THE OPPOSITE OF LOVE West Coast Premiere Opens July 25 at Hudson Backstage Theatre

Neil Gooding Productions will present the West Coast premiere of The Opposite of Love, opening July 25 at the Hudson Backstage Theatre in Hollywood. A preview performance is set for July 24.

Written by and co-starring Ashley Griffin, the Off-Broadway hit arrives in Los Angeles following its 2024 New York debut at The Royal Family Theater. Performances continue through August 31.

Directed by Melora Marshall, the play centers on the relationship between Eloise, a trust fund heiress, and Will, a down-on-his-luck hustler, who form a complicated bond after she hires him to help her move past sexual trauma. As their search for connection deepens, the story confronts darker impulses in a world where love is increasingly commodified.

Griffin, a Santa Monica native and NYU Tisch graduate, returns to the L.A. stage for the first time since launching her career in New York. She stars alongside Evan Strand (Frozen National Tour, Zoot Suit at the Mark Taper Forum), who plays Will. The play received earlier development at A.R.T. and Theatre Row.

The Opposite of Love has been noted for its unflinching take on modern intimacy. Griffin explains the work as a response to a generation grappling with relationships in a post-dating app world.

The production is presented by Neil Gooding Productions, whose Broadway and West End credits include Back to the Future, Gypsy, and Harmony.

Performance Schedule:

• Preview: Thursday, July 24 at 7:30 p.m.

• Run: July 25 – August 31

• Showtimes: Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.; Sundays at 4:00 p.m.

• Tickets: $29–$45

Los Angeles Awards - Live Stats

Best Musical - Top 3

1. JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR (Hollywood Bowl)

5.9% of votes

2. HEATHERS (Backyard Playhouse: Treetop Production)

5.7% of votes

3. HAIR (Conundrum Theatre)

5.5% of votes

Vote Now!