‘moonwatchers’ Is An Offbeat And Whimsical Ride
A quirky and imaginative comedy with an offbeat premise, moonwatchers pairs absurd humor with genuine warmth, creating an unpredictable and thoroughly entertaining ride.
When I first watched the film The Martian, one musical scene stood out to me. On the space shuttle, the astronauts are each speaking to their families via video, and David Bowie’s “Starman” plays in the background. It’s a bittersweet scene that resonates, with everyone so far from their loved ones. I didn’t expect there would ever be an additional vehicle that would come to mind when I hear that song, but now there is.
moonwatchers is about Allen and Rocko, two men who work in an office where they are responsible for all things moon-related. Allen is the senior keeper of the moon, believing that consistency is important, and Rocko is a newer employee who thinks spontaneity keeps things more interesting. When the moon goes missing one day, they have to figure out how to get it back and from who.
Written by Corey Farrell and Nigel Berkeley, and directed by Co-Artistic Director Nealie Tinlin, this new show by Lazy Susan Theatre Co. is silly, clever, and hilarious. It also keeps you on your toes, taking you on a ride you never would have expected from start to finish.
The show begins before the lights go down, with an amusing mood-setting preshow and the actors on stage. As the audience settles into their seats, Allen starts showing Rocko around the office. They have an agreeable conversation in the midst of songs like Elton John’s “Rocket Man” and David Bowie’s “Starman” and “Space Oddity.” There is also a “space girl” walking through the audience with a green bopper headband, selling moon pies, moon cheese, and cosmic brownies, among other things.
When the show starts, Allen and Rocko, who have left the stage, arrive at work. Played by Elijah J. Jones and Renzo Vicente, each with a distinct energy that yields a sparking chemistry, the men bounce off of each other throughout. And while the script is wild and unusual, their lively back-and-forth, with the utmost dedication to their characters, levels up the show.
Being in charge of the moon appears to be a great responsibility, as the set leads you to believe. With colorful magnets and workstations, images of various celestial bodies, a phone that connects with other planets, an “Employee of the Month” photo, and small, movable items like a sheep and a comet, you understand what these men are there to do. Additionally, a large moon hangs in the space at the back of the office. And what happens to the small moon that the men manipulate for work, also happens to the large moon.
A show that is full of surprises, moonwatchers also includes three songs that Mr. Jones plays on his guitar, and both men sing. These interludes almost feel as if they come out of nowhere, but they are so incredibly welcome that they add a layer of warmth and laughter. Plus, both men have great voices and the harmonies, are lovely.
In a room lit with yellow stars, moonwatchers is the kind of show that doesn’t waste any time. Led by two strong, committed, and entertaining actors, and surrounded by the laughter in the audience, this is a delightfully inventive production that is as charming as it is unexpected.
moonwatchers runs for approximately 60 minutes with no intermission. This show is appropriate for anyone ages 14 and up.
Lazy Susan Theatre Co. moonwatchers Chicago Review – moonwatchers is playing at Lazy Susan Theatre Co. through 5/17/2026. Tickets can be purchased on the Lazy Susan Theatre Co. website or by calling 773-404-7336. This production is located at The Greenhouse Theatre Center at 2257 N Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.