BWW Reviews: EVERY MAN SHIFT (FOR ALL THE REST) Fills the Red Room with Laughter

Arriving at The Red Room with "Hells Bells" blaring and the black velvet pictures on the wall (and yes, there is a velvet Jesus) you get the feeling this is NOT going to be a family show. It is a tavern and drinks are served so no one over 21 is allowed but this is probably a good thing.

The director's speech was given to us from a puppet. Once the show began, with three women (sprites/faeries/fates) dancing, becoming a boat for the four friends and a tempestuous storm came - it appeared to be a nod to Shakespeare. Ok, so... so far we have a tavern, "Hells Bells", a puppet, and Shakespeare, I was beginning to wonder what I had gotten myself into by attending this show.

It was a show with some, alright lots, of swearing and vulgar language. I am not easily offended by such - but if you are you may want to sit this one out. The actors were all well trained so you can hear (they were practically yelling, however it fit the venue and the situations) and they were very articulate. I enjoyed everyone on the stage: the four friends played by Dakotah Brown, Chad Shohet, Dylan Hughes, and Luke Massengill, the Furies by Jaime Nebeker, Svea VanAtter, Ellen Brisson-Capp and not forgetting Anne McDonald as the PBR swilling, wild, mountain woman.

They had some great innovations that I had not seen before, which may say something more about me than them. Interacting with a projection screen and the way they portrayed the river rafting part of the show. They had great props, kudos to David Ketchum. The projections by Declan Kempe and Cody Gittings were well done and appropriate indeed.

The story by Chad Shohet and Dakotah Brown, what can I say without giving spoilers. It was a story about four men who were on the verge of their "adult" lives beginning and scared of their relationships changing and growing up. Since, they are not "grown up" as of yet, they still use their juvenile humor and antics. The audience was laughing and having a great time!

If you are not easily offended by language or rude antics, I would definitely recommend this show. I left the show with a smile on my face and a new catch phrase, "Wanna see my new belt?"

Photo Credit: Lynnsey Kathleen Philips (aka Lionlady Photography)
Pictured from left to right is Dakota Brown, Luke Massengill, Dylan Hughes, and Chad Shohet

2026 Theater Fans' Choice Awards - Live Stats

Best Book of a Musical - Top 3

1. David Hornsby, Chris Hoch, David Hornsby, Chris Hoch - The Lost Boys

36.6% of votes

2. Jim Barne, Kit Buchan - Two Strangers (Carry a Cake Across New York)

28.9% of votes

3. Cinco Paul - Schmigadoon!

20.4% of votes

Vote Now! View Live Stats