THE HANGOVER REPORT – Drew Droege depicts multitudes (again) in the slight but hilariously diverting HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOUG

Drew Droege in "Happy Birthday Doug" at the SoHo Playhouse. Photo by Russ Rowland.

Drew Droege in “Happy Birthday Doug” at the SoHo Playhouse. Photo by Russ Rowland.

Last night, I attended a late night performance of Drew Droege’s Happy Birthday Doug at the SoHo Playhouse. The venue is also where I previously caught Mr. Droege in his 2017 hit comedy Bright Colors and Bold Patterns. Precisely like that earlier show (which was directed by Michael Urie, who is credited for producing this time around), Mr. Droege plays all the characters in his latest one-man play, which depicts the increasingly drunken 41st birthday party of the titular Doug.

Even if attending the show was a bit like déjà vu (for those who saw Bright Colors and Bold Patterns), I still had a mighty jolly good time at Happy Birthday Doug. Running at a brisk hour, the entertainment ideally compliments a fun night out with friends. Additionally, the slight and straightforward premise ensures that you don’t have to think too hard at this one, which means that watching the show while under the influence wouldn’t detract from the fun. In fact, it may actually enhance the experience. Indeed, Mr. Droege intimately knows the show’s target audience – gregarious gay men in their 30s and 40s – and he abashedly hits all the right buttons.

Which brings us to Mr. Droege’s performance. There’s no denying his astonishing chameleonic ability to shape-shift between a multitude of totally distinct characters. His transformations are so complete and seamless that he gives the audience the impression of truly having seen a small cast of actors. Mr. Droege also possesses wonderful comic timing and an endearing stage presence, both of which bring an element of warmth to the potentially generic text. And together with director Tom Detrinis’s efficient and snappy staging, the audience is left with a giddy smile on its face, if not wanting more by this entertaining diversion.

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOUG
Off-Broadway, Play
SoHo Playhouse
1 hour (without an intermission)
Through March 29

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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