Review: CHASING HAPPY, Theatre Row NYC

Photo credit: John Quilty

A love triangle between three men plus the inclusion of an ex-wife and a mother in-law makes for a hilarious and touching experience in Chasing Happy, now at Theatre Row in NYC.

Chasing Happy stars Spencer Aste as ‘Nick’, a middle-aged bachelor, formerly married to ‘Helen’, played by Jenny Bennett. A typical morning after takes an unexpected turn when Rob (Christopher James Murray) bursts in, demanding answers as to why Nick is sleeping with his boyfriend Brad (Schyler Conaway). Witness to all this is Nick’s mother ‘Maria’, played by Antoinette LeVecchia. As the story unfolds, the audience witnesses these five characters sort out the mess of their lives and come to terms with their ever evolving identities.

Chasing Happy is written by Michel Wallerstein and directed by Alexa Kelly. Christian Flemming’s set design brilliantly puts the audience right in the living room with the characters. Through its generally light tone, the story and performances offer the audience the chance to explore some of life’s more difficult questions. This is a wonderful show presented by Pulse Theatre, and a perfect piece for anyone who is interested in LGBTQ+ stories.

**** Four stars

Reviewed by: Liz Turner

Chasing Happy is playing now until 11 November, with further information here.