The first thing you should know about grief: It’s okay to laugh about it. Grier Mathiot and Billy McEntee think so too. The pair are behind the modest but clever play, The Voices In Your Head which finds audience members sitting amongst an immensely talented cast in a support group circle—one that offers an outlet for people who have lost loved ones by embarrassing means. Gwen (Jamila Sabares-Klemm) serves as the grounded facilitator who keeps a compassionate hand on this group that mixes newcomers with regular attendees.
One by one, they share their losses ranging from slightly ridiculous to joyfully absurd. Director Ryan Dobrin ensures that his cast delivers the material with truth and sincerity, making this work equally poignant and laugh out loud funny.
While this entire ensemble is top tier, trans performer Daphne Overbeck steals the show as Regina, a flirtatious bombshell who picks up where Sex and the City’s Samantha Jones left off. Marcia Debonis is also a stand-out as Vivian, a high energy, earnest soul who infuses joy amidst this melancholic mix. Jehan O. Young as Hadiya, turns the meeting into an ultimate dance party.
Mathiot and McEntee have done a marvelous job establishing these characters and avoiding cookie cutter archetypes. By the end, we feel like we know exactly who they are and why the behave the way they do. The result is a sense of connectedness and community. The space itself, St. Lydia’s church, is cozy and welcoming.
One may think that audience participation is required, but fortunately, there is not. Gratefully, we’re given the gift of watching this sublime cast do all the work.
Death and loss is somber and heartbreaking, but in this carefully constructed work, we’re reminded of our own mortality and given license to freely giggle through the sadness.
The Voices In Your Head is now playing at St. Lydia’s, 304 Bond Street in Brooklyn through October 6th. For tickets and information, click here: eggandspoontheatre.org
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