A new off-Broadway comedy, Messy White Gays, has quickly become one of the most talked-about shows in the theatre scene. Created by Drew Droege, who has been praised as a sharp, contemporary voice in gay storytelling, the play offers a sharp, satirical look at certain facets of gay life in the city.
The story is set during a Sunday morning brunch in Hell’s Kitchen, following Brecken and Caden, a wealthy couple who have just murdered their boyfriend and hidden his body in a Jonathan Adler credenza. As they try to maintain a facade of normalcy for their brunch guests, chaos and hilarity ensue. This darkly comic premise unfolds amidst the familiar tensions of throuples breaking down, neighbourhood disputes, and clashes between the rich and the less sensible, capturing the cliches that often accompany urban gay life.
The show’s cast includes James Cusati-Moyer as Brecken, Aaron Jackson as Caden, and Drew Droege himself playing Karl, alongside Zane Phillips and Pete Zias. The production is directed by Mike Donahue and is currently running at The Duke on 42nd Street, New 42 Studios, with performances scheduled through January 11, 2026.
Critical reception has been overwhelmingly positive. TheatreMania has hailed Messy White Gays as a ‘must-see gay comedy of the season and one of the funniest shows of the year,’ highlighting its sharp wit and incisive social commentary. Audiences and critics alike have praised the play for its ability to blend biting satire with laugh-out-loud moments, portraying its characters as lavish and insufferably privileged, attributes that only enhance the comedic effect.
The show, which began previews in early October before officially opening in November, is the expansion of a project that initially premiered at Vassar College. Now fully realised on an off-Broadway stage, it offers both LGBTQ+ audiences and theatre-goers a comedic respite rooted in familiar cultural reflections and absurd situations.
Source: Noah Wire Services
