By Juan Markos
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 10/20/24 – On October 17th, I had the pleasure of attending the darkly comedic play “I’ll Be With You Shortly” at the Loft Ensemble Theater in North Hollywood. This thought-provoking production begins with Carrie, a woman who finds herself in a waiting room after an accident, grappling with the unsettling possibility that she might be dead. Is she in heaven, hell, or somewhere in between? When she questions the ever-so-calm receptionist, the answer is as intriguing as it is simple: she’s just in reception.
Written by Michael Merton and directed by Carol Becker, the play dives into the existential questions surrounding life after death—an age-old debate that has sparked discussions among philosophers and theologians alike. With a rich blend of humor and darkness, it explores a Judeo-Christian framework of ethics, inviting the audience to ponder the consequences of our actions and the nature of good and evil.
As Carrie waits in the reception area, we’re treated to a series of engaging vignettes that showcase the lives of various characters before they too find themselves in this liminal space. Each mini story offers a unique blend of humor and revelation, revealing how some lead to a fiery hell, while others unexpectedly land in the bliss of heaven. One particularly memorable vignette involves a wedding guest sharing a heartfelt story, initially suggesting a traditional ‘straight-to-hell’ scenario. To my surprise, this tale takes a turn, leading the character to a heavenly reunion with an old partner.
The ensemble cast shines in this production, featuring talents like Alexis C. Martino, Rebecca O’Brien, Janet Hoskins, and Jerry Weil, among others. Each actor brings their character to life with nuance, contributing to the play’s overall charm and depth.
“I’ll Be With You Shortly” is a delightful mix of humor, poignancy, and philosophical exploration. It challenges audiences to consider what truly awaits us after life and does so with wit and grace. I highly recommend catching this compelling production before it wraps up on November 7th at the Loft Ensemble Theater. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy this unique theatrical experience that promises to entertain and provoke thought in equal measure!
Production company: Neo Ensemble Theatre.
