BESIDE MYSELF WITH PRAISE

When the lights came up at the end of Act I of Beside Myself, my immediate reaction was, “No!” I was so invested in the proceedings of this stupendous world premiere that waiting fifteen minutes to see what happens next seemed criminal. Such is the payoff of Paul Slade Smith’s writing and North Coast Rep’s production under director David Ellenstein.

Erin Noel Grennan & Jacquelyn Ritz

Tom Daugherty, Matthew Henerson, Christopher M. Williams,
Erin Noel Grennan & Alanna J. Smith

I pride myself on doing my best to share what’s good about a play without giving away too much of what it builds to. This play challenges me because all of Act II is based on a delightful twist that comes near the end of Act I that I refuse to give away for your benefit.

Tom Daugherty, Jacquelyn Ritz, Christopher M. Williams & Matthew Henerson

Jacquelyn Ritz & Erin Noel Grennan

The play opens with three never-named post-op patients (Matthew Henerson, Christopher M. Williams, and Alanna J. Smith) of brain surgeon Dr. Thatcher (Jacquelyn Ritz). The three describe how they were anxiety-ridden messes before a minimal brain procedure with the doctor rid them completely of all stress. Next, meet Gemma (Erin Noel Grennan), a woman so riddled with anxiety that you almost want to scream out to her, “Call this Dr. Thatcher woman!”

Matthew Henerson, Christopher M. Williams (front on floor),
Erin Noel Grennan (on couch), Jacquelyn Ritz and Tom Daugherty (behind couch)

Erin Noel Grennan & Matthew Henerson

Gemma meets the doctor as well as Thatcher’s post-surgical receptionist, Sylvie (Ms. Smith again), who is boldly confident and raves about what the surgery has done for her self-assurance. Gemma is both intrigued and terrified: the procedure is billed as an opportunity to reduce her anxiety and simplify her life, but it feels risky, and Gemma wrestles with doubts. She debates with Colin (Thomas Edward Daugherty), a friend and potential suitor, as she tries to decide whether going under Dr. Thatcher’s care is a leap of faith worth risking, despite warnings of potential personality side effects. What happens from there crosses over into spoiler territory, but it gets far more interesting quickly and never lets go.

Erin Noel Grennan & Christopher M. Williams

Erin Noel Grennan & Tom Daugherty

Ms. Ritz gives a crisp, energetic coldness to Dr. Thatcher that makes it believable that any person suffering from stress would be coaxed into her web. Ms. Smith is deliciously detestable as the far-too-perfect Sylvie. All six actors are marvelous. Ms. Grennan pulls off terrific physical comedy that heightens the amusement well beyond the keenly crafted laugh lines. As Gemma, she is the only actor not playing multiple parts, but a plethora of quick costume changes backstage, vocal choices, and attitude shifts make certain that you always know who you are seeing onstage (costumes by Alina Bokovikova and wigs by Peter Herman). Mr. Ellenstein ensures that it definitely feels like far more than six performers are creating this much magic, and his pile-driving pacing creates palpable tension after intermission.

Tom Daugherty

Erin Noel Grennan, Christopher M. Williams & Matthew Henerson

Marty Burnett’s set design is both simple and highly effective. Beside Myself may hold the record for the most doors ever seen on NCR’s stage, plus about twelve never-opened mini-doors, kind of like drawers, that add to the Twilight Zone-like context.

(front) Erin Noel Grennan, (back) Alanna J. Smith, Matthew Henerson,
Christopher M. Williams & Jacquelyn Ritz

Erin Noel Grennan & Tom Daugherty

Fans of NCR’s hysterical 2023 production of The Angel Next Door (which also strongly featured Ms. Grennan) and/or Scripps Ranch Theatre’s robust 2025 production of Unnecessary Farce will be happy to be reminded that the three plays share the same excellent playwright, whose witticism is beyond reproach. NCR has a hit on its hands. Not only will it extend, but as productions begin sprouting up nationally, you can brag you were there at the beginning.

Erin Noel Grennan & Alanna J. Smith

Erin Noel Grennan & Alanna J. Smith

photos by Aaron Rumley

Christopher M. Williams, Alanna J. Smith, Erin Noel Grennan,
Tom Daugherty & Matthew Henerson

Erin Noel Grennan & Jacquelyn Ritz

Beside Myself
North Coast Repertory Theatre
987 Lomas Santa Fe Drive in Solana Beach
Wed at 7; Thurs & Fri at 7:30; Sat at 2 & 7:30; Sun at 2 & 7:30
ends on October 5, 2025
for tickets, call 858.481-1055 or visit North Coast Rep