Fred – Dixon Place, New York

Writers: Christopher Ford & Dakota Rose

Director: Dakota Rose

Reviewer: Adrienne Sowers

On the Rocks Theatre Company’s latest installment at Dixon Place, Fred, is a self-aware, campy trip to the far reaches of the universe. As a sentient robot takes his beloved human companion to a retirement home orbiting Pluto, the audience travels to a surreal, absurd word where pool cleaners are self-aware and alien siblings form Carpenters cover bands.

This one-act play is short, but understands that brevity works in its favor in creating a workable contract with the audience. Director/co-writer Dakota Rose sculpts a fresh, sophisticated play that understands that to take itself too seriously would be detrimental to success. It is a romp with heart and charm.

The very nature of a show like this feels slightly rough around the edges and “indie,” but all choices made by the director and cast are deliberate, and drive the joyful absurdity of the piece. Fred is the sort of play that leaves the audience smiling, and happy to forgive inconsistencies or questions of fact. It’s a fun, laugh-filled seventy-five minutes.