It CAN Happen HerE
Written by Melody Brooks, Katrin Hilbe, Tess Howsam, Daniel Jacobs, Susan Quinn Directed by Katrin Hilbe
Presented by New Perspectives Theatre Company and Culture Lab LIC
Culture Lab LIC at 5-25 46th Avenue, Long Island City, NY 11101
March 6-30, 2025
Art. It reflects life. Life. It is art.
When the paper-covered tree was brought on stage, I admired the abundance of significance in its simplicity. Pages of ink-lined white paper painted the tree. It had its own story to tell, but we couldn't read it yet. When the apple appeared, red and rich in our heroine’s hand, I knew I was in for an hour or 2 of contradictions, push and pull, and the layered beauty of life — and theatre.
It CAN Happen Here is the story of a woman in history I am, quite frankly, upset to have never heard about. Hallie Flanagan was a visionary. She believed in the educational power and beauty of theatre. She’s the reason why 1930s theatre was provided to those across the country who couldn’t afford a Broadway ticket. Most importantly, she provided and created jobs for all theatre workers through The Federal Theatre Project. I thought to myself: Why doesn’t it exist today?
I sat for an hour and a half learning all about Hallie — her trials, her triumphs, her collaboration with some of the greatest playwrights, directors, and significant political figures in history. If this woman were alive today, she would most certainly win the award for “Best Name Dropper.” The ensemble of this piece admirably portrayed figures from history including Orson Wells, Eleanor Roosevelt, and T.S. Elliot.
Now, as you can imagine, backlash and censorship from the government abounded, the media hovered, and conflict between Flanagan’s work and family life ensued. Her storylines were seamlessly crafted to intertwine. Under the artistic direction of Katrin Hilbe with natural flowing choreography by Penelope Rose Deen, they certainly did. Hilbe, Deen, and the cast created a rich piece of art that transitioned smoothly from scene to scene. The play felt quick and on the verge of change at any moment, a true reflection of the unpredictability of life.
But even in unpredictable times, some things are indeed predictable. As I sat in the audience taking notes, I couldn’t help but feel like I was watching a play in the present time. Censorship is one of the main themes in this play. Morals, values, and political affiliation are highlighted in this production, and Flanagan’s efforts are considered radical. She’s pushed by the government to retract certain plays because of content, the mere color of actors’ skin, and an assumption of communist affiliation by using the color red — it was the 1930’s after all…wasn't it?
What is theatre for if not to reflect what is happening in the streets? To the individuals of the world? What is theatre for if not to educate and challenge the heart? What is theatre for if not to tell a story? How can stories be told if they're not allowed to live? To quote one of the lines delivered in the production, “They will hate you no matter what you do.”
The tree reappeared at the end of play, bringing us back to a start. Not the same start, but a start all the same. Much like Hallie Flanagan. Much like our history. Much like the seasons of our lives. After gathering apple after apple, Flanagan was left with more pages in her book of life, tinted and written in artful ink.
I left feeling grateful to have had this educational and entertaining experience. It CAN Happen Here is playing at Culture Lab LIC March 6-30. Get your tickets to see how the lovely Hallie Flanagan’s story plays out. You’ll feel sorrow, joy, frustration, and laugh out loud at some beautiful moments. That’s life.
Click HERE for tickets.
Review by Amanda Montoni
Published by Theatre Beyond Broadway on March 7th, 2025. All rights reserved.