By Adam Cohen….

Affected by Cerebral palsy, a group of conditions that affect movement, balance, and posture, Haddad delivers a moving, honest portrait of seeking romantic connections that matter.

Ryan J. Haddad is an actor, playwright, and autobiographical performer based in New York. His acclaimed solo play Hi, Are You Single? was presented in The Public Theater’s Under the Radar Festival and continues to tour the country. Other New York credits include My Straighties (Ars Nova/ANT Fest), Noor and Hadi Go to Hogwarts (Theater Breaking Through Barriers), and the cabaret Falling for Make Believe (Joe’s Pub/Under the Radar).

“Hold Me In The Water” begins with Haddad ascending with his walker in a sequined jacked and pink shirt.  His straightforward delivery is sincere – especially as he’s relating his own life to the audience.  He weaves the story of his connection with a handsome man who he meets as part of a writer’s retreat.

Their connection is instant and palpable.  The never-named gentleman understands exactly what Ryan needs to navigate into a bookstore with stairs and at the lakefront beach that provides the piece’s title.  And Ryan yearns for a deeper romantic connection.

Witty, likable, charming, unfailingly honest, Haddad shapes a compelling, forthright narrative.  The romance tests Ryan’s heart and mind while his cerebral palsy affects activities including sexual positions.  You will fall in love with Ryan’s tale which is wrapped in a beautiful production.  Dots scenic design is simple and effective – a navy-blue set of blocks; black scrim that easily becomes a club, Rockefeller Center at Christmas, and a downtown club.  Cha See’s lights warm the proceedings.  Danny Sharron’s direction is strong and direct.

As with Hi, Are You Single? and his Obie-winning show Dark Disabled Stories, Haddad welcomes all at every performance. Hold Me in the Water is set in a relaxed environment for theatergoers who need accommodations, in addition to providing many access offerings (supertitles, houselights up, audio descriptions).  Hold Me in the Water is ultimately hopeful and joyful.  It is a love story full of equal parts optimism and uncertainty – and in Haddad’s capable hands instantly relatable. What happens when the thing that you think you always wanted suddenly appears?  Are you ready for it?  Are they?  Open your heart and see for yourself.

Hold Me in the Water runs through May 4th at Playwrights Horizons.  Tickets and more information here. 

Production Photos by Valerie Terranova