Popcorn Falls
About the show
In this new Off-Broadway comedy, a small town's survival depends on producing a play in a week. One big problem: no playhouse. Another problem: no play. More…
Welcome to Popcorn Falls, a small American town whose only claim to fame – their namesake waterfall – has dried up. Now bankrupt, their last chance is a large grant that can only be used if the town produces a play in a week. Led by the Mayor and the local handyman, the enterprising townsfolk try to rise to the challenge and prove that art can save the world.
The production will be directed by two-time Tony winner Christian Borle in his New York directorial debut.
“Hindman’s new uproarious comedy...has been expertly directed and brilliantly acted...Borle, makes his directorial debut with a bang...Heller and Souhrada give you rapid-fire whip smart comedy. They both shifts effortlessly between the characters, with Souhrada taking on the bulk of the character work...Borle really understands comedy and the precision it takes to pull this off. Not one move or line is not carefully framed and executed.” Full Review
“An actor’s dream of a play...Charming, funny and clever evening...2 actors play all the roles. They are smashing...Each character is simply but clearly defined. And they have to be because it’s a fast-paced script with the occasional group scene that has the two actors playing multiple characters at once...Borle did a magnificent job in his freshman directing effort..It proved that really, with great acting and writing, and a good pace, you don’t need a lot of extras. Kudos to all involved." Full Review
"'Popcorn Falls,' wildly and most wonderfully directed with brilliance and bravado by Christian Borle had me right where the show wants me, because its smarts exist in that very opening messiness, and that hook is precisely what makes this play by James Hindman such a tremendous joy and surprise...For a hilarious comedy, it truly is wonderfully detailed and drenched in emotion while never losing its wink and wet nod to the theatre audience.” Full Review
"A clever, fun and delightfully unpretentious play...Blessedly, a snark-free breath of fresh air...There is lots of slapstick fun as things unfold, but more than that, there is a real warmth behind the fun as we get to know the characters...When all is said and done, you will realize there has been a great deal of creative magic going on before your eyes, with a cast of two most impressively creating a world of characters with nothing but their talent." Full Review
“This is one wacky, fun filled absurd adventurous two-hander...With the clever use of a chalkboard designating scene locations; a piece of this n’ that...we get to meet many of the zany residents of Popcorn Falls. On some levels think ‘Noises Off’...Wackadoodle script...This twosome are a perfect pair of well seasoned actors who transform and move at lightening speed, assuming characters with a wink, accent, walk or speech pattern...Delightful fun." Full Review
"The most entertaining, and awe-inspiring, parts of this play were during the 'play practice' where Souhrada takes on all of his roles...These scenes are when Souhrada's genius shows through the most...The rest of the plot is pretty straightforward...For a directorial debut, Christian Borle took on a beast. This play required expert direction to be executed properly, and Borle rose to the occasion...'Popcorn Falls' has all of the components required for a hit." Full Review
"Heller also has to play the straight man in a story that flirts with sentimentality from time to time, but happily never strays too far off its fundamentally farcical course. Borle keeps the pace brisk and the tone playful...It’s not hard to root for them; at about 80 minutes long, 'Popcorn Falls' never wears out its welcome. In a flash, we’re returned to the real world, grateful to Hindman and Borle and the dexterous performers, and fake vermin, for the reprieve." Full Review
"Are all these characters ridiculously familiar? Certainly. Is the plot a mashup of every comic skit we've ever seen? Of course. But none of this takes away from the sheer joy of watching two veteran actors ply their trade under the skilled direction of the multi-talented Borle...While Heller makes Mayor Trundle both believable and sympathetic. Not every joke hits its mark. A few even fall quite flat. But overall, the comic hilarity of this farce carries through until the triumphant end." Full Review
"A mile-a-minute silly experiment in loopy absurdity, with some laughs, some wincing, and the hardest working two-man cast ever...Heller and Souhrada play all the Poppers? Kernels? The citizens of Popcorn Falls, which should be a tour-de-force of acting chops, but feels more like a couple of guys having a ball on stage...And yet. The end of the show satisfies...as the playwright pulls a theatrical rabbit out of his hat...It’s fun, if you like your comedy broad, fast, and furious." Full Review
"Under the agile comic direction…it provides a digestible, if not always rib-tickling, theatrical snack…So many characters come and go, it's necessary for Heller and Souhadra to exaggerate egregiously to avoid confusion. This, of course, only emphasizes the shallowness of the characters and makes us attend not to the obviously paper-thin narrative but to the constant stream of show biz shtick…The show lacks enough comic butter to make it tasty enough. Orville Redenbacher, where are you?" Full Review
"Pleasant theater but not more. It amuses without being laugh out loud funny. By far and away the best part of this play is that it has been written for two actors. The audience is treated to two actors playing various lovable, wacky, intellectually challenged yet sincere characters...The tender, more serious moments feel authentic. The laughs are not frequent enough, however, so the play comes across as a mild diversion, firmly above not good but not recommendable either." Full Review
"Not so much a laugh riot as a laugh scuffle. It’s rare that a play manages to be both predictable and confusing...But as directed by the Tony-winning actor Christian Borle — maybe a bet was lost? — 'Popcorn Falls' is also almost charming...The actors are enjoying the material and enjoying each other and their zippy enthusiasm is reasonably infectious...But art — even flippant, sweet-natured, intentionally farcical art — can stand to be better than this." Full Review
“With Adam Heller and Tom Souhrada, ‘Popcorn Falls’ works valiantly to create a multitude of characters in a very far-fetched story. Unfortunately this is not ‘The Mystery of Irma Vep’ where the quick changes take your breath away. Mildly amusing, ‘Popcorn Falls’ was not even serving popcorn in the lobby at the performance under review, which might have added to the ambience.” Full Review
"At first 'Popcorn Falls'...promises to be a comic romp...Borle as director sets up a swift, madcap rhythm...Soon all goes awry with a cockamamie plot that becomes serious, and eventually it gets to be looking-at-one’s-watch time to see how close we are to the end...The actors attempt to mine laughs out of the machinations...but the screwy plot is a burden, with no reason for an audience to care...The rowdy humor at the start that was so promising has been eclipsed." Full Review
for a previous production "Hindman and Souhrada have a long combined list of writing and acting credits and awards. But they bring it down to earth on the Snug stage, using their talent and experience to show the audience what true stagecraft is about...Hindman and Souhrada cannot rely on fancy sets, amazing costumes, or rousing musical numbers, and in fact they do not need to. They rely solely on old-fashioned theatrical skills and talent, and do so impressively." Full Review
See it if You love a good laugh, phenomenal acting, and a wonderful heartwarming story.
Don't see it if You only like deeply moving tragedies, or quirky funny stories.
See it if You like shows that can trick your imagination!
Don't see it if You don't like it when actors play many characters.
See it if You love comedy, but with a warm message. You appreciate amazing actors, staging, comedy, multi played roles and just.... go see this now!!
Don't see it if You have no sense of humor and rather stay home and miss a spectacular play.
Also Applause to this talented cast and under the direction of Christain Bo... Read more Read less
See it if you want to see one of the best comedic performances in NYC on stage right now in a delightful, hilarious and unique play.
Don't see it if you're not in the mood to let down your defenses and use your imagination to go on a roller coaster ride of fun.
Also I just have to start off by saying Tom Souhrada's performance in this ... Read more Read less
See it if you need a reminder that there is good in the world and that we can still laugh in the theatre. Enjoy a completely entertaining evening.
Don't see it if you can't leave your cynicism at the door and if you don't care for good-natured comedy.
Also POPCORN FALLS is so good and so much fun that it's easy to overlook th... Read more Read less
See it if you like two man shows, quick wit timing, farce, physical comedy and jokes so bad you can't help but laugh after you groan.
Don't see it if you are looking for a deep, profound story with a moral, a straight play or a musical.
Also The two actors have incredible chemistry, comedic timing and so much t... Read more Read less
See it if You enjoy laughing so hard you can barely breathe.
Don't see it if You don’t like comedy.
Also It was a joy watching two actors portray an entire town of people.
See it if you love creative character development and wonderful staging that keeps you on your feet.
Don't see it if you need lots of actors on stage.
See it if you love funny shows where two people play multiple characters like "The 39 Steps," "Murder for Two." Excellent comedic acting, 80 min.
Don't see it if You don't like comedic plays. You like lush sets and many actors.
See it if you like comedy in large doses, a talented cast with zingy one liners, clever quick changes of character, fast paced fun for all.
Don't see it if You are not in the mood for light theatre that is silly in nature, very slapstick, like a big old Christmas Panto.
See it if you love farce, and great acting: a mind-boggling number of roles played by only 2 actors. Great direction by Christian Borle!
Don't see it if you only like serious drama or musicals. There are some heartfelt moments but not the focus of the production.
See it if you want to see 2 very talented actors portray more than a dozen characters with seamless precision in a humorous and entertaining way.
Don't see it if you only enjoy shows performed in typical manner.
See it if You like a far-fetched 2 man show - corny characters and warm silly humor. A good time at the theatre.
Don't see it if You are cynical.
See it if You like quirky shows with an unusual approach. The town of Popcorn Falls is going under ... help is finally and delightfully on its way ...
Don't see it if You are expecting a serious take on a serious subject.
Also Two actors play the parts of a dozen or so townspeople with only their... Read more Read less
See it if adorable and feel good allegorical show with two AMAZING performers who bring to life the full panoply of a small town and all its wonders
Don't see it if you don't like mimicry and characterizations --as these two guys bring to life at least 12-16 characters and it is absolutely flawless.
See it if You want a fun show with great actors.
Don't see it if You need to see a full show with lot's of actors, staging and costumes.
See it if Your looking for a light clever comedy. Its fun, quirky, and entertaining.
Don't see it if Your looking for something in depth with meaning. This is a simple 2 man play to lighten the mood.
See it if You want to see a small town parody. The two actors were way into it and talented. A cleaner version of South Park. Find the squirrel too!
Don't see it if You do not like parodies. You need multiple ensemble for voices.
See it if A mayor and a handyman are forced to put on a show w/o any actors. Very clever circuitous plot. Inside all the bluster is a dramatic element
Don't see it if Not slapstick or vaudeville, just two game actors with good material. At a brief 75 min., there's room for more development.
See it if You enjoy terrific acting from actors playing multiple characters will little or no costume changes.
Don't see it if You are looking to be moved, or looking for a drama.
Cast & Creatives (8)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
