Ryan J. Haddad's 'Good Time Charlie' Premieres at Public Theater
Ryan J. Haddad’s new play, 'Good Time Charlie,' opens at the Public Theater, marking his first major expansion beyond solo monologues. The two-hour memory play explores the relationship between Haddad and his uncle, Charlie, a retired dentist who served as a queer mentor. Directed by Danny Sharron, the production features a cast including Jonathan Raviv, Beth Malone, and Tim Bagley, and runs through October 25. Critics praise its warmth and humor but note its gentle handling of family trauma.
Key points
- The play is a world premiere at the Public Theater, running through October 25.
- It is Haddad’s first large-scale ensemble work, moving away from his previous solo shows like 'Hold Me in the Water.'
- The narrative centers on the bond between Haddad and his uncle, Charlie, who was barred from pursuing theater by his parents in the 1970s.
- The production features a Japanese-inspired garden set and explores themes of chosen family and queer inheritance.
- Haddad, who has cerebral palsy and uses a walker, is both the writer and a performer in the piece.
Background
Haddad previously gained recognition for solo works focusing on disability and dating, such as 'Dark Disabled Stories' and 'Hi, Are You Single?'. This new production represents a significant shift in scale and format for the playwright, moving from intimate monologues to a multi-character ensemble piece.
How outlets are covering it
Vulture critic Jackson McHenry praises the play's warmth but criticizes Haddad for avoiding brutal honesty, noting that characters interrupt painful scenes to 'rewrite' them, which McHenry argues undermines dramatic tension. TheaterMania’s Zachary Stewart highlights the cast’s versatility, particularly Nael Nacer and Artemis Pebdani doubling as both Ryan’s and Charlie’s parents, and praises the production’s steady direction. Culture Sauce’s Thom Geier offers a five-star review, calling the work a 'love letter to the theater' that successfully updates classic tropes like 'The Glass Menagerie' with contemporary humor and Midwestern heart, though he notes the second act veers toward the maudlin.
Why it matters
The production highlights the evolving landscape of Off-Broadway theater, showcasing how personal, autobiographical works can expand into complex ensemble dramas. It also underscores the ongoing relevance of queer narratives in mainstream theater, focusing on the often-overlooked role of 'fairy godparent' figures in supporting LGBTQ+ youth.
What to watch
The play will continue its run at the Public Theater through October 25, 2026. Haddad may continue to develop new ensemble works, building on the success of this expanded format.
- How a Theater-Loving Uncle Led Him to His Dream The New York Times
- Queer Eye for the Queer Guy: ‘Good Time Charlie’ Vulture
- Jonathan Raviv, Tim Bagley, and Michael Cristofer Photo (October 1, 2026) BroadwayWorld
- Review: Good Time Charlie , Ryan J. Haddad’s Tribute to a Favorite Gay Uncle TheaterMania
- ‘Good Time Charlie’ offers a warm, funny love letter to theater and chosen family (Off Broadway review) Culture Sauce
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