Reviewer: Howard Steven Frydman
Theater: The Hartford Stage
Production: “Dishwasher Dreams”
Playwright: Alaudin Ullah
Director: Chay Yew
The Howard’s Exhale – “A comedic tale that touches the heart and soul.
As they say “Comedy is Hard” – Mr. Alaudin- you sir are a definition of “comedic genius – and make comedy so easy”! Alike the maestro you are, once on stage, you delightfully pull at an audience’s heartstrings thru your insights and lessons on life. During this evening’s 90 minute performance I along with a joyful audience have shed many a happy tear from both the comedy provided on stage and by your heartfelt production of “Dishwasher Dreams” – a multifaceted odyssey – so familiar to families everywhere- immigration from one’s home to a new land, with high hopes and speculation and the pursuit of the ultimate American Dream.
The Hartford Stage is currently presenting from February 24 – March 20, 2022, “Dishwasher Dreams” written and performed by well-known comedian Alaudin Ullah, directed by Chay Yew, and featuring live “on stage” tabla music composed and performed by percussionist Avirodh Sharma.
“Dishwasher Dreams” – is a brilliant blend of “Bronx Tale” and “Wonder Years” – Alaudin Ullah’s autobiographical “coming of age” tale – a first-generation Muslim-American growing up in Spanish Harlem dreaming of baseball and achieving stardom. Throughout this 90 minute production Alaudin reminisces about his parents experiences in America, his father immigrating from Bangladesh, putting down new roots in Harlem, and his dad working as a line cook and dishwasher to support his transplanted family.
At the heart of the production, Alaudin reflects about his various stereotypical film roles that he comes to auditions for, even considering changing the spelling of his name – replacing the “U” to “D” – rechristen as “Aladdin”. Alaudin further shares his love of baseball, the Yankees and his hero Reggie Jackson, to his ultimate dream of becoming a television or even a movie star, like his dads friend and fellow dishwasher – Sid (Sidney Pointier). Finding success as a comedian, Alaudin chronicles “open mic nights” in small clubs, early onstage stumbles to later finally finding star-reaching success as “the” premier South Asian comedian, now being seen nationally on television via Comedy Central, HBO and MTV.
At plays end, we so want so much more of this touching interweaving tale of Alaudin’s family and his various exploits. We personally want to see a “Wonder Years” type Television series with weekly episodes describing his families life, loves and hurdles- everything from his visits to see Reggie Jackson at Yankee Stadium, to the valued advice from his father- the man with Dishwasher Dreams. A brilliant production that touches the heart and soul. Enjoy!
Dishwasher Dreams runs through March 20 with performances Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm; Fridays and Saturdays at 8pm; and Sunday matinees at 2pm. There is a Saturday 2pm matinee on March 5 and 19. The Open Captioned performance is Sunday, March 13 at 2 pm. The Audio Described performance is Saturday, March 19 at 2 pm.
Tickets for Dishwasher Dreams are $30-$100 with discounts for youth age 18 and under. Tickets can be purchased by visiting HartfordStage.org, by calling (860) 527-5151, or by visiting the Hartford Stage Box Office at 50 Church Street, Hartford, CT from noon to 5pm. To keep actors, audiences, and staff safe, Hartford Stage requires masks to be worn throughout the performance, plus proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result upon entry. For more details, please visit hartfordstage.org/covid-19.
Howard Steven Frydman is General Manager and Executive Director of BATV – Channels 5, 95 & 96 and a member of the CCC. Please feel free to contact Mr. Frydman with your thoughts and ideas at TheHoward24@gmail.com.
The Howard - On Stage & Screen Reviews 