noise he could possibly produce and then told the audience we had to repeat after him. Let me tell you, it was not an easy noise to replicate, but it was hilarious. He shouted out his friend, Jimmi Simpson (of Westworld and a few episodes of Psych among many other things), for teaching him that noise. The best part? Simpson was actually seated within arms reach of me and recorded the entire noise plus the audience's reactions. It was something special watching a close friend enjoy the performance as much as I did.

The play has darker moments, but I really appreciated being able to see it with an actor who is naturally funny. At one point, he was supposed to read in a "strange voice" and he read it too normal, so he decided to read it in what he imagined as a strange voice and it was epic. Then at another point, he was asked to describe himself and he said he looked like Jamie Walters aka the guy from the 90s who sang "How Do You Talk to an Angel." Maybe 20 people in the audience remember that song, but let me tell you, it was accurate enough to make me laugh. It's that kind of obscure reference that made Psych what it was and I was so glad a tiny piece of Roday's pop culture knowledge was shown off.

Unfortunately, December 19th is the last performance this time around, but I hope if "White Rabbit Red Rabbit" ever makes its way back around, that it is something you chose to experience. You will be 1 of only about 250 people ever who can say that they saw that exact show.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

94952
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments