“As directed by Courtney Ulrich and performed by the Bats…this play unfolds as a sort of normcore comic variation on ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ which insists we regard its central relationship as worthy of high flights of poetic fancy. Such a perspective could so easily lean toward smirky voyeurism or cloying cuteness…But ‘Inanimate’ wins us over by contextualizing its exotic subject in the bedrock of the familiar…The script is freshest when it sticks to Erica’s transformative worldview.”
Read more

"Even a playwright with the combined skills of O'Neill, Kaufman and Hart, Wilson, and Vogel would be hard-pressed to make this syndrome comprehensible...For most of its 85 minutes, it appears to be running around in various directions, its sheer energy often signaling desperation...Ulrich's direction gives the action more pace and pizzazz than you might think possible...The performances by the Bats...are a pleasure...But, given its setup, 'Inanimate' is dead on arrival."
Read more

"The play manages to navigate a sometimes uneasy line between a comedic take on an unconventional relationship and a more serious story about the difficulty of coming to terms with our desires...When the play ventures away from what's the central triangle of sorts...it risks losing its footing...The charm of 'Inanimate' is its ability to intrigue us by the suggestion that another world lives within our own...'Inanimate's' tenderness and quirky humor make for a lively combination."
Read more

“One never knows whether to laugh or to cry at Erica's predicament which makes human relationships difficult. Nevertheless, the writing is often poetic and the acting is first rate. Led by Lacy Allen as a charmingly confused Erica, the cast devours their roles with the authenticity of a new classic. ‘Inanimate’ joins the ranks of plays by Annie Baker and Lucy Thurber which deal with characters in dead-end towns in New England.”
Read more

"The Bats do a wonderful job with this material. Lacy Allen stands out as the central character, portraying Erica’s quirky sexuality without turning it into an SNL skit...Director Courtney Ulrich tastefully navigates delicate intimate moments involving a can opener...But the play feels conflicted in tone and genre. Is this a ridiculous, quirky comedy or an honest exploration intended to challenge our tolerance of an alternative lifestyle that may seem too peculiar to accept?"
Read more

"The playwright poetically captures Erica relaxing into her emotions with telling details that ring true...This production shines when it allows Erica’s freak flag to fly, and settles into the distinctly oddball and delicious comic stylings of the various embodied objects and everyone’s passionate oddities. All the actors are able and game...The only plot line that feels appended, despite a fine performance by Tressa Preston, is Erica’s older sister Trish."
Read more

"'Inanimate' is a somewhat misleading title for such a buoyant, funny, and heartwarming journey of self-acceptance and love...Each laugh is genuine and plentiful. Each emotional moment is sincere and pitch perfect...Robideau treats his characters and subject matter with a sincere respect and compassion. He emphasizes the importance of community while feeling isolated in dealing with disappointment or grief."
Read more

"'Inanimate' succeeds in taking us down a very funny and touching road into the real world of Objectum Sexuality that seems perfectly timed in our world’s preoccupation with others' sexual preferences and/or gender affiliation. Wonderfully directed by Courtney Ulrich, we cheer on Erika and her gradually eye-opening and embracing of herself, not as an outsider, but somewhat of a pioneer...It’s powerful, exciting, and a whole lot of fun."
Read more