PaperHouse Theatre’s ‘Reverse Psychology’ Proves Devilishly Ridiculous

July 31, 2026 - 17:26

PaperHouse Theatre has made a clever choice with its latest production, skipping the more famous works of Charles Ludlam and instead digging into the lesser-known gem "Reverse Psychology." The show runs through Aug. 1 at VisArt, and it is a wonderfully silly ride that does not take itself seriously for a single moment.

The play, written by the founder of the Ridiculous Theatrical Company, is a farce that leans hard into the ridiculous. It is not trying to make a grand statement or offer deep insight. It simply wants to make you laugh, and it succeeds. The plot is a tangled mess of mistaken identities, bad decisions, and characters who seem to be acting on pure impulse. There is a chaotic energy to the whole thing, and the cast clearly enjoys leaning into the madness.

What stands out is the pacing. The show moves quickly, never letting the audience settle too long on any one joke before the next one lands. The physical comedy is sharp, and the timing between the actors feels tight. It is the kind of production that knows exactly what it is and does not apologize for it. The set design is simple but effective, letting the performances carry the weight.

If you are looking for a night of pure, unpretentious fun, this is worth catching before it closes. It is a reminder that theater does not always have to be serious to be good. Sometimes, it just has to be devilishly ridiculous.