Waiting for [Gal] Gadot by Jake Thomas

What I liked

In this quippy, witty, tragicomedy, a writer and a director live out a Beckett-esque nightmare as they wait interminably for a Hollywood executive to read their pitch. A simple enough premise that easily could have become excessively derivative of the play that inspires it. Not so…Jake Thomas has done incredible work building upon Beckett’s frame to create something wholely original that speaks to the soul of every artist. Outstanding performances, whip-smart writing, and lighting-fast timing all around make this a can’t-miss gem of the 2026 Festival.

Thomas, in addition to writing, plays the role of the writer. His impassioned story about Vikings and priests is the first of many impressive monologues that drew cheers from the audience, and his 4th-wall-breaking speech about the value of theater made me misty-eyed. I feel like there’s so much more to this script than I picked up on in this first experience, and I’d love to see it again sometime.

Michael Sinterniklaas shines as the director, with an affable charm reminiscent of Conan O’Brien. He also delivers an impressive narrative monologue and he provides much of the forward momentum and dynamism that make a play about two people waiting for a meeting that never happens one of the most exciting 90 minutes of Fringe this year.

Jack Kelly is positively diabolical as Gal Gadot’s power-tripping assistant. Making not just a meal but a feast out of every second he (or even just his water-bearing hand) is on stage, Kelly serves as the best kind of antagonist: one who’s so funny you can’t help but love him.

Rachael Hip-Flores brings a cyclonic energy to the misguided yet entrepreneurial producer. Her quick timing and strong acting choices make her sparkle in every moment she’s onstage. Whether it’s despair, anger, or triumph, Hip-Flores is extremely fun to watch onstage, and perfectly demonstrates the fall of those who sign their power away to a machine.

Eliza Hubert is electric as the AI writer. She has one of the hardest jobs on the stage, and she performs it flawlessly. She also tells a long story which ended in uproarious audience applause. She absolutely nails the cadence and tone of AI speech to the point of eerieness.

In a cast filled with powerhouses, not once do any of them fade into the background. It’s a major feat and a true treat for any LA theater-goers.

Also, this was the best I’ve ever seen Gal Gadot perform.

What I didn't like

I’m still waiting for a flaw to present itself. Maybe it will come tomorrow…

My overall impression

An acerbic satire of Hollywood, celebrity culture, and the proliferation of AI use in the arts…