Review: Die, Mommie Die!
Picture: The PIP Theatre Midnight Social cast of Die, Mommie Die! (Image credit: Creative Futures Photography)
In the current climate, we all need a little escapism—and where better to escape than to a passionate dark comedy, inspired by 1960s Hollywood excess and thrillers. Charles Busch is a successful actor, playwright, and drag queen, who wrote and originally starred in Die, Mommie Die! Midnight Social’s production of Die, Mommie Die!, directed by the talented Wayne McPhee, is a reason to get down to Milton’s PIP Theatre. McPhee has selected an excellent play, chosen a great venue, attracted a talented cast, and created a gem of a show.
The only time I have been into the space that is now the PIP Theatre Studio, was when it was used for an art exhibition. The Studio is now an intimate theatre space which, having seen Die, Mommie Die!, I highly recommend it to Producers, Directors, and audiences. Although the Studio Theatre is a smaller space than the main theatre upstairs, McPhee uses it to great effect, and ensures each of the six actors can develop their characters and keep the tale moving along.
The role of the leading lady, Angela Arden, is a gift for Izabela Wasilewska. Wasilewska is a talented comic actor, giving a convincing portrayal of the aging star who adores her darling son, enjoys spending her famous Producer-husband’s money, relishes the attentions of her younger lover, and who dreams of a comeback. Wasilewska has great stage presence, amping the many opportunities of the role. I can quite see that a drag queen could be cast as Angela Arden, but I am so delighted that Wasilewska is in this particular spotlight.
Equally, Susan O’Toole Cridland gives an entertaining portrayal of Bootsie Carp. O’Toole Cridland is a talented character actor, giving a memorable portrayal of the housemaid with a penchant for emptying the glasses and decanters of alcohol, and a desire to be the next Mrs Sol Sussman. Bootsie’s occasional Fourth-Wall breaking religious references are funny, and a great way to connect with the audience. And, in the best traditions of comedy thrillers, Bootsie is not quite what she seems, making this maid one to watch throughout the evening.
Picture (L to R): Susan O’Toole Cridland (Bootsie Carp) and Izabela Wasilewska (Angela Arden). Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture (L to R): Rachel M.J (Edith Sussman) and Matthew Wethling (Lance Sussman). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture: Hayden Parsons (Tony Parker) striking a pose. Credit: Creative Futures Photography.
Picture (L to R): Susan O’Toole Cridland (Bootsie Carp) and Al Brombeck (Sol Sussman). Image credit: Creative Futures Photography.
I have a feeling that Hayden Parsons (Tony Parker) drew on many American TV shows, as I enjoyed Parker’s ‘striking a pose’ portrayal of the gigolo, and general love interest (think Starsky and Hutch and Hawaii Five-O characters, if you enjoy your retro TV). Rachel M.J (Edith Sussman) and Matthew Wethling (Lance Sussman) give convincing portrayals of the privileged siblings, as the besotted Daddy’s Girl and spoiled Mommie’s Boy. Moments such as Lance’s switching on and off of the light, and Edith’s return from the funeral, are funny, insightful, and entertaining.
Midnight Social also has a great team of creatives for this show. Many Broadway stories feature understudies who have to step in at the last moment to take on a staring role. For personal reasons, Brendan Burman-Bellenger was unavailable at short notice, giving an opportunity for the Die, Mommie Die! Stage Manager to step into the spotlight. Fortunately Al Brombeck is as comfortable on stage and behind the scenes, taking on the role of the constipated Sol Sussman. I would be interested to see the original cast, should future opportunities arise, but am always delighted to see understudies at centre stage.
On the subject of this particular stage, I loved Brigitte Bennet’s set and costume designs. I have recently seen Brisbane shows where the choreographed movements of the set and props were a major distraction. In this production, McPhee uses the set to great effect, letting the actors move around the space and resisting any desire to move the furniture. The wigs are a bonus when it comes to amping up the camp, and I am sure everyone will love Wasilewska’s many costume changes as much as I do—in particular the tennis outfit, complete with matching wig!
Die-Mommie Die! is a delicious melodrama. Yes, it might be fun to see a ‘fully-camped’ version with a cast of Drag Queens and Kings. But this Midnight Social PIP Theatre show is funny, slightly dark, and a good evening’s entertainment. Go if you can.
Picture: The Merry Widow, Izabela Wasilewska as Angela Arden, shortly before ‘I hate this house, I hate these walls, I hate that sofa... The only part of this dump that doesn't make me puke is that door, because that's the way I'm gettin' out!". Image Credit: Creative Futures Photography
Audience information: Die, Mommie, Die!, PIP Theatre, 20 Park Road, Milton QLD 4064 (25 March-11 April 2026, 7:30pm [6:30pm Preview, plus matinee shows on Saturdays]). Recommend 16+: adult themes, coarse language, sexual references, drug and alcohol references, stage gun use, occasional flashing lights, and fleeting moments of black (100 minutes, no interval). Tickets $33-37, plus $3.30 booking fee.
Additional Credit: Heidi Gledhill (Intimacy Co-Ordinator). Produced by Midnight Social as a Co-Production with PIP Theatre.
The reviewer attended the 25 March 2026, 6:30pm preview performance.