THE HIGH PRICE
OF HIGH RETURNS

A smart, timely dark comedy asks
what happens when the pursuit of
profit starts costing more than money

Willa (Lauren English) confronts May (Sharon Shao) in San Francisco Playhouse’s R.O.I. (Return on Investment) Creativity Theater

Bay Area theatergoers need to act fast to see San Francisco Playhouse’s latest production, the dark comedy R.O.I. (Return on Investment). Unlike most of its productions, which usually run up to six weeks, this clever and timely show has only a limited three-week run at the smaller Creativity Theater in Yerba Buena Gardens. This spoof, which could also be a cautionary tale, is set in present-day Silicon Valley, the birthplace of the tech industry.

Paul (Anthony Fusco) and May (Sharon Shao)

We are introduced to May Lee (Sharon Shao), a young, intelligent venture capitalist. She’s been working at a successful, established, and profitable firm run by her boss and mentor Paul Montrose (Anthony Fusco). After years of hard work during which many start-ups have failed, they are reaping the financial benefits and enjoying the good life. Paul likes to brag about being mentored by Steve Jobs.

May (Sharon Shao) and Willa (Lauren English

May meets Dr. Willa McGovern (Lauren English), an up-and-coming scientist who claims to be on the precipice of a technological breakthrough that can detect cancer early, allowing it to be treated immediately. Dr. Willa is convinced that her work will change the world and make her and any of her investors rich and famous. Young May is fascinated and wants to get in on the ground floor of something that has the potential to catapult her career to new heights. Paul is also excited, and the three of them hit the ground running in what seems like a win-win for all of them.

Willa (Lauren English) and Paul (Anthony Fusco) blindside May (Sharon Shao)

Lauren English as Dr. Willa McGovern

After some initial success and fame, though, moral and ethical concerns come into play. Does this life-changing technology come with a price? Money can become an addictive drug, begging the question: How much money and power are enough? May starts to become concerned, then alarmed, by Dr. Willa’s ambition and the lengths she seems willing to go to in order to maximize her profits. Their existential arguments, with Paul seeing both sides, become the crux of the story. All three of the main actors are well cast and give believable performances. Of course, there are no easy solutions.

Paul (Anthony Fusco), Willa (Lauren English) and May (Sharon Shao) speak at a congressional hearing

Bonnie Akimoto

Bay Area residents who have witnessed the meteoric rise of the tech industry will sympathize with their plight. The clever script by former game designer and venture capitalist Aaron Loeb is filled with quick, snappy dialogue. The dialogue recalls Aaron Sorkin’s (The West Wing, The Social Network) style of writing, where all the characters are the brightest and best in their fields. They all walk and talk over each other, passionately expressing their ideas.

Willa (Lauren English) and May (Sharon Shao)

Knowingly directed by Jonathan Moscone, we get to witness impressive acting while confronting existential dilemmas that are up-to-the-minute in our culture and politics. People with seemingly altruistic intentions become intoxicated with money and the potential for personal power. Set designer Bill English’s minimally furnished set provides the actors plenty of room to roam the stage as they argue their cases. This 90-minute, one-act play covers a lot of ground in a concise yet thought-provoking manner. Don’t miss this end-of-summer gem of a show!

May (Sharon Shao) and Paul (Anthony Fusco)

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photos by Jessica Palopoli

R.O.I. (Return on Investment)
San Francisco Playhouse
Creativity Theater, 221 4th St. in San Francisco
Tue. & Thu. 7; Wed. 2 & 7; Fri. 8; Sat. 2 & 8; Sun. 2
ends on September 5, 2026
running time: 90 minutes, no intermission
for tickets ($41–$57), call 415.677.9596 or visit San Francisco Playhouse

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