HOLE! Already has a formidable reputation. Written and performed by Jake Brasch and Nadja Leonhard Hooper, who together perform as American Sing Song, the musical comedy has already built a passionate fanbase through sold out runs and considerable word of mouth buzz. Judging by the reaction inside the theatre, those expectations are being met in full.
Set in a religious Nebraska community that survives an apocalyptic event known as The Great Sucking by wearing butt plugs around the clock, the premise is certainly memorable. The show follows two young believers who embark on a journey that leads them to question everything they have been taught about love, identity and the world around them.
If that sounds ridiculous, that’s because it is. Deliberately so.
For the next eighty minutes, the production relies heavily on the audience laughing at every mention of butt plugs, and there are many. Yet they are met with laughter from a crowd clearly delighted by the show’s gleeful absurdity.
To be fair, there is something undeniably funny about the central concept. The sheer commitment to such a ludicrous premise generates plenty of laughs, particularly in the early stages. Brasch and Leonhard Hooper throw themselves wholeheartedly into the madness, switching effortlessly between characters, creating live sound effects and accompanying themselves with live music throughout. From a technical standpoint, it is impressively executed and showcases a considerable amount of skill. While the writing occasionally stretches its central joke too far, there is no questioning the energy, commitment and talent on display.
The problem is that HOLE! rarely knows when to stop. Where the best absurdist comedy understands the value of restraint, this production continually pushes a joke beyond its natural lifespan. Entire sections become bogged down in surprisingly detailed discussions about the logistics of everyday life while wearing permanent butt plugs, such as using the toilet. In a story where virtually every other aspect is wildly unrealistic, these lengthy explanations feel oddly unnecessary and bring the momentum to a halt.
The central romance encounters similar problems. What begins as an intriguing relationship gradually becomes frustrating as the narrative repeatedly delays the inevitable. The prolonged reluctance to bring the two leads together eventually starts to feel less like suspense and more like queerbaiting, making it difficult to remain emotionally invested in their journey.
Directed by RJ Tolan, HOLE! is clearly crafted for audiences willing to embrace its unique brand of absurdity. There is no denying the talent on stage, nor the enthusiasm of the audience around them. For many, it will undoubtedly be exactly what they hoped for. For others, the joke simply wears thin long before the show reaches its conclusion. Frequently hilarious but ultimately overindulgent, it is a production that mistakes repetition for escalation.
Listings and ticket information can be found here
