By Shawn Maus
A Bold Start with Room to Grow
There’s something thrilling about watching a new work stretch its wings, and Janitor’s Closet is exactly that: bold, brimming with emotion, and unapologetically personal. Written by local emerging playwright Reece Niederhausen, this play is a raw, heartfelt exploration of identity, belief, and growing up under pressure. It’s still in development—and that’s the beauty of it.
Originally produced as a student piece at Xavier University, this version of Janitor’s Closet debuts at Cincinnati LAB Theatre’s New Works Festival with a trimmed cast, new scenes, and an eager playwright ready to listen and revise. At about 100 minutes, there’s a lot packed into this production (sometimes too much). The script is dense with themes, occasionally overwhelming in its ambition, but undeniably earnest in its intentions.
Cast
- Freddie Caldwell as Jack
- Hunter Gee as Ethan
- Bri Willingham as Allie
Strong Performances Lift a Heavy Load
Director Greg Procaccino, a respected force in the Cincinnati theater scene, steers this story with a clear desire to let his actors shine. He finds the emotional core within a script that juggles religion, politics, sexuality, trauma, and teenage turmoil—all through the lens of three high school students hanging out in a janitor’s closet, which is very briefly explained–so pay attention.
Freddie Caldwell delivers a raw, grounded performance as Jack, the jock hiding a deeper pain that only peeks out through cracks in his bravado. Hunter Gee is a standout as Ethan, bringing poetry and poignancy to the play’s most fleshed-out character. And Bri Willingham, who originated the role of Allie at Xavier, commands the stage with a chaotic mix of angst, insight, and sharp delivery—even if the character sometimes feels overloaded with unresolved issues.
What really lands? The comedy. Niederhausen writes teenage banter with a rhythm that calls back to John Hughes—quick, clever, and completely in-tune with how young people use words (and silences) to navigate growing up.
The ending wasn’t scripted. It was found in the rehearsal room. And it hits with a stillness that stings, a moment that hangs in the air long after curtain call. That’s the magic of new works in development, you’re not just witnessing a performance; you’re witnessing discovery in real time.
A Talkback Worth Staying For
The post-show talkback revealed a lot: the playwright has already cut characters, reshaped scenes, and taken major strides from one staging to the next. He listened. He learned. He’s committed. That alone is a reason to support this production—because what you see now is part of something still becoming.
Why It Matters
Yes, Janitor’s Closet still needs refining. Some characters fall into stereotype. Themes compete for space. But underneath it all is a writer who gets the pain and awkward beauty of adolescence. There’s skin on these bones. And with time and continued development, it could become a full-bodied dramedy that truly resonates.
Shawn Says
This play may still be finding its footing, but the voice behind it is strong and sincere. Janitor’s Closet is like adolescence itself—full of big questions, raw emotion, and undeniable potential. Support this young voice as it grows into something even greater. This is how theater evolves.
Catch It While You Can
The Cincinnati LAB Theatre’s New Works Festival runs through July 26, 2025, featuring three fully staged productions and two Sunday staged readings. These aren’t just performances, they’re works in progress, and you get a front-row seat to the creative process. Grab your tickets online at cincylabtheatre.wixsite.com or at the door.
Want to see it all and save a little cash? Snag an All-Access Pass and experience the full festival.
