DROWNER [Renword] Reviews

Washington City Paper- Somewhat Recommended

"...There’s something delightful about a sure-handed horror comedy pulling giggles and gasps out of the same story. In Drowner [Renword], a play by Nia Akilah Robinson now running at NextStop Theatre Company, the story centers two Black students’ harrowing night at an old White lady’s haunted house in upstate New York. It’s a strong setup, but unfortunately, making scares and laughs work together isn’t the only balancing act that bedevils this world premiere."

MD Theatre Guide- Somewhat Recommended

"...While this play tries to add something unexpected to an intriguing theatrical niche, it could use some fine tuning and a bit more finesse. It is still a good time with its fast-paced, dramatic calamity and belly-laugh-inducing silliness."

BroadwayWorld- Somewhat Recommended

"...DROWNER is a horror / comedy hybrid, which is an excellent choice for live theater that goes tragically underused. Likely because it’s daunting to write, perform, and produce. But DROWNER successfully balances the two genres’ competing demands. From the start, the show sets the tone with the usual pre-performance announcements done in haunted house style, complete with the evil laugh. Generally, the humor is the right amount of overdone, and the horror is well-executed. There are moments that will make you laugh and moments that will make you jump in your seat."

DC Theater Arts- Highly Recommended

"...NextStop Theatre has done it again with their latest dark comedy, ?D?R?O?W?N?E?R [Renword], from sharp, witty playwright Nia Akilah Robinson and director Heather Lanza. This edgy, eerie, energetic world premiere is absolutely worth the trek out of your house this winter."