Boomer
Updated: 9 hours ago
Actor Ken Straus in his self-written solo show Boomer offers a wild ride of a performance. Mr. Straus begins by immersing us in the world of his generation packed with rock and roll and the intense yet enlivening struggles of a working actor.
Straus does an impressive job of embodying the eclectic characters that help drive the story. He takes us through his experiences from a wide range of his generation’s events including major ones like 9/11 and then moving into personal experience like his transition from California to New York City.
As he tells his story he also embodies a wide range of characters through his hilarious accents that he delivers without any remorse. His act is overstimulating but in the best way, making it delightfully mesmerizing.
Straus transitioned through his stories by correlating music and a slideshow which supported his exaggerated reenactments and jokes. There is also lighting changes cleverly aligning with both his stagnant and chaotic movement which creates distinction between moments. I found this interesting but there were moments I wished had concluded with some space to process.
The script is incredibly well-written so I wanted extra space to be able to digest it. The philosophical and political observations he made didn’t necessarily pass me by but they were difficult to hold onto at times. Although these moments were fast-paced I still deeply appreciated the impact his words had on me. I understand that there is a lot to cover from his experience so his pacing makes sense but it does require some extra focus.
The urgency throughout the entire performance does not take away from the story and it compels the audience to engage while questioning our involvement as there is new information constantly being presented.
Straus has a kind of rumbustious energy that displays his commitment to the various roles he takes on. I enjoyed watching him transform himself into characters back and forth, with strategy mixed with his exuberant humor. As a member of a younger generation watching him exhibit his experience of major moments in history through live storytelling broadened my perspective which is always a gift.
Ken Straus in Boomer is vulnerable with his triumphs and failures as an actor. He gives us insight into how this journey influences one's purpose in life. As he says, he had been waiting for a version of himself that was not a costume which I think weighs on a lot of us especially those working in the arts. It was invigorating to watch a performance that was built from passion without fear or loss of artistic momentum.
Boomer
Starring: Ken Straus
Performed on October 29th, 2026
October 19 – November 22, 2026
Theatre Row, 410 West 42nd Street, in Manhattan
Reviewer: Jenna Perry
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