What Happens In The Dark

About the Show

Winner of the StageCrafts Freeway Circuit Award and Nominee for Best Comedic Theater at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2025. Come see our next performances July 26th and July 27th at the Electric Lodge in Venice, CA!

A burglar breaks into a house in the middle of the night and gets more than they bargained for when they get wrapped up in a married couple’s feud. Throughout the night, the burglar unravels the couple’s secret lives and inadvertently puts their relationship to the test.

What Happens In The Dark is a farcical comedy that uses a lighting convention where the lights are opposite. So when the lights are ON, they’re actually OFF. And when they’re OFF, they’re actually ON. Therefore the audience can only see the characters onstage when they are stumbling around in complete darkness. This convention opens the door to mistaken identity, physical comedy, and side-splitting chaos.

Content Warnings: sexual content, drug use, comedic violence, darkness, a flashlight, flashing lights and 3 simulated gunshots

AUDIENCES LOVE WHAT HAPPENS IN THE DARK

“A brilliant concept executed masterfully. This play was absolutely hilarious and had me engaged the entire time period the actors are so beautifully choreographed and it was clear that they had immense passion for every single moment of the play, executing the nuanced movement and dialogue with absolute precision. I promise that you’ll have incredible time viewing this play.”

“I never knew stumbling around in the dark could be this funny or this smart. If you want a show that makes you laugh, think, and cheer all at once then this one’s for you.”

"This farce is a hit. The play felt lived-in, the plot was surprising, and I left the theatre with of sense of ‘hell yeah, this is what it’s all about’.
Not a weak element or link in the chain. Bravo!"

“‘What Happens In The Dark’ is a true reminder that Farce in Los Angeles is a lost art and needs to be done in this city much more than it is! While being one of the best Farces I’ve seen in years, this show and it’s writing also brings home a personal story with a lot of heart – leaving you laughing and feeling for the characters at every turn.” 

"WOW! Just WOW. I want to see it again, on a larger stage. It deserves a tour. This is like “The Play That Goes Wrong” levels of good – it’s not just a gag of light/dark, it’s a true metaphorical exploration of what light and darkness sheds on strained relationships and the secrets we keep. It’s so flipping good! The direction, the props, the ACTING (my god, the acting?! It was incredible!), the commitment, the hilarity, the comedy, the twists, the turns… Highest recommendation."

"Our entry point is a silly farce that ends up that seems like it’s all going to be played for laughs until the theme starts to creep its way into the story. Only in retrospect, we see that every choice is intentional, playing into its thoughtful message about navigating sexual identity, despite being in a committed relationship."

“This hilarious, fresh farce is a perfect blend of precise physical comedy and larger than life characters you can’t help but love. The writing, direction, lighting, fight choreography, and performances are all exceptional – I would see it three more times in a heartbeat.”

“This show is an absolutely hilarious and genius concept. This farce was a nonstop, high-energy rollercoaster of identities mistaken and absolutely nothing going according to plan. I loved every chaotic moment. 10/10 would recommend!!!”

“‘What Happens in the Dark’ is a ”box-sizing: border-box;">MUST SEE show! Prepare for a wild ride of delicately calculated chaos and entertainment as the story unfolds one dark and stormy night. Writer Kris Buxton-Dean, has built a world of playful dynamics that captures the hearts, eyes, and wonder of a truly delighted audience."