Red Speedo Reviews
Stage Scene LA- Highly Recommended
"...Obie-winning Tony-nominated playwright Lucas Hnath (The Christians, A Doll's House, Part 2) takes on Sex, Drugs, and Olympic Sports in Red Speedo, the theatrical equivalent of a Raging Waters thrill ride now getting a gold-medal Southern California Premiere at the Road on Magnolia."
NoHoArtsDistrict- Highly Recommended
"..."The Red Speedo" is really excellent theatre, no holds barred, adrenaline-infused, thought-provoking and powerful...and I highly recommend it."
Showmag- Recommended
"...Romero ably charts Peter's progress from a savvy lawyer who believes he can control the situation to a bitter and betrayed man lashing out at the world. And Romero dazzles in Peter's opening aria of equivocation. Peltier crunches carrots and manages the difficult task of seeming nearly invisible when Peter is on his soapbox, despite the fact that his wears only the titular speedo. When he does speak, Peltier makes it clear that Ray may not be as smart as the people who surround him, but he is just as ruthless in pursuing his goals. Alexander is always an actor to watch, and she brings dramatic heft to her solitary scene. Kelley is excellent at portraying the trustworthy, no-nonsense coach whose needs may make him more corruptible than he seems."
Stage Raw- Highly Recommended
"...In his Obie Award winning play, now in its Southern California premiere, Lucas Hnath concisely explores the issue via the familiar backdrop of competitive sports. Ray (Adam Peltier), is a swimming sensation who has been "living in the water since he was four," and is now preparing to compete in the upcoming Olympic trials. But the dream of Olympic glory is dimmed because a cooler stocked with performance-enhancing drugs has been found in the refrigerator of the club where he trains."
Haines His Way- Highly Recommended
"...Director Joe Banno's direction never eases up through the 90-minute intermission-less play which contains multiple scenes. The action never flags and the right-on dialogue flows easily from Banno's talented quartet of actors. Peltier is only off stage for a minute or so and never out of his red speedo, which he really rocks, along with that marvelous sea serpent tattoo (by Chris Trovador) which covers his back and extends down his left thigh. Ray is not the brightest bulb in the chandelier but his dumb act has a manipulative subtext to it. Romero as older brother Peter is a sly, devious lawyer who is desperate to get out of law and into sports management. These two play off each other well, whether in tandem for their ultimate goals or as surly opponents."