Barbie Smith: God's Favorite Tease

One of the most creative and engaging solo shows I have ever seen! Yamini expertly marries a character showcase with audience participation and it works flawlessly. The character of Barbie is over the top yet vulnerable, and she allows the audience to get to know her in such a short amount of time. Absolutely hilarious!... full review

Nambimadom’s performance as Barbie Smith deftly explored the (cheeky!) contradictions of white Christian femininity. Nambimadom dazzled as Barbie Smith, a pent up, widowed abstinence educator whose paeans against premarital sex thinly disguise a well of grief and angst against patriarchical submission. It’s this dance that Nambimadom excels in — both literally, in her smart physicality on the stage — and as metaphor, aided by Kablawi’s direction, sharing the audience in on the messy erotics of grief. Barbie’s confession (again, metaphorically, but also on occasion, literally) becomes an opportunity for the audience’s salvation. A must see!... full review

Brilliant concept, executed superbly! The writing was sharp, the audience participation was great, and Yamini embodied the character to an unbelievable extent — Barbie really came to life!... full review

Barbie Smith was a rollercoaster — what started as a hilarious caricature full of one liners turned into a deeper and darker satire of a woman’s place in this world. Truly stunning performance by Yamini and I can’t wait to see Barbie in her next venue!... full review

This horny religious seminar hit an insane amount of jokes per minute while thoughtfully exploring misogyny, sexuality and shame within the container of christ. Give me more! Barbie Smith is a vulnerable vehicle for godliness and sex. Yamini is incredibly impressive and delivers a truly electric, hysterical performance that leaves you thinking. The directing was exceptional, too. Rami and Yamini are an iconic duo. ... full review

Barbie is incredible. The acting, character work, directing, the slideshow presentation, the comedic timing is so perfect, and the audience participation is sooo well done!!!... full review

Yeah, it's time for me to accept the Lord and revirginize :/ The seminar worked!!! Yamini is a fantastic comedic performer. I loved watching her commitment and the way she made this truly outrageous character feel so grounded and honestly even sympathetic at times. This is an incredibly well done show with great comedic beats and a totally embodied performance. Loved it!... full review

Yamini is truly hilarious, even the jokes she made up on the spot about audience members cracked us up. Her audience awareness is next level. I especially enjoyed the moments where she leaned in to the physicality of the character: dancing, groveling, etc. The writing is intelligent, witty, and keeps you engaged even though you know right away where the story's going. Rami's directing brings depth, intension, and held the audience in moments of genuine shock. A truly impressive solo show. Excited to see where "Barbie Smith" goes next!... full review

Yamini is such a talented performer, Rami is such an amazing director, it’s perhaps time I give my life to God but specifically the God that Barbie worships because it seems like it’s working for her... full review

Ughhhh so fun colorful campppppy bright lights pink bubblegum funnnnn character-based theaterrrrrr!!! From colorful camp to MENTY BBBBB!!! Also horny as fuck in a poignant way. LFGGGGGG... full review