Review: OMEGA KIDS at Access Theater is Appealing and Poignant

"It doesn't have to be perfect for it to be important to you."

-Omega Kids

Omega Kids is now being performed at Access Theater through Sunday, March 25th. Written by Obie Award-winner Noah Mease and directed by Jay Stull, it is an insightful view into the feelings of two young men. If you've ever spent a night talking and opening up to another person, you will completely relate to this show. It is charming and honest.

In Omega Kids, two millenials, both named Michael, just finished their work at a seminar for gifted teens. Instead of going out on a Saturday night, they relax on floor of an unfurnished apartment conversing about a comic book series, "Omega Kids." And as they discuss superhero powers and adventures, the men also reveal events of their childhood, adolescence and college years. This budding friendship shows how people can develop significant bonds through a common interest in pop culture.

The two-hander features Will Sarratt as Michael, a self proclaimed "comic book nerd" who knows all about the "Omega Kids" characters, their backstories and the recent reboot of the series. Sarrat's character becomes completely animated when talking about superheroes. He comments, "Teams of teenagers with superpowers were always my favorite things." Fernando Gonzalez portrays "the other Michael" who has risen above a difficult childhood. He tells of getting into fights and being shifted from one living situation to another. Both of these characters are likable, at times sympathetic, and very authentic.

Omega Kids is a wonderfully developed, intimate depiction of two young men and the comic book series gives the show a meaningful and appealing perspective. Invite a friend and see it.

Omega Kids was originally developed at Dixon Place's HOT! Festival. It is being performed at Access Theater (380 Broadway, at White Street, two blocks south of Canal through March 25th. The performance schedule is Thursday at 8 PM; Friday at 7:30 PM; Saturday at 8 PM; Sunday at 3 PM & 7 PM. There are added performances on Friday, March 10 & 24 at 9:45 PM and on Saturday, March 18 at 3 PM. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets, visit www.omegakids.brownpapertickets.com.

Photo Credit: Hunter Canning