Review: 'The Foreigner' by Harlequin Productions

Originally published on The JOLT News on March 11, 2026

Throughout my life, I have heard many people say this or that is “not for the faint of heart.” Perhaps if the sociopolitical circumstances of our world were different, I would say Harlequin Productions “The Foreigner” at The State Theatre was not for the faint of heart, but I cannot change what our lives look like today.  To a certain degree, we are all growing accustomed to bad and startling news, but how we choose to interact with it, absorb or deny the truth, is still entirely up to the individual.  It’s time to sober up, look the truth square in the eyes, and begin to demand change. We are so lucky to have the arts to make this process that much easier and entertaining. 

“The Foreigner” is for us all because it combines humor, a conscientious jab at our collective hypocrisy, and forces us to see something we so badly want to shove back into the history books.  It is almost incredible how a show written in the 1980s proves to be so relevant that I feel as if it were written today. Let me make it clear: History is not repeating itself as much as time is proving that the work never got finished in the first place. We need “The Foreigner,” desperately. 

To me, “The Foreigner” is about the conflict between open and close minded people, and it showcases the beauty that naturally occurs when we learn from one another. Just as some characters in the play wish to travel the world, so do we so we can experience all the riches diverse cultures have to offer.

Yet, when these cultures come into our community, some people begin to panic, try to assimilate and wipe away the differences, or try to drive out or annihilate the groups altogether (not before we steal whatever we can for our ourselves). Do you see the hypocrisy and irony in that? 

This show was one of the most profound performances I have ever seen come out of Harlequin Productions. I applaud Director Aaron Lamb, for the way he led this show, and for choosing this as a seasoned selection in the first place. It was a bold and brave choice that significantly paid off. Hurry and get your ticket now!

Note: The sign in the lobby states, “This show includes light effects, fog, some strong language, simulated violence, xenophobia, and a realistic depiction of the Ku Klux Klan that is impactive and which some may find triggering.” 

Bravo!

Sitting in the audience, I was in awe of every member of the cast and the balancing acts they maintained throughout the show. Each actor found the perfect balance between seriousness and comedy without becoming corny or clownish.  At the same time, each actor maintained the integrity of their characters while being conscientious of stereotypes and avoiding being disrespectful.  

In a script like this, I cannot imagine how challenging that responsibility would be, yet they all made it look easy. I especially want to applaud actors Max Lopuszynski (the foreigner) and Josiah Rice (whose character displayed neuro divergency and special needs) for their intentionality and mindfulness in their interpretations of these characters.  

Gerald B. Browning’s scenic design was in a class all of its own. It looked and felt like a real cabin style bed-and-breakfast. I desperately want to go on the set and just look at every detail, touch select items, and feel as if I were checking in. 

I wish I could see the show multiple times so I could soak in more details and nuances within the script. I imagine I would find things each time, and that sounds like my kind of adventure. 

 Artist showcase 

Accompanying the show, Harlequin Gallery Curator Lynette Charters created a showcase featuring works by two local favorites — Pug Bujeaud and Gabi Clayton. Typically, this particular style of art is not my favorite, but this showcase combined with the themes of the show sold me.  

Art is in the eye of the beholder, just as its interpretation entirely depends on the individual. However, the theme surrounding the showcase is so evident it cannot be avoided.  

We are all complex, nuanced, and emotive individuals — the only thing that differentiates us at first glance is varying features in our physical appearances. We can choose to alienate someone, or we can embrace their individual charms and at the same time relate to their humanity.  

The choice is yours, and whatever you choose will impact more people than just yourself.

https://thejoltnews.com/stories/review-the-foreigner-by-harlequin-productions,28454