In the Unlikely Event of an Actual Emergency Review – Is Air Travel the Safest Way to Go?

Written by John Mullican, IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY makes its world premiere in Hollywood in 2024. Suggested by true events, Mullican based the story on his own experiences as the survivor of a plane crash. The son of world-renowned artists Lee Mullican and Luchita Hurtado Mullican, whose works appear in the play in multimedia projections, the author introduces Liam and Lucinda, ghostly visions of his artist parents. The play received a workshop presentation early in 2024, with the fully developed end product currently playing at the Hudson Theatre.

Stacy Aung and Amoni West – Photo by Robin Randolph Photography

The time is the present, and the places included the Boston Logan Airport, an airplane cabin, and “the in-between space.” When Arturo decides to take a plane trip to bring his mom’s ashes home, he never expects that the distance covered will be infinitely more than he bargained for. During the pre-flight instructions, no one anticipated that the flight attendant might be making a prophesy when she framed her guidelines with the innocuous phrase, “In the unlikely event of an actual emergency.” That is, if any of the passengers was actually listening to her doomsday directions.

Amoni West, John Mullican, and Jason Leon-Baptista – Photo by Robin Randolph Photography

When the plane began to traverse the ocean rather than the sky, Arturo knew that something was definitely wrong. When people say that, during a life-and-death crisis, “your life flashes before your eyes,” the statement may be not as far-fetched as it seems. Arturo was even more convinced that something odd was happening when he entered into conversations with his artist parents and happy-go-lucky lover – all dead and gone. And then there was that DJ (Amoni West)…

Amoni West, John Mullican, and Stacy Aung – Photo by Robin Randolph Photography

Directed by Rickie Peete, IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY mixes humor, pathos, and creative imagination. The result is a fascinating account of “what-if” – which rapidly morphs into “this is it.” Playwright Mullican does double duty in the production as both the writer and the lead actor. The ensemble cast includes Dolores Aguanno, Glenn Ratcliffe, Jason Leon-Baptista, and Stacy Aung, who gets to wear several hats in the production,

Amoni West and John Mullican – Photo by Robin Randolph Photography

The talented production crew lends excitement and color to the show, especially video projection design by Fritz Davis, who manages to put the audience both in the skies and under the water with the flick of a button. Chris Moscatiello’s sound, Steven Pope’s lighting, and Kiana Moattari’s choreography add an otherworldly quality to the play. In any case, it’s probably not recommended that you see this show the day before you take a flight anywhere. Otherwise, hop on Sunrise Airlines and buckle your seat belt. Even if air travel is statistically the safest mode of transportation, It may be a rocky ride.

IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF AN ACTUAL EMERGENCY runs through October 26, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Saturdays. The Hudson Guild Theatre is located at 6539 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038. Tickets are $28.50. For information and reservations, go online.