Hold Me in the Water
Opened: April 10, 2025Closing: May 04, 2024
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Hold Me in the Water Off-Broadway Tickets, News, Info & More
Playwrights Horizons
416 West 42nd St.(between 9th & 10th Aves) New York, NY 10036
When Ryan falls for a man he just met, he’s ready for the romance of his dreams. But as their connection grows, Ryan learns that new heights of joy can bring deep insecurities to the surface. Disarmingly vulnerable and playfully provocative, Hold Me in the Water is a funny and tender solo play about the passion and intimacy of first love.
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR Hold Me in the Water
Hold Me in the Water: An Intimate Boy-Meets-Boy Story
8 / 10
We feel like we’re right there with Haddad as he recalls the early goosebump stages of the relationship—the handholding, the flirting, the overanalysis of texts, the visions of “wedding photos, printed in The New York Times Style section” dancing in his head. Where Hold Me goes—and where they end up—we won’t share. But Haddad leaves us with a few thoughtful questions: “Have you ever dated a disabled person?” (He hasn’t, he admits. “Yet. That I know of.”) “Have you ever…even entertained the idea that romance might be possible for you and them?” He’s not judging; he’s just asking questions that, truthfully, no one has ever really asked.
'Hold Me in the Water' Off-Broadway review — a heartfelt and humorous love story
8 / 10
Haddad commands the stage in this solo show, fully holding his own. He’s flirty and fun, and he shares deep insecurities about opening himself up to a romantic partner. The writer/performer is no stranger to vulnerability. In his previous solo shows, including Dark Disabled Stories; Hi, Are You Single?; and Falling For Make Believe, Haddad chronicles his experiences navigating life — and love — in a city that isn’t always built with disabled people in mind.
Review Roundup: Ryan J. Haddad's HOLD ME IN THE WATER
by Nicole Rosky - April 24, 2025
by Nicole Rosky - April 24, 2025
Hold Me in the Water, written and performed by Ryan J. Haddad and directed by Danny Sharron, just celebrated opening night at Playwrights Horizons. Let's see what the critics are saying about the new play...
Hold Me in the Water History
Other Productions of Hold Me in the Water
| 2025 | Off-Broadway |
Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway Production Off-Broadway |
Hold Me in the Water Off-Broadway Awards and Nominations
Note: Award winners will appear on a background
| Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Solo Performance | Ryan J. Haddad |
| 2025 | Drama League Awards | DISTINGUISHED PERFORMANCE | Ryan J. Haddad |
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