by Brayden Hade
Though this production closed a few months back, I find it imperative to laud the prodigious talent that graced the stage in Meg and Jess Productions’ “Welcome to UA: Unmasked Anonymous.” This modest yet profoundly impactful production, set within the confines of a blackbox theater and inhabited by a mere duo of performers, was an exquisite embodiment of humanity, drama, and comedy, all enveloped within an aura of artistic brilliance.
Upon stepping into the theater, one was instantly thrust into a whirlwind of audience interaction and vibrant hues of light, as Jess ushered patrons into her alter ego’s world, “Jessie.” This persona, marked by an unbridled passion for Michael Jordan, radiated with an exuberant and over-the-top energy. Soon after, the audience was introduced to “Megs,” a neurotic yet humorously relatable single twenty-something who harbored a fondness for brunch. As the narrative unfolded, we were granted an encounter with “Jess,” the unmasked version of “Jessie” – a character starkly contrasting her flamboyant counterpart, characterized by subdued honesty, profound flaws, unguarded openness, and diminutive stature.
Without divulging the entirety of the play’s plot: Jess, who is further along in her journey of self-unmasking, employs ruthlessly candid monologues that seamlessly oscillate between devastation and hilarity. Meanwhile, “Megs” embarks on her own quest to discover her true self, offering intermittent and comical glimpses until she finally unveils “Megan,” her authentic self.
“Welcome to UA: Unmasked Anonymous” was a tour de force of acting prowess. Both Jessica Jordan and Megan Caccamo skillfully elicited a potent blend of pathos and laughter. Remarkably, the audience never felt subjected to preachiness; instead, we were graciously afforded a rare glimpse behind the curtain into the lives of these meticulously developed, inherently flawed, and profoundly beautiful human beings. Their impeccable comedic timing was unparalleled, effectively transforming a somber topic into uproarious laughter. It stands as a testament to their acting virtuosity that they were able to craft such honest humor while navigating the labyrinthine themes of parental abandonment, abuse, loss, eating disorders, breakups, and depression.
One fervently hopes that “Welcome to UA: Unmasked Anonymous” will grace the stage once more in the near future, for it is a theatrical gem that should not be overlooked by anyone seeking a profound and humorous exploration of the human condition.
About Meg & Jess Productions: Meg & Jess Productions, founded by Megan Caccamo and Jessica Jordan, debuts “Welcome to UA: Unmasked Anonymous” at the prestigious Hollywood Fringe Festival.
