This Ends Badly: A Night of Short Plays

by Rachel Morgan News Editor

The Echo Theater Company is currently presenting FRANK’S This Ends Badly: A Night of Short Plays at the Atwater Village Theatre. The production, which runs on Wednesdays through May 13, features a collection of five short plays designed to explore the complexities of human nature.

Production Details and Creative Team

The evening’s program consists of works written by Frank Demma, Marlane Meyer, John Pollono, Benjamin Weissman, and Sharon Yablon. This production is part of an annual event that showcases shorter theatrical forms.

The reveal features a cast of local LA favorites. The ensemble includes Silas Weir Mitchell, Shawna Casey, Victoria Davidoff, Frank Demma, Suzanne Fletcher, Edward Hoke, Zaya Kolia, Conor Murphy, Jennifer Pollono, Michael Redfield, Keith Stevenson, and Wes Walker.

Did You Know? This production is an annual event that focuses on the short play format, which can serve as a way to flesh out an idea from a single scene into a full story.

Thematic Scope and Artistic Impact

The plays within the collection delve into a wide range of human experiences, portraying individuals as good, lousy, irritating, or engaging. The narratives move through various emotional states, including heartfelt awkwardness, surrealism, and existential crises.

By utilizing a shorter format, the production offers an alternative to the traditional 90-minute, three-act structure. The result is a series of disparate yet entertaining stories that cover themes such as flirting with heroes and speaking truth.

Expert Insight: The success of this format suggests a growing appetite for concise, high-impact storytelling. By stripping away the requirements of a full-length play, creators can deliver raw, concentrated emotional truths that may resonate more immediately with modern audiences.

Upcoming Schedule and Access

Remaining performances are scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, and Wednesday, May 13, both starting at 8pm. The production is hosted at the Atwater Village Theatre, located at 3269 Casitas Ave, Atwater Village, CA 90039.

Tickets are available through the company’s official portal at https://echotheatercompany.ludus.com/index.php?show_id=200524351.

Given the annual nature of the event, the Echo Theater Company may continue to utilize this short-play format for future seasonal programming to showcase local playwrights and actors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who are the playwrights for this production?

The five short plays were written by Frank Demma, Marlane Meyer, John Pollono, Benjamin Weissman, and Sharon Yablon.

Night of Short Plays 2025

Where is the show being performed?

The production is taking place at the Atwater Village Theatre, located at 3269 Casitas Ave, Atwater Village, CA 90039.

When are the remaining show dates?

The show runs on Wednesdays, with upcoming performances on May 6 and May 13 at 8pm.

Do you prefer the fast pace of short-form plays or the depth of a traditional three-act structure?

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