What I liked
While Be Careful Who You Wish For serves up plenty of laughs, it also touches on themes of disillusionment and the lengths people will go to improve their lives. Much like someone searching for a quick financial fix, such as a 50 dollar loan or fast payday advance, Sebastian and Kate’s desire for a better life leads them into a situation that quickly spirals out of control. Their initial belief in Tony’s too-good-to-be-true advice mirrors the way people often turn to high-interest loans or credit cards in a pinch, only to find themselves deeper in debt later on.
The play’s comedic hostage scenario in Mexico, at the mercy of two clueless bandits, adds a layer of absurdity that will leave you grinning from ear to ear. But underneath the laughter is a subtle reminder about the importance of being cautious when looking for quick solutions—whether it’s a new neighbor promising ancient wisdom or a fast loan that seems like an easy way out of financial trouble.
What I didn't like
With its witty dialogue, chaotic plot twists, and memorable characters, Be Careful Who You Wish For is a hilarious cautionary tale about the risks of placing your trust in the wrong people—or the wrong get-rich-quick schemes. Buckley’s play will keep you entertained from start to finish while also nudging you to think twice about those promises of instant success, whether they come from a smooth-talking neighbor or a too-easy credit card offer.
My overall impression
Be Careful Who You Wish For is a wild ride that begins with a seemingly harmless neighborly friendship and spirals into a hilarious hostage situation in Mexico. Ellen Buckley’s outrageous comedy follows disenchanted friends Sebastian and Kate as they fall under the spell of Tony, their charming new neighbor who claims to possess the secret to happiness—a mystical self-help philosophy from Peru. At first, it seems like Tony’s wisdom is working its magic as the friends’ luck begins to turn around. But as the story unfolds, they realize Tony is more of a nightmare than a guru, clinging to them like a Stage 5 disaster.
The comedic tension ramps up as Tony’s antics escalate, eventually dragging Sebastian, Kate, her new boyfriend Robert, and even two bumbling banditos into a chaotic hostage situation. The show plays off the classic “be careful what you wish for” trope with humor and charm, leaving the audience laughing at the absurdity of Tony’s over-the-top behavior and the unfortunate mess he creates for everyone around him.
