CAUGHT: 87% – SWEET

Corey Brill and Will Beinbrink in "Caught" at the Zephyr Theatre. (Source: Company)

BITTER
Proponents of same-sex marriage will encounter in David L. Ray’s dramedy “Caught,” no challenge to their beliefs or exception to the sunniest of feelings. Visual artist Troy (Will Beinbrink) struggles a bit with the closeted impulses of attorney fiance Kenny (Corey Brill), but it’s a negligible impediment to wedded bliss. Every cause needs cheerleaders, and there’s nothing wrong with preaching to the choir. But the yawningly predictable “Caught” throws crumbs to agreeable, attractive players.
Bob Verini – Variety

BITTER
In this debuting dramedy, playwright David L. Ray figuratively waves an anti-Proposition 8 banner in his sympathetic depiction of an impending gay marriage in danger of being derailed by homophobia. Though the playwright’s apparent intentions are laudable, his politically correct script is overridden with clichés. The committed efforts of a talented cast aren’t enough to rescue this piece from utter predictability.
Les Spindle – Backstage

SWEET
David L. Ray puts a very real face on this country’s gay marriage debate in Caught, the Georgia-born playwright’s absorbing dramedy now getting its World Premiere at the Zephyr Theatre. Incisively directed by Nick DeGruccio and featuring a couldn’t-be-better cast and one of the best design teams in town, Caught is a terrific holiday gift for theatergoers in search of something other than yet another Christmas Carol.
Steven Stanley – StageSceneLA

SWEET
This world premiere production is ably directed by three-time Ovation Award winner Nick DeGruccio keeping the action tight and smooth, funny where needed, and edge-of-the-seat tense otherwise. Expect to periodically shed some tears with your laughter.
Gil Kaan – EdgeLosAngeles

BITTERSWEET
Television-style resolutions evaporate from memory almost instantly, but their ease can be satisfying in a harmless, diversionary, make-believe way.
Charles McNulty – LA Times

SWEET
Award-winning director Nick DeGruccio has guided his superb cast in giving the audience an evening in the theater that will make you want to hold close the ones you love. It’s good to be caught being human and realizing it’s OK.
Chad Scott – The Advocate

SWEET
Still, as staged by Nick DeGruccio, Caught is an engaging domestic drama, with valuable assistance provided by the character of the flamboyant friend who has just obtained an Internet ordination in order to officiate at the wedding. And it’s set right here in LA, which of course is one of my pet causes.
Don Shirley – LA Stage Watch

SWEET
Director Nick DeGruccio deftly takes Ray’s strong and likable characters from page to stage, sparingly playing up stereotypes for comedy without ever reducing the characters to them. Adding to the authenticity are Adam Flemming’s delightfully detailed stucco-walled set and Katherine Hampton Noland’s colorful couture. Adding to the emotional investment in the story is a talented cast; standouts include Puette, for her rich and intense portrayal of Darlene’s dramatic arc; McCain, for balancing diva-like comedy with deep sincerity; and Kaschak, for combining fresh-faced innocence and strong will to create a very believable teenager.
Mayank Keshaviah – LA Weekly

SWEET
All-in-all, a production worth seeing, if only for the arguments.
Dale Reynolds – Stagehappenings

SWEET
However, thanks to a likable cast of actors and a brisk pace set forth by DeGruccio’s direction, CAUGHT does ascend its own devices to ultimately present itself as a touching, emotionally-searing, well-acted play. By the end of CAUGHT, its soap-tinged machinations ease up a bit to allow a shimmer of hope that one day love, acceptance and equality will ultimately win out in the face of bigotry and fear.
Michael L. Quintos – BroadwayWorld

SWEET
This company of actors performs together with the greatest of ease. Every performance is skillfully calibrated and superbly acted. Every beat in this show, from side-splitting double entendre to deeply emotional confession, is born in the moment, again and again, with refined clarity and honesty. Well Done.
Keisha7 – LASplash

SWEET
DeGruccio’s expert pace and a top-notch ensemble keep the dramedy riveting and equally entertaining.
Don Grigware – GrigwareBlogspot

SWEET
For those of us willing to see people as people first, this is a great production, in a quaint little theatre, with a wonderful set, and fantastic acting performances by all.
Randall Gray – Associated Content

SWEET
“Caught”, written by David L. Ray and directed by Nick DeGruccio, is a MUST SEE for everyone gay or straight.
Andrew Holinsky – The Alternative

SWEET
I’m happy to say the new play Caught by David L. Ray overcomes these pitfalls and presents a gay-themed play that raises questions that aren’t always easy to answer. While it sometimes veers toward earnestness, the cast expertly sidesteps these moments bringing the characters to life without making us want to roll our eyes at them.
Christopher Cappiello – Frontiers

SWEET
Caught uses emotionally charged writing, excellent performances, instinctive direction, and a rich set to present a family paradigm that cuts through bigotry to embrace the most essential human values of marriage equality, love, acceptance, and dignity.
Mialka Bonadonna-Morano – LAist

CAUGHT
Buttermilk Productions in association with Drumfish Productions
Zephyr Theatre, 7456 Melrose Ave., L.A.
EXTENDED THRU JUNE 26, 2011; Fri.–Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.
(800) 595-4849