A Los Angeles Theatre Review: ‘I Sell Windows’

I want to say this right from the start that I am not a particular fan of the solo performance format whatsoever as most of them tend to overly indulge in the identity aspect without any ounce of humor or ability to tell a story. Yet I understand the need for such a format because it is the simplest and easiest format to mount in the theatre world while still being able to showcase an actor’s ability.

If there is one thing that Outside In Theatre and Bottle Tree Theatre‘s I Sell Windows absolutely succeeds in, it is that it’s a riveting showcase for Kacie Rogers, who is its writer and performer.

I Sell Windows is a solo performance show about a young black woman’s existential journey through a sudden loss, navigating the intricate interplay of grief, identity, and newfound purpose, all while being a window salesman. What adds immensely to this show is the fantastic usage of shadow puppetry, which was created & performed by Brittaney Talbot with Perry Daniel. Deftly directed by Jaquita Ta’le, the core of it is of course rests on Kacie Rogers who I’ve seen in numerous Los Angeles theatre productions I’ve reviewed here and has on every single occasion lifted the productions with her presence and talent.

in I Sell Windows, Rogers absolutely shines in a tour-de-force performance that perfectly exemplifies why she is so often seen on the L.A. stage. It also, funnily enough, contributes to a very minor nagging criticism that when she goes into the challenges of being “seen” as a Black actor and not just selling windows, I could not help but chuckle to myself as I have seen Rogers in so many wonderful and varied productions that have utilized her in so many wonderful ways. That insider knowledge aside, the show is at its strongest when Rogers let it rip with her frenetic inner monologues (the most hilarious is her recollecting her childhood memory of being taunted for liking a boy) and when she goes into her grief about losing her grandfather.

While the show can throw the audience in a confusing spin with the sudden quick changes of characters and scenarios that more or less gets its points across, I celebrate this gorgeous production written and performed by one of the best actors Los Angeles has to offer. Coupled that with a tremendous production team and theatre companies that advocate for underrepresented voices, I am excited to see more of what Rogers and companies like Outside In Theatre can offer in the future.

Performances are scheduled from May 18th to June 17th, with the opening night on May 25th. As part of their commitment to fostering dialogue and engagement, Outside In Theatre & Bottle Tree Theatre will host a series of talk back nights throughout the show’s run, covering topics
such as solo shows, women in puppetry and processing grief. Support Black Theatre will also partner on a special performance followed by a post show discussion with black women in theatre. You can buy tickets at https://outsideintheatre.org/i-sell-windows/

Running through June 17

Saturdays at 7:30pm
Sundays at 2:00pm
Mondays at 7:30pm
Tuesdays at 7:30pm
*One Friday Performance, June 14 at 7:30pm

General Admission: $25
Students: $15
Previews: $15

Live Stream $10 – 4 shows only May 28, June 3, 9 & 14
Live Stream Tickets: I Sell Windows – Live Stream

Outside In Theatre’s ArtBox
5319 York Blvd.
Los Angeles 90042