Review: ‘Punish Me’ at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026

From left: Jose Eduardo Moreno (Damon) and Michael Dukakis (Nick) in "Punish Me" at Hollywood Fringe Festival 2026

Written by Michael Dukakis based on true events, “Playback” at this year’s Hollywood Fringe Festival and performing at the Hudson Backstage Theatre, is about narcissism and manipulation with high stakes for the protagonist.

The set resembles a modest Los Angeles apartment, providing just enough detail to establish the world without distracting from the story. The theatre gives the production team a lot of real estate to work with, and they take full advantage of the space.

The acting in this production is honest, sharp and natural. Each actor understands their assignment and complements each other well. The chemistry between main characters Nick (Michael Dukakis) and Damon (Jose Eduardo Moreno) is wonderful, and their connection feels grounded from the beginning. Comedic moments land across the board, and the ensemble does a strong job balancing humor with emotional sincerity.

Direction by Monique Sorgen also works well. Scene transitions are smooth, pacing is appropriate and the emotional beats are felt. Blocking and staging are intentional and read clearly from the audience’s point of view. Early intimate moment between Nick and Damon feels earned and help establish both characters in a meaningful way.

Ultraviolet lighting effect is a nice touch and works well during a flashback scene. Soft jazz music in the background also adds texture and helps support the emotional tone without feeling heavy-handed. I really appreciate how the production takes advantage of see-through panels multiple times throughout the show.

This is my second time seeing this production since it performed at last year’s Fringe Festival, and the subtle adjustments are noticeable. Tighter transitions, stronger pacing and grounded performances help the show feel more polished. Despite a few slight technical lighting miscues during a recent performance, the actors remained professional, allowing the production to shine. “Punish Me” continues to be a thoughtful and engaging coming-of-age dramedy worth seeing.

For tickets to this and other Hollywood Fringe Festival shows, visit HollywoodFringe.org.