Stop Hitting Yourself – Location, Tickets, Reviews
A wild man lies still on the stage of the Claire Tow Theater at Lincoln Center. Behind him, the set is littered with enough tacky gilded knick knacks to make Liberace wince and there’s a fountain of gently cascading queso. Yes, the cheese dip.
When the man wakes up, he and five tap-dancing storytellers set the scene – a charity ball hosted by a campy Queen, who will do a good deed at any price for the most deserving contestant. What follows is a bizarre, confrontational evening of splashy Busby Berkeley musical numbers (you might not know Busby’s name but you’ve seen his work, he’s famous for his complex geometric choreography in 1940s movies). It’s a searing look at economic inequality, accompanied by lots and lots of queso. Stop Hitting Yourself is a bizarre, energetic new show oddly placed in the refined halls of Lincoln Center.
Maxamoo
While it’s hard to describe this show, it’s easy to recommend. Through a pastiche of ensemble theater exercises, clever physicality, whip smart dialogue, and the occasional loving song, Stop Hitting Yourself is a risky experiment that pays off wonderfully. You will laugh, you will think deeply about how you contribute to poverty, and you may even be called onstage (be warned, shy readers: there is audience participation).
Stop Hitting Yourself is certainly for the more adventurous theater-goer, but the Rude Mechanicals (who are based in Austin, TX) are worth the adventure – it’s been a while since we’ve seen something this purely entertaining and this politically incisive at the same time.
Public Opinion
Social media is buzzing over Stop Hitting Yourself:
@lauragolightly: Rude Mechs’ Stop Hitting Yourself at Lincoln Center Theater was FANTASTIC. Everyone should go see it #theatre #LCT3
@LeighHendrix: Queso after @RudeMechs Stop Hitting Yourself last night. Cause. It was awesome. And inspiring. For eating Queso.
Have you seen Stop Hitting Yourself? What did you think? Comment below or tweet to us at @Maxamoo.
Critics’ Reviews
There’s a clear disconnect between young, hip, Twitter-dwelling theatergoers and stodgy mainstream critics and their reactions to this show. The reviews are not bad but they’re more mixed that we would’ve guessed based on our experience and the frantic and eager word-of-mouth following this show.
New York Times
The Rats Take the Nacho Cheese
New York Post
Goofy ‘Stop Hitting Yourself’ falls short overall
Variety
This fitfully funny satire of American materialism has a clever conceit but a postmodern execution that can get wearying.
TheaterMania
This is thought-provoking and accessible experimental theater that grabs hold of its subject and doesn’t let go. You’ll be thinking about this one for a long time.
New York Magazine
Stop Hitting Yourself Tries to Make It in the Big City
New York Theater
Rude Mechs Spice Up Lincoln Center with Lots of Cheese
TICKETS
$20.00 (click here for tickets)
DATES
Performances through February 23, 2014
LOCATION
Lincoln Center Theater – Claire Tow Theater
10 Lincoln Center Plaza
New York City
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RUNNING TIME
1 hour and 30 minutes, no intermission
CAST & CREW
(partial list)
Written by Kirk Lynn
Directed by Shawn Sides
Featuring Thomas Graves, Heather Hanna, Joey Hood, Hannah Kenah, Lana Lesley, E. Jason Liebrecht and Paul Soileau