Handjob Reviews

Los Angeles Times- Somewhat Recommended

"...The Echo provoked a different kind of discomfort last year when it depicted an office shooting in "Gloria." Does its new production earn the right to push buttons as it does? Not entirely. I feel the ideas could be presented just as forcefully if the sex were treated more discreetly. But given the play's title, I can't complain that I wasn't warned."

Broadway World- Highly Recommended

"...Potential audiences who might have a sensitivity to the play's title would be as much the perfect receptive audience as those with no issue with the title HANDJOB. Patterson brings up social issues of every flavor and relevancy that will push everyone's button in one way or another. This critic's buttons were pushed, but I can't argue for or against certain concerns without giving away a key plot point. Go see it yourself and find out."

Stage Scene LA- Somewhat Recommended

"...Handjob is, if nothing else, ambitious in its intention to provoke thought and discussion on issues as diverse as gay representation in the media, the role of theater in a rapidly changing world, the pros and cons of showing actual sex acts on stage, racial stereotyping and objectification (Eddie is African-American), the dearth of diversity in casting, sexual harassment in the workplace, how much liberty an actor should have in determining his character's actions, and one man's right to appropriate another man's story as his own."

On Stage Los Angeles- Highly Recommended

"...Echo Theater's artistic director Chris Fields who directs Erik Patterson's World Premiere production of HANDJOB was seated in front of me during the opening night of one of the most brilliant pieces of theatre I have ever seen. Cognitive Dissonance notwithstanding.. and you'll understand why I bring that up when you go to see this show... Is an important part of the experience. Watching Chris so enjoy this play was a delight."

The Los Angeles Post- Highly Recommended

"...I won't reveal the twists and turns - you need to see them yourselves - except to say that they're ingeniously done, and unexpected. The audience is lulled into thinking it's seeing one kind of play for the better part of an hour, only to be turned around and led on a merry chase for the rest of the production's 90 or so minutes. The journey is as dazzling as Eddie's abs, and the acting, directing, and production are all up to the task."

Showmag- Somewhat Recommended

"...Patterson has structured a dramatic reveal here which seemed obvious to me but, as the friends I spoke with didn't see it coming, I'll not divulge the conceit. What it provokes is the reason Patterson wrote the play. A complex argument amongst most of the cast members ensues, opening the floodgates on the emotional battleground surrounding sexuality, consent, employee exploitation, appropriating another person's life story, whether straight actors can portray gay characters, and more. If this sounds like a lot, it is. Patterson is passionate about these topics and his characters speak intelligently about them. But, rather than kitchen-sink drama, Handjob is everything but the kitchen-sink drama. The tenuous situation just can't believably support the many arguments which halt the actual drama."

Stage Raw- Highly Recommended

"...Erik Patterson's new play, Handjob, aims to be provocative, and it succeeds in its goal. While the show features the explicit depiction of a sexual act (I bet you can guess which one), the playwright is going after bigger themes than sex alone. Issues such as consent, homophobia, racism and the depiction or lack of depiction of gay life in modern culture are a few of the subjects this work deftly explores. Patterson's play is smart and very funny, and if its reach slightly exceeds its grasp, it's no matter. The world premiere production by the Echo Theater Company is expertly acted and directed and genuinely thought-provoking in the best way."

Theatre Notes- Highly Recommended

"...I must be leading a sheltered life here in my apartment in the greater Los Angeles megalopolis. I thought I was pretty much up on things. I read the Times and the New Yorker. I watch the ever-saddening news. I talk to lots of people. I see lots of plays. But until I signed up to review Erik Patterson's Handjob, now in its world premiere production at Echo Theater Company, I had no notion that shirtless cleaners are a thing; that is, persons who come to one's abode, take off their shirt or blouse or whatever and go about dusting, sweeping, vacuuming and so forth for a high price and a short stay. And the occupant gets to watch. I have seen the vans with "Topless Maids" inscribed on them, but never really grokked that it might be literal."

Haines His Way- Somewhat Recommended

"...A gay writer hires a "shirtless cleaner" and thereby begins Eric Patterson's World Premiere comedy Handjob at Echo Theater Company at the Atwater Village Theatre. It is the first time experience for Keith (Steven Culp) and he is nervous and unsure how to act as the ripped African American stud Eddie (Michael Rishawn) has no problem doffing his shirt as he dusts. Keith blabbers on about such inappropriate subjects as groping in a gay steam room. When he mistakes a smile from Eddie as an invitation for hands on contact, Eddie rebuffs him and admits he's straight, likes to clean, knows he has a great body and figures he could earn some easy money. But groping does not come with the dusting."

On Stage and Screen- Somewhat Recommended

"...Most of Patterson's writing seems well-intentioned, and a lot of important ideas are circled. But many scenes become repetitive and overstay their welcome, making some sequences rather exhausting. The climax of the play (pun intended) involves a literal handjob performed onstage. While the penis used is prosthetic, it is still an intentionally provocative scene that will undoubtedly push the boundaries and comfort level of the audience-this is very much the intention. Ultimately, Handjob wants to start a conversation, but does not take any real stand as a piece of writing, which is unfortunate because under different circumstances-including, perhaps, being produced by a different theater company-it would be a conversation very much worth having."