RACHEL BLOOMS IN DEATH
Rachel Bloom, the co-creator and star of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, gives a hilarious and vulnerable performance in her raunchy and irreverent one-woman musical comedy Death, Let Me Do My Show directed by Seth Barrish. This show comes to Steppenwolf after a multi-city tour and a sold-out Off-Broadway run in September of 2023.
Death, Let Me Do My Show is part comedy special, part solo show. Bloom tries to convince the audience (and herself) that this show is not going to be about the COVID-19 pandemic, and certainly not about death, but of course, that’s exactly what it’s about. The show is full of surprises and deep belly laughs but sometimes gets a little too meta (or maybe not meta enough). In contrast to sections of very in-the-moment comedy and very genuine reflection, the more scripted comedy moments feel forced, as if Bloom doesn’t even quite buy into what she’s doing. I think I would believe her if she wasn’t so incredibly real otherwise. Outside of those moments though (which are few and far between), the show is masterful.
The subject matter covers Bloom’s personal experiences with intense anxiety and loss during the pandemic, which could be triggering for some and extremely cathartic for others. On the evening I attended, a few audience members started audibly sobbing. But Bloom pulls us out of those moments of catharsis with a splash of cold water: a brilliantly funny joke. The sharp turns from deeply sad moments to laughing out loud are mostly successful and create an experience that leaves you emotionally satisfied.
It’s clear Bloom knows how to command a stage as a comedian, interacting with the audience and keeping everyone on their toes. When a phone starts to ring, she’s not afraid to stop the show and call out the culprit. (Seriously, please silence or turn off your phone when you go see live theatre. This is the second show in a row that someone has been texting in front of me. You can live without it for 90 minutes).
My favorite parts of the show are bits I can’t tell you about without spoiling your experience but trust me when I say there are some delightful surprises. You’ll have to go see it for yourself!
photos by Emilio Madrid
Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Show
guest production at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, 1650 N. Halsted St.
ends on August 24, 2024
for tickets, call 312.335.1650 or visit Steppenwolf
for more shows, visit Theatre in Chicago