Two investigative journalists walk into a hotel room to get the “truth” about the celebrity comedian’s inner thoughts and beliefs, but just how far are they willing to go?
Lamar University kicks off the 2024-25 season with “Dumb Show” though Sept. 22 in the Studio Theatre.
“Dumb Show” takes place in a hotel room and centers around conversations between TV comedian Barry (Jay Sullivan) and reporters Liz (Juliana McManus) and Greg (Bailey Jenkins), initially disguised as bankers Jane and John. What starts as an innocent financial opportunity leads into allegations of entrapment and a story which will change Barry’s life forever.
As Jane and John pry answers out of Barry, their methods of doing so are questionable. For example, at one point Jane and Barry are alone in the hotel room getting ready for his big event. Barry is progressively drinking his way through the minibar and Jane easily takes advantage of his drunkenness.
Once the “past his prime” comedian figures out the truth about who the bankers are, he attacks Liz to look for the microphone wired on her. As she struggles to get free, Greg makes sure to get a photo of the action before he goes to help.
As the action progresses, the audience is forced to question the morals and ethics of the three characters.
“Dumb Show” has an excellent cast. Guest actor Sullivan’s Barry has an incredible range of emotions in his facial expressions alone. The audience is able to see a man with hope and life in his eyes slowly descend into a paranoid drunken mess by Act 2.
McManus’ Liz is a role different compared to previous characters she has played on the Lamar stage, but she is able to portray this conniving woman who knows exactly how to get what she wants well.
Jenkins’ Greg is an entertaining character with great moments in the show, constantly reassuring Liz in their efforts and shares the blame when things go awry. It is clear they are bonded together through their work.
As a fledgling journalist, watching these reporters is an eye-opening experience, as journalists do not usually get to see the impact their work could potentially have on a person. It also gives us the ability to reflect upon our own work and moral lens.
“Dumb Show,” despite its ironic title, is an intelligent think piece about the morality behind the people in journalism and what lines should and should not be crossed.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Sept. 20-21 and 2 p.m., Sept. 22. General admission tickets are $15, $10, for seniors, and 7$ for students with LU ID. For tickets, visit lamar.edu/lutdtix.