Hey That’s My Wife! is a satire of 1950s Americana starring Joey DeFilippis, Matthew Ferrara, Espi Rivadeneira, Caroline Hanes and Ryan O’Toole, as two advertising executives, their wives and their boss. Together and apart they navigate work issues, a demanding boss, and the challenges of marriage.
The play is a comedic spin on the works of Tennessee Williams and Arthur Miller. However, the mix of cigarette smoke, scotch, and conflicts revolving landing The Big Account, the boss coming over for dinner, and cheating partners contain enough general 50s and dramatic tropes to make sure the show can still land with people who might not be able to name 5 works by either of those authors. And on top of that there are the jokes on human nature which, perhaps unfortunately, never age, as well as purposefully dated 50s iconography which, blown up slightly, seems as ridiculous today as it was standard back then.
It boasts an excellent cast, particularly the bluntly vulgar Espi Rivadeneira, all of which are totally believable in the period clothes and mannerisms. All of them breathe life into their archetypes, along with a fine comedic timing and an easy chemistry, managing to bypass almost entirely the usual hurdles around young people playing older adults. They also have some of the best American accents of the Fringe, which may or may not have something to do with them all being Americans based in New York.
For those who miss more traditional theatre at the Fringe, this show will scratch a definite itch. And while fans of Williams and Miller may find slightly more in this, the sharp script, great cast and 1950s aesthetic will still guarantee a dramatic evening and a good laugh.
Hey, That’s My Wife! plays until August 28th at Hill Street Theatre, and tickets can be found at https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/hey-that-s-my-wife
Reviewer: Oliver Giggins
Reviewed: 15th August 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★