Nancy F***ing Reagan

The direction by Larry Mango was solid and engaging.  Its subject matter took me back to a time where thousands of people were dying from an insidious disease made worse by not being mentioned by the most powerful and influential couple.

The performances are energetic, as they navigate serious conversations with a light touch...

...Laughter helps us find release and get perspective, during a serious story. What terrific insight she has about this thought-provoking production.

The subject of the play is something we need to witness, understand and discuss. The execution of it lacks the clarity that ultimately diffuses any power it might have.

Overall, Nancy F***ing Reagan features compelling dialogue and a strong dynamic that draws us in. The characters and their relationships are believable. The rising tension is not only effectively paced, but transfixing. While the play is blatant in its criticism of Reagan’s policy on AIDS, it is also a careful and thoughtful character study that examines how this tragedy continues to affect in the lives of the individuals connected to it. Despite shortcomings in plot and structure, this play lingers in the mind — much like the impact of AIDS still lingers today.

In this skillfully produced new play, Nancy F***ing Reagan, David (Kiff Scholl) turns 50, so he joins his friend Maggie (Debi Tinsley) and a few companions for a Palm Springs vacation. They banter about the Reagan administration from the ‘80s, especially the social challenges then. Eventually, David and a friend declare their views on live television.

The performances are energetic, as they navigate serious conversations with a light touch. The set feels just like a Palm Springs getaway, with festive artwork and a table topped by wine bottles.

It’s been nearly 35 years since the beloved film star Rock Hudson died of a heretofore unknown disease called AIDS. At the time, Ronald Reagan, who had been a movie star himself (although not a beloved one) was president. He reacted to news of the malady that was soon to take the lives of a generation of men with indifference and denial. If he had had access to the damning terminology of our current president, he might have dismissed this tragedy as “just a Chinese hoax.”

Larry Margo directs this well presented production aided by an outstanding cast.

...a tight, talented, and hilarious ensemble cast; under the experienced directorial hand of L.A. theater veteran Larry Margo, they make “Nancy F***ing Reagan” a hilariously confrontational joy that is worthy of the boldness of its title.

Daniel Hurewitz's clean, crisp writing is the best element of this production. Acting is terrific especially from Debi Tinsley and Kiff Scholl. In spite of how angry the title sounds, there are a lot of laughs and much food for thought for those who have heretofore ignored AIDS and those gays it has deeply affected.

Hurewitz is spot on in writing good characters, dialogue and conflict; each member of the ensemble making a vivid, memorable first impression.

It swings from the funny to the dramatic to the absurd, but manages to do so without ever seeming jarring or unmotivated.

With a solid premise and taut dialogue, “Nancy F**king Reagan” comes across entertaining with a poignant message. The cast as a whole is so well cast that it felt like I was eavesdropping on a weekend with friends... The direction by Larry Mango was solid and engaging.