How To Be Safe
About the show
FRIGID New York @ Horse Trade and The Dirty Blondes present the world premiere of this drama about a sensitive recluse and a former drug addict. More…
Desperate to feel anything, adrenaline junkie and recovering addict Willow comes crashing into the all-too-safe world of Audrey, an agoraphobic empath. The women challenge each other, standing toe-to-toe with their opposing psychological demons in this play, which explores the complex inner worlds we build to make ourselves feel safe.
"Jacobson's writing is excellent. The two female lead characters are complex, unique, and fully fleshed-out; their interactions are engaging and sincere. D’Angelo and Sandberg give truthful, nonjudgmental performances that never seem cliché or formulaic...A distracting and unnecessary element is the constant changing of scenery...A timely piece of theater that dives into the extremes of emotions and perceptions that seem inherently universal." Full Review
"I was enthralled. Jacobson does a great job in not only making their mental state a reality to us, but also getting the audience to care about these characters…On the other hand, I wish scenes with the male counterpart, played by Brandon Ferraro, were more sparse and not as lengthy…A powerful study on mental health and its many paths, I recommend wholeheartedly you go and see this production…It’s not often for such a truthful show about this subject to grace the stages of NYC.” Full Review
"A psychological drama, this play just scratches the surface of what it can be...It is exceptionally difficult to depict mental illness on stage. Jacobson and director Williams have done a noble job in their attempt. But the script and execution teeter on the line of textbook with not quite enough theatricality...Even in the brevity of the piece, the pacing was sluggish...There is something innately promising about 'How to Be Safe.'" Full Review
See it if You like shows that explore 2 opposite women's inner demons, needs and similarities. You like to possibly identify with character's secrets
Don't see it if You want a lighthearted romance or feel good play. You need a big theatre, don't like stairs.
See it if You enjoy shows that explore emotional illnesses in a way that is truthful, real, and not indulgent in the slightest. Truly beautiful work.
Don't see it if You don't like seeing dramatic theatre. Also if mental illness or rehab situations is triggering for you, maybe not. Otherwise, see it.
See it if You are interested in how people cope with their own minds & emotions or if you just like good theater - this is as good as any play on Bway
Don't see it if Mental health issues are a huge trigger for you (as opposed to a universal and shared struggle)
See it if you enjoy shows that hit close to home, use simple sets and actors filling more than one role, local theatre, or slower paced shows.
Don't see it if you cannot handle topics such as mental illness or self harm, like grand productions, or want something fast-paced.
See it if You want a beautifully acted, if at times clumsily written, portrayal of mental illness
Don't see it if You're bothered by over-the-top dialogue, or want plays to have clear resolution and character development
See it if you want an exploration of mental health and how friendships can help.
Don't see it if you're not into female-centered shows (if so, get out), or not comfortable with representations of mental illness, including self-harm.
See it if you want to see a show that explores the coping mechanisms of two women struggling with psychological issues. Well-written and well-acted.
Don't see it if you are not a fan of intimate theater or don't want to see a show that deals with serious mental issues, such as self-harm and agoraphobia.
See it if You enjoy writing that balances irreverence and empathy. Great acting and staging as well.
Don't see it if You're not interested in young work.
See it if you want to see an interesting play that will hold your interest about real people and real problems.
Don't see it if if you only like light hearted plays, not plays that deal with dark subjects
Also The theatre group does a good job with minimal staging. The direction ... Read more Read less
See it if You want to see a play about two women and their challenges and inner demons and how they help each other with those demons.
Don't see it if You are not interested in a story of an agoraphobic and recovering drug addict and their inner demons.
Also These ladies had some issues and I like how they came together and hel... Read more Read less
See it if you like real time pieces with very relatable and flawed characters.
Don't see it if you dont enjoy watching a person deal with agoraphobia and crippling anxiety
See it if you're interested in mental health and enjoy small productions with minimum staging but good acting.
Don't see it if you don't like small producations
See it if Very entertaining and to the point. Great actresses. Moving theme.
Don't see it if It's a small production. Sets are clever but set changes are a little bit long.
See it if You like female driven shows. Both women do a great job in their roles.
Don't see it if You dislike smaller productions. Set was unattractive & minimal but made sense for this somewhat gritty story.
See it if you are interested in womens' mental health issues, a well written story of two women who compliment each other and find wholeness together.
Don't see it if you want a fast moving drama with lots of glitz; aren't interested in characters with mental problems; prefer musicals.
Also I felt that the lengthy scene changes were detracting and unnecessary.... Read more Read less
See it if You're interested in or want a look at a some problem that receive very little attention; agoraphobia; anxiety; addiction; anger and women.
Don't see it if You have to have a polished show. This is done on a shoe string. Go for the content. The acting is decent enough and it's interesting sets.
See it if you want to see new work that is exploring the lives of emotionally damaged women in a new way.
Don't see it if if your looking established, vetted theatre and not comfortable with independent & less polished
See it if You support small theater companies and new plays; you'd like to see more plays exploring the subject matter of mental health
Don't see it if At 75 min. the play still felt long; scene transitions were awkward, acting at times stilted, dialogue unnatural; need to suspend disbelief
See it if you like plays about mental illness that provides opportunity for female actors.
Don't see it if you expect to see a well-developed play with three-dimensional characters and seamless transitions.
See it if you want to support a play by and about women.
Don't see it if you go to shows to see thoughtful or engaging writing.
See it if You enjoy intimate theater with stellar actors that explores the importance of female friendships.
Don't see it if You're not ready to experience what it's like to have a mental health condition such as depression or agoraphobia.
See it if You like good acting, well written play.
Don't see it if Want to see a comedy.
See it if You want art to have conversation about anxiety, fear, addiction; unexpected ways people can help each other; also well written + performed.
Don't see it if You are looking for light fluffy theater that is more of an escape. This play has humor but not at the expense of the tougher material.
See it if You are a fan of the arts. The writing is amazing and the plot really hits home for so many people.
Don't see it if You are with young children. The writing is intense. Might not be appropriate for young children.
Cast & Creatives (10)
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