Stuck

Compelling and entertaining. Well acted and well paced. ... full review

STUCK is a tightly paced two-hander about two strangers both literally and metaphorically stuck - in their lives, in their jobs (or lack of,) in their family dynamics - as well as in an old pre-war elevator in NYC. Ingeniously conceived by scribe Brandon Ciavarella, the acting lifts this simple situation to emotional pathos with plenty of laughter along the way. Sam Ciavarella and Jonah Weiland make for a dynamo duo as two lonely people navigating disappointments both familial and of their own making, waiting out a situation that is quite literally out of their hands. Kamar Elliott shines in a brief scene that brings it all together in the end. The direction is tight and well paced. A great gem of a play and well worth seeing in this festiva... full review

The high water mark of using the limits of the festival to hilarious, poignant effect. Simple set, simple premise, two actors, and yet, it's a fully realized production stuffed full with laughs, head spinning moments and tremendous depth. Easily one of my favorites at Fringe so far!... full review

STUCK, starring Sam Ciavarella and Jonah Weiland, is a tightly crafted play that brilliantly captures the tension, humor, and vulnerability of being trapped in an elevator with a complete stranger. Both Ciavarella and Weiland knock their performances out of the park, bringing heart, depth, and a remarkable sense of timing to their roles. ... full review

Stuck is a beautifully layered Fringe gem — funny, heartfelt, and unexpectedly moving. What begins as a quirky, offbeat premise quickly unfolds into something much deeper, exploring the emotional weight of feeling trapped (literally or otherwise) with humor and heart. The writing is sharp and honest, balancing laugh-out-loud moments with poignant beats that linger. The cast delivers with impeccable timing and raw sincerity, making it easy to both root for and relate to every character onstage. It’s the kind of show that sneaks up on you — one minute you’re laughing, the next your heart is catching in your throat. Stuck is a reminder of the power of small stories told well. Don’t miss it.... full review

A wonderful new play that showcases how friendships are borne in intense situations.... full review

This wonderful show gives you all of the feels, threaded by a lot of laughs from beginning to end. The way the talent is able to deliver such sensitive and relevant topics with confidence, grace and total understanding is what truly sucks you right into the story. I felt like I was stuck in that elevator with them and didn't care how much longer it would take for the doors to open. The verbal and physical comedy throughout makes the hour fly by, smiling almost the entire time, except for the moments of feeling the underlining pain. Such expressive, endearing characters, easy to adore. I am so happy I went to see STUCK!!!... full review

Beautifully acted and emotional show, well worth the price of admission. ... full review

I was impressed with how much was possible with such an intimate and simple idea and presentation. Well done to everyone involved - I had a great time!... full review

Fun small-cast play that relies on the characters connecting while they’re ’STUCK’ in an elevator. They take you on a wild journey with Brandon Ciavarella’s witty, engaging dialogue, without leaving the stage. With Rosalind Bevan’s sharp direction, the cast - Sam Ciavarella, Jonah Weiland, Kamar Elliott, and Joey Jupiter Levin - is outstanding and it was so fun to watch, I attended TWO performances. Big up to Producer Connor Thompson working his off-stage magic. Congratulations to the cast and crew for a fantastic Fringe run! ... full review