The lo-fi brilliance of Recent Cutbacks has returned to New York with Hold On To Your Butts and the 60-minute non-stop laugh fest at SoHo Playhouse is a prehistoric triumph. This shot-for-shot parody of Jurassic Park relies on nothing but physical theater, a handful of simple props, and pure comedic timing to recreate Spielberg’s epic blockbuster. Starring Nick Abeel, Kerry Ipema, and Natalie Rich, the ensemble is remarkably tight. Watching the performers take on every single role, including the dinosaurs, is a masterclass in imaginative acting. A particular highlight for me was seeing both leads deliver pitch-perfect, bumbling Jeff Goldblum impressions that had the audience in stitches.
What elevates the production from a simple spoof to an event worth seeing is the presence of the on-stage foley artist. Every roar, cork pop, rustle of the jungle, and iconic “Barbasol” whisper is created live, providing a hilarious backtrack of sound design. It’s a family-friendly show that manages to be both a nostalgic tribute for fans and a high-energy comedy for newcomers. Since the performers rotate through their roles, each show promises a slightly different energy, making it well worth a repeat visit. It runs through most of March 2026, so be sure to catch it before it goes extinct!
