Out of Order

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What does it mean for one to be out of order? Perhaps one is in the wrong line, speaking out of turn, misbehaving in a crowd, or simply playing with ideas that appear random but are, in fact, a list of things being accessed without any particular focus or, for that matter, order. Such is the nature of a show called Out of Order, written and performed by Carl Holder and directed by Skylar Fox.

The event takes place in the East Village Basement theater, which has been transformed from a comfortable apartment setting of the previous production into a garish, brightly lit room resembling a rehearsal studio. The red color of the walls and floor communicates an energetic environment, which is confirmed when Holder manically enters in a tracksuit after what can be considered a prologue by someone supposedly in the audience.

The idea presented in this prologue is that Holder, after 20 years in his theatrical life, has reached a dead end in his interest in playwriting. He is looking for something to re-energize himself, or he will give it all up and move on to something else. The prologue reader pulls a string, releasing a cascade of 36 folded cards from a box on the ceiling. The claim is that everything that is to transpire is real, and if Holder doesn’t complete all of the tasks listed on the cards, he will quit the theater forever.

The cards are collected into a bowl, and Holder begins by selecting a card, reading it to the audience, and then performing the task listed. The device he is using to explore his commitment to theater is a carefully structured play with the feel of an improvisational show. All of the items on the cards are scripted, with only the order of the cards being random, except for the last card, which is always the last card read.

Holder does an excellent job of establishing and maintaining the improvisational and random feel for his actions, some of which involve audience participation. For example, on one card is written “Open This Later.” Holder gives a box tied with a ribbon to a member of the audience, instructing them not to open the box until they are told to do so. At some unknown point, it could be immediately after presenting the box or just before the end of the play, a card will appear that says, “It’s Later.” At this time, the box will be opened, and its contents will be revealed to the audience.

There are several moments when the audience is invited to participate in the production, all of which are carefully choreographed in the setup, but not necessarily the result. It is another clever device to strengthen the feeling of randomness in what is happening.

The cards have words that trigger what appear to be improvisational stories, which end up being linked as each of the related cards is revealed. The fact that the reveals are apparently at random adds a strong element of surprise and wonder at the adept skill of the storyteller to weave together apparently disconnected pieces into a coherent whole.

One of the cards instructs Holder to “Teach Them How To Write A Play.” This instruction is something he is familiar with, having taught theater at various times over the years. He lays out the key elements of constructing the dramatic arc of a play matter-of-factly as if he were in a classroom.

What is interesting about this element of the show is that the components of the dramatic arc will provide the opportunity for Holder to essentially reveal his life story, as other cards are titled with each of the elements. Other cards lead to a different set of stories that are also interconnected. In the end, it is an enjoyable evening of theater that showcases the playwriting ability of Holder and his acting chops, making the exercise seem like a unique event that will have a lasting impact on his career decision.

Holder is supported in this production by Skylar Fox, who not only directs the show but also collaborated in the development and design of the production with co-designer Adam Wyron. He is a member of the audience who performs the prologue and interacts with other elements later in the show. Simon Henriques is listed as Referee. He is the keeper of the timer for the cards specifying a particular length of time for Holder to complete the task.

Out of Order (extended through July 30, 2025)

Most Unwanted Productions and Connor Scully

East Village Basement, 321 E. 9th St, in Manhattan

For tickets, visit http://www.outofordertheshow.com/

Running time: 90 minutes without an intermission