The critically acclaimed solo performance, Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible is Going to Happen, will conclude Studio Theatre’s upcoming season in June 2026. Written by award-winning playwright Marcelo Dos Santos and directed by Olivier Award winner Matthew Xia, the production blends stand-up comedy with theatrical storytelling, exploring themes of love, self-sabotage, and emotional vulnerability through a uniquely comedic lens. Originally a breakout hit at the 2022 Edinburgh Fringe Festival and later praised during its London run, the show follows a neurotic comedian who, after years of romantic misadventures, stumbles upon the perfect partner—only to risk everything with his own destructive tendencies. The production, brought to life by Francesca Moody Productions, aligns with Pride Month festivities on Washington’s vibrant 14th Street.
Studio Theatre Announces Final 2025/26 Season Addition: A Bold One-Man Comedy
In a striking culmination to its 2025/26 season, Studio Theatre in Washington, D.C., has announced the arrival of the razor-sharp solo show Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible is Going to Happen. Set to premiere in June 2026, the production coincides with the city's annual Pride celebrations, promising an audacious and unfiltered comedic experience for audiences along 14th Street. Penned by rising playwright Marcelo Dos Santos—who recently earned the Critics Circle Theatre Award for Most Promising Playwright—and helmed by director Matthew Xia, the performance merges stand-up humor with poignant narrative depth. It tells the story of a chronically single comic who unexpectedly finds love, only to wrestle with his own ingrained patterns of self-destruction. David Muse, Studio Theatre’s Artistic Director, has long championed the piece since first encountering it at the Edinburgh Fringe in 2022. He describes it as a daring blend of laughter and heartfelt introspection that defies traditional theatrical boundaries.
This latest addition to Studio Theatre’s lineup continues the venue’s tradition of showcasing bold, contemporary works, following a legacy built over more than four decades. Known for its commitment to intimate staging, artistic excellence, and inclusive programming, the theater has grown from a modest rented space into a multi-venue complex while maintaining its core mission. With nearly 75,000 annual attendees and a robust slate of community outreach initiatives, Studio Theatre remains a cornerstone of Washington’s cultural landscape.
A Comedic Mirror to Modern Anxieties
As a journalist covering the arts, what stands out about this announcement isn’t just the show’s pedigree or its comedic flair—it’s how it reflects our current moment. In an era where mental health and emotional vulnerability are increasingly part of public discourse, Feeling Afraid... offers a unique platform to explore these themes through humor rather than heavy drama. Its inclusion in Studio Theatre’s season signals a growing appetite for stories that don’t just entertain but also provoke reflection. By framing self-doubt, fear of intimacy, and romantic fumbling through comedy, the show invites audiences to laugh at what often feels too painful to confront directly. This kind of storytelling doesn’t just showcase artistic innovation; it fosters empathy in unexpected ways. For a city like Washington, known for its intellectual rigor and political intensity, welcoming such a show during Pride Month adds another layer of significance—one that celebrates both identity and imperfection with equal candor.