Review: “Bedridden” Hollywood Fringe Festival reprise

From left: Jonathan Miller and Michaela Kahan in "Bedridden" at Eastwood Performing Arts Center, reprising its Hollywood Fringe Festival run (Photo by Joshua Opper)

Haley Cooper’s “Bedridden” — in a recent reprise of its Hollywood Fringe Festival run at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center —follows Laura (Michaela Kahan) and her best friend Jarod (Jonathan Miller) as they try almost everything imaginable to get her out of bed. What starts as playful and comedic quickly becomes layered with meaning, showing how humor can coexist with the heavier realities of unhealed trauma.

The acting throughout was entertaining and engaging. This was truly an ensemble piece, and every actor pulled their weight. Cooper has created strong characters on the page, but the cast brought them to life in memorable ways, even if they only had a single scene.

Kahan as Laura and Miller as Jarod opened the show with a chemistry that was magnetic. They fed off each other naturally, clearly having fun onstage, which set the tone for the rest of the show. Miller showed impressive range, especially with Jarod’s unusual transformation toward the end, while Kahan’s commitment to her character made Laura feel fully lived in. I genuinely believed she was out of her mind, which speaks to how well she embodied the role.

From left: Michaela Kahan and Charnie Dondrea in "Bedridden" at Eastwood Performing Arts Center, reprising its Hollywood Fringe Festival run (Photo by Joshua Opper)

One of my favorite moments was a scene between Laura and a friend, played by Charnie Dondrea. Their dynamic brought a grounded, sobering layer to the story. The vulnerability between them made that brief scene unforgettable. It was a sharp contrast to the comedic energy elsewhere, reminding the audience of the deeper truths at the play’s core.

Director Calvin Picou’s vision came through clearly. The pacing was sharp, and the transitions from scene to scene were seamless, keeping the audience engaged without pause. The staging was intentional, allowing us to see the performers’ faces and connect with each moment. I appreciated how Picou gave the actors the freedom to shape their characters while still holding everything together with precision. The production balanced chaos and clarity, delivering a show that felt both entertaining and meaningful.

Michaela Kahan in "Bedridden" at Eastwood Performing Arts Center, reprising its Hollywood Fringe Festival run (Photo by Joshua Opper)

Set design by Alexander King, with scenic painting by Tim Dilbeck, was simple but effective. Everything took place in Laura’s bedroom, with her bed entirely decked out in pink, including sheets, pillows, headboard and stuffed animal. This symbolized a childlike femininity that clashed with the cracked grey ceiling looming above her. That detail was especially striking, visually hinting at the tension in Laura’s psyche.

Costumes were minimal, yet each character had a distinct look that supported their role. Lighting design, managed by Alex Salkin, was spot-on and added a crisp polish to the production. Hard to believe this was her first time, given the timing and effectiveness of every cue.

Sound design was handled by Oliver Boon, who not only shaped the audio beautifully but also delivered a hilarious voiceover performance that stood out as one of the highlights of the show. His work amplified both the humor and the mood, seamlessly weaving into the overall experience.

From left: Michaela Kahan and Mo Moffett in "Bedridden" at Eastwood Performing Arts Center, reprising its Hollywood Fringe Festival run (Photo by Joshua Opper)

At heart, “Bedridden” explores how unhealed trauma can manifest into mental health struggles. Laura’s refusal to leave her bed ties back an experience she never processed. That unresolved pain festers into her adult life, fueling her need for validation and attention. Playwright Cooper skillfully presents this theme with humor and darkness intertwined, reminding us that life moves on even if you do not. Sometimes, no matter how much love others have for you, patience runs out, and they must move forward. The play’s lack of a happy ending lingers in the mind, prompting deeper reflection.

The audience responded with laughter in the right places and quiet attentiveness in the heavier moments, proof of how well the show balanced tones. It is no surprise the run sold out. “Bedridden” is fast-paced, entertaining, and thought-provoking. I left impressed by the actors’ commitment and the production’s ability to deliver laughs while still leaving me with something to chew on. This is a show worth seeing in a future iteration.

Heart of Heart Theatre Co.'s production of “Bedridden” reprised its Hollywood Fringe Festival run at the Eastwood Performing Arts Center, 1089 N. Oxford Ave., Los Angeles, on Aug. 15, 16 and 18. Run time is 45 minutes.