Let me ask you this: When was the last time you saw a musical that didn’t just entertain but confronted you? That’s exactly what’s happening with The One: A Gay Musical Comedy, a show that’s less about romance and more about the existential dread of being a 27-year-old single man in New York City. It’s a bold, chaotic, and deeply human story that feels like it was written for anyone who’s ever scrolled through Grindr at 2 a.m. while wondering if they’ll ever find someone who doesn’t make them question their life choices. And now, it’s getting a fresh dose of attention with this industry reading—a chance to see if this messy, glittering mess has what it takes to survive beyond the fringe.
What makes this particularly fascinating is how the show straddles the line between satire and sincerity. Michael, the protagonist, is a serial monogamist dumped by his dream boyfriend—a premise that immediately feels like a punchline, but the deeper you dig, the more it becomes a metaphor for the pressure to conform to expectations, both societal and familial. His overbearing Jewish mother isn’t just a joke; she’s a character who embodies the generational tension between tradition and self-discovery. And let’s be honest, if you’ve ever had a parent who thinks your dating life is a failure, you’ll relate. But here’s the kicker: the show doesn’t shy away from the absurdity of modern dating. There’s a stalker obsessed with manifestations, a Gen Z Hinge date who probably has more filters than a Photoshop tutorial, and a Shakespeare-quoting twunk who makes you question whether you’ve been living in the wrong century. It’s a kaleidoscope of identities, and I’m here for it.
The cast alone is a masterclass in diversity and talent. Daniel Assetta, fresh off Juliet, brings a vulnerability that’s rare in musical theater—like he’s about to cry at any moment, which is exactly what makes him believable as someone who’s just been dumped. Jordan Brown, from Book of Mormon, is a wildcard; I can’t wait to see how he leans into the chaos. And then there’s Cade Ostermeyer, who’s already proven he can make Heathers’ high school hell feel like a rom-com. But what really stands out to me is the chemistry between the actors. When you see names like Daniel Quadrino (from Wicked), you expect a certain gravitas, but this show feels like it’s built on spontaneity. It’s the kind of cast that could turn a forgettable script into a cult classic just by the way they interact with each other.
Now, let’s talk about the setting. The Hameshulash LGBTQ+ Theatre isn’t just a venue—it’s a statement. This show’s been running there for five years, which is a testament to its resilience. In a world where mainstream theaters often overlook queer narratives, this space is a lifeline. What many people don’t realize is how crucial these niche venues are for fostering innovation. They’re the incubators for stories that might never get a chance elsewhere. And The One is a perfect example of that. It’s not trying to be the next Hamilton; it’s trying to be the next you—the person who’s tired of being told what love should look like.
If you take a step back and think about it, this musical is a microcosm of our current cultural moment. We’re in an era where identity is fluid, relationships are transactional, and everyone’s trying to find their place in a world that’s constantly changing. The One doesn’t offer answers—it throws questions at you. It asks, What does it mean to be single in a city that thrives on connections? Can love exist without compromise? And more importantly, why do we keep chasing perfection when the only thing that matters is showing up?
This industry reading isn’t just a test run; it’s a chance to see if the show can evolve. Will they streamline the chaos? Will they tone down the humor to make it more palatable? Or will they double down on the madness, trusting that audiences crave authenticity over polish? I’m leaning toward the latter. After all, what’s the point of theater if it doesn’t make you feel something—whether it’s joy, confusion, or the urge to text your ex and ask if they still hate you?
