Help Me
Synopsis
A male college student, Joe, enters a hyper-realistic simulation and finds himself cast as a number of women, each faced with the daunting task of refusing the sexual advances of men. Employing what he sees as basic human logic and decorum, Joe attempts to resolve each confrontation, but soon realizes that without the authority of his male persona, the obstacles he faces and the people he encounters will be far more difficult and dangerous than he ever suspected.
Help Me is a meditation on a question whose answer seems so simple and obvious to those with male privilege: Why can’t you just tell them “No?” With scenarios that will ring true on both sides of the gender divide, Help Me is a dark and tensely dramatic exploration of human behavior that is ultimately hopeful. It is an attempt to open dialogue and promote contemplation on topics of supreme importance that, like the women Joe struggles to empathize with, are too often derided or dismissed. Only through deep understanding can Joe first hope to change his perspective, his expectations, and finally, his situation.
Inspired by the #Metoo movement and the testimonials of www.whenwomenrefuse.tumblr.com.
Written by James Van Eaton
THIS PLAY IS RATED R for sexual assault content and strong language. Viewer discretion is advised.
Performing August 2 – 11, 2024
- Sundays at 4pm
- Friday and Saturday at 8pm
- Saturday at 2pm
Doors open 30 minutes to curtain
!!! UPDATE ON DATES !!!
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Help Me will now be opening on Sunday, August 4. If you’ve purchased tickets for one of the August 2 or 3 shows, we’ve contacted you about changing your tickets. We’ll see you at the theatre!
VENUE
5325 Engle Rd. #110
Carmichael, CA 95608
TICKETS
- $16 (online) – Seniors (60+), Students (12 to 18 or w/ID), SARTA, Military (w/ID)
- $20 (online) – General Admission
- $22 (at the door) – All Tickets
- Student Rush Tickets are available! Call (916) 207-4420 for questions and info!
CAST
- Chad Eldridge as Joe
- Riley J Burke as Stella
- Taryn Cagley as Amber
- Catherine Gray as Chloe and Hannah
- Ronnie Duska Fowler as Maya and Layne
- Tabitha Ward as Kristen
- Jared Cagley as Actor 1
- Tyler Anderson as Actor 2 (multiple roles)
- Edward A. Nason as Actor 3 (multiple roles)
- Cedar Swagerty as Actor 4 (multiple roles)
CREW
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- Produced by Deanne Farinha Eldridge
- Directed by Emma Eldridge
- Stage Managed by Brevon “Ace” McArn
Press
Reviews from the World Premier in October 2023
~Bender K.
~Chris A.
“Help Me” was a fantastic play and the actors were outstanding.
~Vernita H.
HELP ME was a great show. Well done in a small space. Definitely interested to see what else they will do.
~Mark S.
Not only was the play well written and powerful, the cast did an excellent job acting their parts.
~Lenora D.
Saw Help me last night (October 8, 2023) – it was a unique show and good presentation.
~Beth H.
~Katy A.
~Charmaine B.
