Review: ‘Hollywood Treatment’ at Santa Monica Playhouse
- Dondre Tuck
- 4 hours ago
- 3 min read
Written and directed by Lara and Greg McCarthy, “Hollywood Treatment” at Santa Monica Playhouse is a dark comedy centered on Dr. Manwick, a therapist trying to help her clients work through their problems while barely keeping control of her own. As the play moves through her weekly client sessions, it explores love, relationships, ambition, mental health and the sacrifices people make while chasing success.
The acting in this production is lighthearted but grounded across the board. Each actor seems to understand their character and commits fully to the world of the show. Alexandra Fatovich shines as Dr. Manwick and makes the role feel lived-in, as if she has been working as a therapist for over a decade. Some of her strongest moments come when she is alone, allowing the audience to see that, despite her professional role, she is also imperfect and struggling like everyone else.
Ryan Yauger as Oliver and Sarah Short as Gabrielle have lovely chemistry together and deliver a subtle but effective performance as a couple. Michael Lippman as Mr. Geldinger and Julian Ricardo as Thom also leave a strong impression with performances that add humor, tension and personality to the production.
The McCarthys’ direction is sharp and smart. Pacing is fast, but it works for the comedic style of the show. Staging is simple, which allows the audience to focus on the characters and their individual problems without unnecessary distractions. Scene transitions are handled efficiently, and the production does a solid job balancing the absurdity of people with a more thoughtful look at what therapists may be carrying behind closed doors.
The design elements support the story well. The set is modest but effective, creating the feel of a therapy room with a small couch for clients, a wooden table, a chair for Dr. Manwick, and a long table with water, magazines and tissue. The backdrop includes bookcases, along with the therapist’s degree and license, helping complete the environment.
Sasa Blackoff’s costumes are mostly simple and consistent, but they fit the characters. David Bello’s lighting and sound design are also straightforward but effective, especially near the end when a spotlight focuses on Thom and Dr. Manwick.
The theme that stands out most to me is mental health. Each character in this show is fighting some kind of battle in their mind. That makes the production thought-provoking as it shows different versions of what emotional struggle can look like. Some people can express what they are feeling clearly, while others struggle with being vulnerable. More importantly, the play reminds us that therapists are also human and may be doing their best to keep themselves together while helping everyone else.
During a recent performance, the audience stayed engaged throughout, and the show held my own attention from start to finish. “Hollywood Treatment” is fast-paced, funny, thoughtful and highly entertaining. It is the kind of show that feels like it could work on a larger scale, and it deserves to be seen by more people — and hopefully it will as it’s currently in development to be a feature film.
“Hollywood Treatment” performed from June 12 to 14 at the Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 Fourth St., Santa Monica. For more information, visit SlateOneProductions.com.