Critical Reviews of Washer/Dryer

Rachna Khatau, Ewan Chung, Corey Wright, Karen Huie and Nancy Stone in
Washer Dryer by Nandita Shenoy at East West Players
Photo by Michael Lamont

In full transparency, I like to post all the review of my show; the good, the bad, and the ugly! Washer/Dryer has gotten a good mix, things that I agree and don't agree with on both sides. But what has been noted through all of them so far, is that the show is filled with laughs, which means you're going to have a good time. Check out my favorite highlights below.

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"Under director Peter J. Kuo's competent direction, the proceedings are diverting in a Norman Lear way...a sincere, well intended contrivance that gets its laughs like clockwork.... Khatau’s fresh, understated heroine and Chung’s likable, short-fused hero are nicely matched -- she is hilarious at her climactic meltdown, and he valiantly strives to keep the various tropes from stereotype. Huie and Stone expertly attack their functionary roles, and Wright, who also voices Sonya’s doorman, performs his duties with outsized flair"

Review - Los Angeles Times - Washer/Dryer (February 19, 2015)

"Big Load of Talent Tossed Into WASHER/DRYER Spins Outa Clean, Hot, Fresh, Finished Pice of Entertainment...Director Peter J. Kuo whips this talented cast of five through a fast, even paced ninety-minutes of social issues served up on a tasty elixir of laughter."

Review - BroadwayWord.com - Washer/Dryer (February 20, 2015)

"...a nearly unqualified rave...Shenoy’s ingenious—and consistently hilarious—script... Peter J. Kuo’s inspired direction...a cast that ought to be transferred lock, stock, and wok to the small screen if and when Washer/Dryer is awarded the weekly 30-minute slot it so richly deserves."

Review - StageSceneLA.com - Washer/Dryer (February 20, 2015)

"Directed by Peter Kuo with a sitcom sensibility, the piece feels like a pilot of the likes of Dharma & Greg...for those who loved Dharma & Greg, this is quite a compliment."

Review - ArtsinLA.com - Washer/Dryer (February 20, 2015)

"[A] magnificent new comedy – a triumphant coming together of acting, directing, writing and timing...the funniest play I’ve seen in a year as director Peter J Kuo superbly handles the farce and family dynamics."
Review - ActorsEntertainment.com - Washer/Dryer (February 22, 2015)

"Reasonably well-acted and seasoned with some light hijinks..."

Review - LA Weekly - Washer/Dryer (February 23, 2015)

See if you agree! Washer/Dryer runs at East West Players until March 15, 2015! Get your tickets at www.EastWestPlayers.org.

Audience Responses to Washer/Dryer

Ewan Chung and Rachna Khatau in
Washer/Dryer by Nandita Shenoy.
Photo by MichaelLamont

This is what audiences have been saying about Washer/Dryer online:

4.2 stars out of 5 on Goldstar
"What a wonderful show!"- SoCalGirl
"Very well done. Unique plot & well acted. Very funny!" - Apmed

"GO see it-soooo great." - Leanne S., Facebook 2/14/15

"It's a super fun time!!" Justin L., Facebook 2/14/15

"Congratulations on a funny and great-sounding production." - Joey D. Facebook 2/14/15

"WASHER DRYER at East West Players. hilarious and really exciting; it's the first time I've seen a romantic comedy where the central characters are a Chinese American man and South Asian woman. Lovely work." - Greg W., Facebook 2/14/15"

"Get your arses to East West Players and go see Nandita Shenoy's "Washer/Dryer"!!! It's one of the best things I've seen at EWP and certainly one of the funniest plays I've seen in a long time." - Rodney T., Facebook, 2/12/15.

"A fun romp!" - Janet M., Facebook, 2/14/15

"SUCH a great show!" - Christopher B., Facebook, 2/14/15

"It was a great 90min feel good romantic comedy. Go See It!" - Dina D., Facebook, 2/13/15

"Saw a hilarious preview of Washer/Dryer at East West Players. Go see it when it opens." - Jordan W. - Twitter, 2/13/15

"Had a blast last night at Washer/Dryer." - Scott M., Twitter, 2/12/15

"Go see Washer/Dryer @EWPlayers! Sweet, funny, wonderful performances + well-directd!" - Dana L., Twitter, 2/12/15

GET YOUR TICKETS! The show closes March, 15, 2015: Go to www.EastWestPlayers.org

Washer/Dryer at EWP; Feb. 12 - Mar. 15

There are a lot of reasons I'm excited about directing this production of Washer/Dryer at East West Players. Yes, it's my directorial debut on East West Players' main stage. Yes, I'm joining the ranks of a theatre company that I've known, studied, and worked at administratively for more than half of my life. Yes, I have an incredibly talented team of actors, designers and production staff members. 

But what is really exciting about this play is, not only does it feature hilarious writing and a heartfelt struggle between loneliness and relationships, but it reflects the reality of what a diverse America looks like today. The central themes of these plays aren't about race, or sexuality. Yet, the play features characters that are written to reflect multiple races and sexual identities. There is no huge thematic reason these characters are the way they are. They just are. And that's how it should be. It broadens the audience to seeing a diverse group of people on the stage, and then hopefully more on television and in films.

Please check your schedules now and reserve the time (and your ticket) to see this hilarious new production!

East West Players presents

Washer/Dryer

by Nandita Shenoy

Directed by Peter J. Kuo

February 12 - March 15, 2015

Love. Lies. (Dirty) Laundry.

A newlywed's marriage is put to the test by her husband's intrusive mother-in-law, their New York co-op’s strict president, and--worst of them all--the her washer/dryer. Tempers and misunderstanding flare and mayhem ensues as the couple is forced to re-evaluate their relationship and decide whether all is fair in love and real estate. Washer/Dryer is a hilarious new farce that examines marriage in the modern day against the backdrop of New York City real estate.  

Featuring 

Ewan Chung, Karen Huie, Rachna Khatau, Nancy Stone and Corey Wright

Set Design - Arturo Betanzos and Sasha Monge

Costume Design - Sara Ryung Clement

Lighting Design - Rebecca Bonebrake

Sound Design - Howard Ho

Prop Master - Sasha Monge

Stage Manager - Michelle Gutierrez-Martina

Assistant Stage Manager - Brandon Cheung

Tickets and additional info at:

www.EastWestPlayers.org or 213.625.7000

Performances are at

David Henry Hwang Theater

at 120 Judge John Aiso Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012

Deferring, Directing and Los Angeles

"The best way to get a job in your city--is to move out of it." 

Several artists said this to me when I discussed the potential of graduate school as well as moving out of Los Angeles. Lo and behold, just one week before my one-way flight to NYC I got a call from East West Players' artistic director inquiring if I'd be interested in directing a show in their season.

I can already hear it now, "Aren't you supposed to be in school earning your Directing MFA?"; "You're going to be in L.A. again?"; "Did you even move to New York?" Yes, yes, and yes. Let me address all of these questions.

The Deferment

My Obligatory NYC Instagram Photo

Early June, I received a call from The New School of Drama's admissions program. They found themselves in a unique situation where their program designed to have a specific playwright/director/actor ratio was uneven, so they were looking to one of the accepted directors to defer their admission in exchange for additional scholarship monies. I considered it briefly but I had already made my big announcement on Facebook that I was moving. And we all know when something goes up on Facebook it's PERMANENT! So, I turned down the offer. 

Fast-forward six weeks later, in which there were a few additional discussions between the administration and other admitted directors to no resolve on the deferment issue. Again, a call with a final offer from the administration in hopes of enticing me to defer. This time, with a generous scholarship package, an opportunity to start classes part time, access to an advance directing course designed for 2nd and 3rd year MFA students, and an effort to connect me with working directors and professional theatres during my part-time year. In evaluating my priorities, my overall goals, and my financial circumstances; for me, it was a package too beneficial to pass up.

So, yes, I've moved to New York, I'm in school, and I'm part-time. What this means is, at the earliest I'll be graduating in 2018.

The Offer

As my departure from Los Angeles drew near, I got requests to set up a few goodbye get-togethers, which included some of my favorite artists, artistic producers, and my Artists at Play cohorts. I shared news of my deferment with some, and of course, as people in L.A. love to hear the latest news, it made its way through the grapevine.

East West Players' David Henry Hwang Theater

As I said, I got the call from East West Players just a week before my one-way flight out of town. "Would you be interested in directing a show in our upcoming season?" A rush of thoughts ran through my head. I read the play, researched the playwright, and checked my class schedule. I would be missing three weeks of school in the spring semester if I took the job. I contacted the school and asked their opinion. There were questions. There was conversation. And in the end, "Do it! If it's a play you're excited about and a good opportunity, take it now. You won't be able to when you're a full-time student." I pursued the opportunity. And after some discussion between myself, the playwright, and the producers, I got the green light.

So, yes, I'll be returning to Los Angeles for a couple of months, I'll be directing at East West Players, and I'm very excited. Because of my deferment and part-time status, I am able to direct this show and simply not enroll in the spring semester.

The Show

There it is. The crazy twisted journey that will have me a bit bi(-coastal) this year. And without any further delay, the play and the great team I get to work with:

East West Players presents 

the World Premiere of

Washer/Dryer 

by Nandita Shenoy
Directed by Peter J. Kuo

Set Design by Art Betanzos
Costume Design by Sara Ryung Clement
Lighting Design by Rebecca Bonebrake
Sound Design by Howard Ho
Prop Design by Sasha Monge

February 12 - March 15, 2015

Love. Loneliness. And Laundry.

Washer/Dryer is a hilarious new farce that features a diverse cast of characters of different races and sexual orientation. A newlywed's marriage is put to the test by the husband's intrusive mother-in-law, their New York co-op’s strict president, and--worst of them all--the wife’s washer/dryer. Tempers and misunderstanding flare and mayhem ensues as the couple is forced to re-evaluate their relationship and decide whether all is fair in love and real estate in this world premiere.

In addition to this play being produced in February, Nandita and I will be preparing a public reading of the play at the Japanese American National Museum on Thursday, October 16, at 7:30 p.m. followed by a talk-back with the cast. This reading is presented as part of East West Players' Writers Gallery reading series.

So, I hope to see you at the reading and the production. And Los Angelenos, let's get together when I'm in town. Oh, and since I won't be enrolled in the spring semester next year, if you hear of any directing opportunities between mid-February and mid-August in Los Angeles or New York, you know where to find me.