Steve Martin’s “Meteor Shower” now at the Desert Ensemble Theatre, is one of those rare plays that manages to be both delightfully absurd and surprisingly insightful. From the moment the lights come up, you can feel Steve Martin’s signature blend of sharp wit and surreal humor buzzing through every scene. The dialogue snaps with cleverness, the timing is impeccable, and the characters spiral into chaos in a way that feels both outrageous and strangely believable.
The opening scene immediately establishes the tone: Corky (Theresa Jewett) and Norm (David Youse), a seemingly ordinary couple in Ojai, prepare for a two-couple evening of watching the skies from their patio while meteors streak overhead. In an early exchange, Corky’s anxious self help affirmations contrast with Norm’s earnest attempts at calmness, sets the stage for the emotional turbulence to come.
The arrival of their guests, Laura (Lizzie Sosa) and Gerald (Skylar Gaines), marks the play’s first major tonal shift. Their initial entrance speaks volumes. Laura sweeps in with exaggerated confidence and Gerald follows with a predatory grin large enough to let us know that reality is about to bend. Another funny moment comes when Gerald’s seemingly innocuous comment about “honesty” spirals into a verbal assault that leaves the audience laughing and wincing in equal measure.
It’s hard to say much more without creating major spoilers, which, I feel, would ruin much of the play’s fun of discovery.
Keith Hoffman’s sharp direction elicits excellent performances from each cast member, making this a truly ensemble production of the highest caliber. As the strengths and weaknesses of each character ebb and flow, the tensions mount making the play feel like a pressure cooker about to burst.
Even the excellent set by Thomas L. Valach and lighting design by Nick Wass add to the laughs in a most unexpected way.
What really makes this show shine is how it plays with reality. The repeated loops of scenes, the shifting personalities, and the escalating tension all create a sense of cosmic unpredictability that mirrors the meteor shower itself. It’s a comedy that keeps you guessing, laughing, and occasionally wondering if you’ve slipped into an alternate universe and perhaps you have!
METEOR SHOWER plays through March 15, 2026. For tickets or further information visit their website at DesertEnsembleTheatre.org.