Review: Matthew Posey’s musical Patti & Theo demonstrates the surreal delights and disasters of marriage mixed with an alcoholic lifestyle

Written and Directed by Matthew Posey

Produced by Ochre House Theatre

Audience Rating: R (Language)

Running Time: 2 hours with a 15 minute intermissions

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory-Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Performance: Not Available

Volume Level: Comfortable

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: Some use of flashing lights, indications of domestic violence

Reviewed by Grant Palmore

Too much of anything can be a vice, and that is particularly applicable to the joys of alcohol. Matthew Posey’s lively musical Patti & Theo at the Ochre House Theater explores that exact notion (Posey plays Theo and also wrote and directed the show).

A staunch be-robed Dr. Phalaenopsis (played by an imposing and hilarious Lauren Massey) sparks this strained tale into motion with assistance from three lethargic men all named Walter (played by Matthew McNabb [Accordion], Trey Pendergrass [Percussion], and Aaron Gonzalez [Bass]) who comprise the band and three stooping subjugates Winken, Bliken, and Nod (played by Quinn Coffman, Izk Davies, and Cameron McCloud, respectively). However comedic and strange Dr. Phalaenopsis’ framing is, it is clear this story is a cautionary tale.

Polly Maynard and Matthew Posey are well-matched as the titular couple Patti & Theo. They handle the highs and lows of their relationship deftly. Their humor is easy and entertaining early on, which emphasizes the shock of their heartbreak later in the performance.

The show has several standout moments: Patti’s loudmouthed manic “GGGGGG-Gloves,” the sweet ethereal “Bad Dreams (Tina’s Song)” (Tina played by Quinn Coffman in beautiful voice), and the emotional company finale “I Never Wanted To Say Good-Bye.” 

Additionally, the entire space of Ochre House Theater was fit for this show. The walls of the space envelop the audience in the physical and emotional story of Patti & Theo – on one side painted with a skyline of city buildings, and the other featuring a large portrait of a woman adrift waves littered with bottles of booze (Scenic Art by Bobby Weiss). 

The set consists of the kitchen of Patti & Theo’s small rundown Brooklyn apartment (which cleverly transforms into a bar with some rearrangement) (Set Design by Matthew Posey). However, the use of a large shadow puppet screen throughout the performance provides some of the most lasting images from the show. The screen and its puppeteers establish additional locations, dynamic transitions, and powerful lighting (Shadow Puppetry by Janet Dodd and Light Design by Kevin Grammer).

Patti & Theo runs May 1, 2024, through May 18, 2024, at the Ochre House Theater in Dallas, TX, near the main entrance to Fair Park. 

Check it out!

Grant Palmore