Ruben Carrazana

“This play is fiercely funny in unexpected ways, and both the title and the substance have layers. All the more impressive considering that it is Carrazana’s first playwriting venture.”

“The play is a comedy, but Carrazana still wants the audience to hold up the mirror he feels all good theater should provide. In this case it might be more of a funhouse mirror.”

“Nothing made me laugh as much as Danielle Georgiou Dance Group’s (DGDG) Donkey Beach... the cast kept us laughing with their catchy song lyrics and quick-witted comebacks while also drawing our attention to controversial topics such as sexual orientation and gender neutrality in subtle and thoughtful ways.”

“If it sounds a bit wacky, that’s the point. Musical comedy is the key to the door — anyone can connect with that. But the production is also self-aware and absurd. Georgiou believes no matter your experience or knowledge of DGDG going in, you’ll walk out humming the songs.”

“I don’t want to give the twist away, but I left the rehearsal pondering to myself if given a choice would I rather live in a miserable reality or in a joyful lie.”

“... it’s not just fun and games at Donkey Beach. Something very serious happens. And to me that was very important. Because I looked back at these ‘60s [beach party] films, and certain things weren’t talked about. These characters were just very surface. And that’s what makes [those musicals] so much fun. But we’re living in a world with tropes and stereotypes—but with really catchy songs. But should we be?”

“Donkey Beach seamlessly blends live surf rock played by Locklear, Trey Pendergrass and Cory Kosel (also known as the Beach Bums); popular dance moves at the time such as The Twist, The Shimmy and The Mashed Potato; and meticulously timed dialogue that includes a copious amount of ’60s slang like “can you dig it” and “hang ten” to create one totally awesome beach bash.”

“Georgiou and co-writers Ruben Carrazana and Justin Locklear have woven a witty, intelligent, insightful piece that shows how women are conditioned to be self-effacing, self-sabotaging, and self-deprecating.”

“... offers several layers to ponder while providing laughs and striking chords—literally and figuratively.”

“The Dallas dancer-choreographer and her collaborators throw the kitchen sink at the concept. They place the action inside of a musical sitcom, complete with original songs, a relentless laugh track and meta-theatrical elements during which the performers step out of character and speak as themselves. Based on stories told by cast members in DGDG’s elaborate preparation process, Just Girly Things is Georgiou’s latest exploration of society’s ideas about gender roles. ”