Ryan J. Haddad's 'Good Time Charlie' Offers a Warm Family Portrait Off-Broadway
Ryan J. Haddad's autobiographical Off-Broadway show "Good Time Charlie" opened at the Public Theater. It mixes childhood memories of family performances with the story of his gay Uncle Charlie, a dentist who loved theater. The review describes a warm, informal production that shares the spotlight with a strong cast.
The production draws on Haddad’s childhood in Shaker Heights, Ohio, where he launched a backyard family troupe at five and staged his own Cinderella, playing the prince while directing relatives and narrating. Its cast includes Beth Malone as Janice, Jonathan Raviv as Charlie, Nael Nacer and Artemis Pebdani as Ryan’s parents, Tim Bagley as Lou, and Michael Cristofer as Sheldon.
Charlie meets Lou in a gay bar; Lou later introduces him to Sheldon, a film buff tied to a local art-house cinema. The three become friends and a support network for Ryan. Haddad’s earlier New York works include Hi, Are You Single, Dark, Disabled Stories, and Hold Me In The Water.
The show may resonate with LGBTQ+ audiences and families navigating acceptance, as well as theatergoers who value autobiographical storytelling. By centering a gay uncle and family memories, it could broaden Off-Broadway representation and encourage intergenerational conversations. Its humor and informal structure may make difficult topics feel approachable, though its impact will likely depend on reception and reach.