Janelle McDermoth

Kevin-Ramessar-Debbie-Christine-Tjong-Janelle-McDermoth-

Janelle McDermoth

Debbie Christine Tjong, Marques Walls, Freddy Hall, Janelle McDermoth, Simone Rose, Kevin Ramessar

Kevin Ramessar, Debbie Christine Tjong, Janelle McDermoth,

We’re all in pain – because of loneliness or loss, betrayal or illness – and playwright Young Jean Lee wants to offer us some comfort. This might not be immediately apparent, given the title of her unusual show, and its format: Performer Janelle McDermoth sings a half-dozen tuneful, hard-charging rock songs interspersed with anecdotes of sorrow and trauma that range from funny-sad to tragic to horrid, lifted from Lee’s actual life and that of her friends and family. But the counterintuitive philosophy behind Lee’s approach – we all suffer; let’s celebrate! — might actually work for some in the audience. Others will surely at least find it entertaining.

Full review on DC Theater Scene