This play is dedicated to anyone – especially young mothers – who society deemed crazy instead of giving them an opportunity to live.
Before The Drugs Kick In, which was a debut sensation at Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023, will hit the stage in Long Island City 12 times from Friday, Jan. 5, until Sunday, Jan. 28.
The plot follows a 62-year-old woman, Lynn T. Walsh, in an insane asylum. She closes her eyes and magically becomes a 28-year-old comedian. A stand-up routine follows as Walsh comments on mental health, feminism, psychiatric treatment, life in the suburbs, and maternity. Dressed in black on a barren stage with only one chair, she uses a cigarette as a prop. (Editor’s note: The monologue contains funny punchlines, but it also touches on extremely difficult themes such as suicide.)
Ticket prices run from $15 to $25. The four Friday and four Saturday shows start at 7 pm. The four Sunday performances begin at 4 pm.
Maria DeCotis plays Walsh, while the play is written, directed, and produced by Mike Lemme with movement direction from Mandy Gordon.
After making its world premiere at Edinburgh Fringe, Before The Drugs Kick In had a multiple-show run at UNDER St. Marks in Manhattan. Now it’s at the Court Square Theater at 44-02 23rd St. Renamed last year, the Court Square Theater was the Astoria Performing Arts Center’s home stage. APAC now shares the venue with Theatre East, a nonprofit collective dedicated to fostering new plays.
Located near the Court Sq-23 St Station for the 7, M, E, and G trains, Court Square Theater seats about 85 people per show.
Top image: Maria DeCotis; bottom image: Court Square Theater