Out of Order

Carl Holder. Photo by Rebecca J. Michelson.

In the heart of the East Village, tucked inside a basement venue, Carl Holder’s Out of Order transforms a roomful of strangers into co-conspirators in a one-of-a-kind theatrical experiment comprised of a game, confession, and dare. This New York premiere, developed with and directed by Skylar Fox, invites the audience to watch Holder put his future (and dignity) on the line.

The premise is deceptively simple: a giant bowl of index cards dictates every action of the night. Each card holds a challenge, sometimes absurd, sometimes painfully revealing, that Holder must complete or risk walking away from theatre entirely. What begins as a playful evening quickly becomes unexpectedly intimate, with audience members complicit in the stakes. The order of the cards changes each night, creating a unique experience.

Holder’s performance brims with humor and vulnerability, creating an atmosphere where the audience feels entertained and a part of his journey. His self-deprecating charm invites laughter, and the room responds in kind; people laugh, lean forward, and stay fully engaged. When a challenge exposes genuine discomfort or emotional rawness, the quiet moments add surprising depth. This constant push and pull between levity and tension keeps the energy electric, making it nearly impossible to look away.

The stripped-down basement setting enhances the raw energy. There’s no curtain to hide behind, no elaborate set to distract. While the loose structure may not appeal to those expecting a traditional narrative, the honesty and high-wire spontaneity make the experience electric.

Out of Order is less about polished storytelling and more about shared presence, an experiment in human connection that lingers long after the final card is drawn. For those willing to play along, it’s an unforgettable night of theater-as-game.

Performances run through July 30 at East Village Basement. Tickets and information are available at www.OutOfOrderTheShow.com.

Out of Order

Written and Performed by Carl Holder

Directed by Skylar Fox

June 27 - July 30, 2025

East Village Basement (321 E 9th St, NYC)

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Yani Perez, M.F.A., is a poet, playwright, translator, and educator. Her plays have been presented in various theaters in the United States, such as La Mama and Yale University, as well as internationally in Bogotá, Colombia. She works at IATI Theater, one of the oldest Latinx theaters in NYC. She is currently working on translations of Latinx artists in hopes of introducing them to English-speaking audiences.