Our pets hold a special place in our hearts, becoming beloved members of our families. In the solo show MY CAT NAMED LUCY, the character Charlie uses his Persian cat, Lucy, as a metaphor for the obstacles and challenges he faces as a young adult male navigating the world. Lucy is a fictitious amalgamation of the playwright’s real-life cats, Julius Caesar and Beef Wellington, both of whom are adorably featured in the show’s program.
Despite being a cat, Lucy has her own unique challenges, particularly with breathing due to the breed’s flat face and genetic issues associated with brachycephalic airway syndrome. However, Lucy serves as a source of comfort and stability for Charlie, as he muses that she is the only living thing that can’t leave him. This dynamic between Charlie and Lucy adds a touch of lightness to the heavy topics explored in the play.
The play unfolds as a 50-minute monologue, with Charlie serving as the patient and the audience as his silent therapists. Through a series of stream-of-consciousness thoughts, Charlie delves into his feelings of loneliness, perfectionism, and the constant fear of disappointing someone. The audience is taken on an emotional roller coaster ride through Charlie’s mind, with recorded voices mimicking his inner thoughts and self-destructive tendencies.
One of the central flaws of the show is the lack of context provided for Charlie’s struggles. The audience is thrust into the depths of Charlie’s emotional turmoil without much opportunity to build empathy for the character. The intensity escalates quickly, leaving little room for understanding or connection with Charlie’s experiences.
Additionally, the play lacks a central conflict or resolution, with Charlie’s issues being named but not actively addressed or resolved. This leaves the audience feeling somewhat confused and disconnected at the end of the performance. While the show touches on important topics related to mental health struggles, it falls short in providing a cohesive and impactful narrative.
Despite its shortcomings, MY CAT NAMED LUCY offers a unique and intimate exploration of one man’s inner struggles. Written and performed by Peyton Smetana, with direction and production by Emily Beloate, the play provides a platform for important conversations surrounding mental health and personal growth. While the show may be in an earlier stage of development, it offers valuable insights into the complexities of human emotions and relationships.
Overall, MY CAT NAMED LUCY is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged piece that invites audiences to reflect on their own experiences with loneliness, self-doubt, and the search for connection. Though it may not provide all the answers, it sparks important conversations about the challenges we face in our daily lives.
