“In Love and Warcraft,” a joint production from Perseverance Theatre and the American Conservatory Theater, will be livestreamed in a series of shows Sept. 4-12 and available on demand Sept. 18-25

“In Love and Warcraft,” a joint production from Perseverance Theatre and the American Conservatory Theater, will be livestreamed in a series of shows Sept. 4-12 and available on demand Sept. 18-25

Review: Perseverance Theatre co-production offers raunch and heart

“In Love and Warcraft” is smarter, more caring than the average sex comedy.

The most impressive trick “In Love and Warcraft” pulls off isn’t visible on screen.

The co-production from Perseverance Theatre and San Francisco-based American Conservatory Theater does use sly techniques to effectively make it seems as if actors separated by many miles share space.

The live, video play directed by Peter J. Kuo does include some creative stage slaps, barely out-of-view kisses and shared artwork help sell that idea —but they pale in comparison to the magic of forgetting there was anything unusual about the play-watching experience at all.

Once the heartfelt and sometimes-raunchy coming of age comedy hit its stride, it didn’t matter that the show was reaching me through my laptop screen, it buzzed with the same immediate energy that comes with a live performance.

[Treading the motherboards: Technology allows the show to go on]

It was a simple pleasure to watch actors practice their art and to engage with material that was both new to me and more thoughtful than the majority of similarly sex-minded comedies available on streaming platforms.

“In Love and Warcraft” tells the story of Evie (Cassandra Hunter), a college student obsessed with “World of Warcraft” who makes money on the side writing love texts or social media messages for lovelorn college students or people desperate for reconciliation.

However, in the long traditions of matchmakers who are themselves unlucky in love, Evie is inexperienced in relationships — with the exception of her online sort-of boyfriend, Ryan (James Mercer). Mercer is a lot of fun as Ryan, managing to give the character a sweet obliviousness that undercuts some of the character’s petulant rage and entitlement.

Evie’s fortunes seem to turn when she makes a connection with would-be client Raul (Hernàn Angulo), but are quickly complicated when it becomes increasingly evident Evie’s lifetime of celibacy may be more a matter of choice and identity than circumstance.

The frank discussion of Evie’s possible asexuality in the play was a commendable surprise. While some characters — Evie’s extremely sex-positive roommate Kitty (Evangeline Edwards), Raul and flamboyant hairdresser Nathan (Wesley Guimarães) —openly grapple with or mock Evie’s sexual orientation, but once it becomes clear Evie’s aversion to contact is something more than nerves, her support system attempts to be understanding.

Raul is much more intent on curbing Evie’s “Warcraft” fanaticism than forcing her to do anything she doesn’t want to do and Kitty while befuddled seems at first to be fairly nonplussed by Evie’s lack of physical desires.

That’s not to say any of the characters behave perfectly. Raul attempts to portray himself as a martyr, Kitty is simultaneously glib about Evie potentially be an “ace” while belittling her lack of experience and Evie tends to expect others to capitulate to her wants when they arise.

Edwards, Angulo and Hunter do a good job of selling the rapport shared by their respective characters. The moments in which they attempt to seriously discuss and understand Evie’s sexuality or lack of sexuality mean were, to me, far superior to the comic banter.

But, that could be a result of watching a comedy on my couch rather than in a theater filled with people. The ribald but positive sense of humor that guides the jokes will definitely click hard with some viewers, but it’s the quiet, dramatically charged discussions that set “In Love and Warcraft” apart.

While there is no shortage of collegiate sex comedies, there is a shortage of thoughtful ones that make efforts to give characters multifaceted, internal lives.

That makes “In Love and Warcraft” well worth a watch and elevates it above most of what can be streamed on your laptop.

• Contact Ben Hohenstatt at (907)308-4895 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.

More in News

The Norwegian Bliss arrives in Juneau on Monday, April 14, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire file photo)
Ships in port for the week of April 27

This information comes from the Cruise Line Agencies of Alaska’s 2024 schedule.… Continue reading

Electronic cigarette products are advertised on April 24, 2025, in the windows of a smoke shop in downtown Juneau. Alaska has no state tax on e-cigarette products, but bills pending in the Legislature seek to change that. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)
Tobacco use in Alaska continues to decline, though rates still above US averages

Smoking has steadily declined in Alaska over the past decades, evidence that… Continue reading

Juneau Assembly members and other city leaders get an overview of the proposed municipal budget for the coming fiscal year during meeting at City Hall on April 5, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
How city leaders collect and spend money from residents, visitors getting big night of scrutiny

CBJ and school budgets, mill rate and utility fee hikes, seasonal sales tax part of Wednesday’s agenda.

High school junior Jubilee Lewis is all smiles as she and other Mt. Edgecumbe High School Yupik Dancers take the stage at the BJ McGillis Gym to teach a dance to members of high school student governments from across Alaska on Thursday. (James Poulson / Daily Sitka Sentinel)
Student government convention in Sitka petitions for $1,000 BSA hike, inflation adjustments

About 250 high schoolers seek same funding vetoed by governor, as Legislature now eyes lower amount.

A courtroom at the Juneau Courthouse. (Clarise Larson / Juneau Empire file photo)
Juneau man in prison on federal weapons charges gets 13 years on additional state charges

Clyde Pasterski, 44, was convicted by a jury last November for drug and assault offenses.

Protesters rally against the Trump administration’s deportation polices in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Feb. 5, 2025. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire file photo)
‘Just give us a chance’: One Juneau refugee family puts faith in God, another flees as departure orders arrive

Both families arrived legally; validity of demands by Trump administration to depart being challenged

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Wednesday, April 23, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Russell Benford, representative for Royal Caribbean Group, answers questions from Mayor Beth Weldon on Thursday, April 24, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Assembly tries to clear the air with cruise line officials as tensions rise about future projects

City leaders seek missing details from Royal Caribbean on proposed west Douglas port.

Most Read