This Play Breaks All the Rules

If you wanted a drink at Joe's bar back in 1944 there are a few rules you would've followed:
-No Smoking
-No Swearing
-What happens out there stays out there.
-What happens in here stays in here.
Unlike Cheers everybody doesn't know your real name, because you go by an alias. Even singer Billie Holiday reluctantly plays along when she stumbles upon the spot while on tour. Oh but the great thing about rules is they're meant to be broken. That's where the drama jumps off in House Rules, written by Peppur Chambers. When I say drama, I mean juicy, mouth- dropping scenes that makes you turn to your friend and say "oooh girrrrrl."

House Rules is about eight people. Some carry secrets, all are looking for love and respect. Joe serves an array of people. There's "Boogey Man," a driver who leaves his chauffeur jacket at the door and taps into his inner strength through growls. Sounds weird, but trust me it works in the story. Even life's troubles drives the devout, church lady "Precious" in for a swig of brandy. What better rule-breaker to be in a fictional bar with rules--Billie Holiday. Although she rebels against the guidelines on bar's chalkboard Holiday blends right in. It's not not overt in the play but we know she held dark secrets like the other patrons. And the customers are so caught up in their own mess that Holiday's presence isn't such a big deal.

House Rules is a fun, reflective and unpredictable ride. Chambers unmasks her characters through a clever script and solid actors. The audience relates to play because in the grinds of our everyday life, we need a space to be our true selves or the person we want to be. Like the eight characters, we desire respect and love. The play shows love and respect doesn't come easy, especially when we cover up who we really are. Trust me, this play sucks you in.

House Rules is playing at the Lounge Theater in Hollywood through Nov 6th-8th. That's this weekend ya'll. Learn more here.