Max Wolf Friedlich's 'The Holes' to Feature Robert Pattinson as Executive Producer
Max Wolf Friedlich, the playwright recognized for his successful Broadway debut with the gripping thriller “Job,” is poised to unveil his latest theatrical creation, “The Holes,” on the New York stage this fall. This forthcoming off-Broadway production will see actor Robert Pattinson, alongside Brighton McCloskey, stepping into the role of executive producer through their joint venture, Icki Eneo Arlo, signifying their initial foray into the world of live theater. The play is anticipated to be a thought-provoking and darkly humorous narrative, delving into complex themes of societal friction and personal conflict within an intriguing setting.
“The Holes” is slated to commence preview performances at The Wild Project in the East Village on September 8, with its official opening night scheduled for September 22. The production will run for a limited engagement of six weeks, concluding on October 18. This highly anticipated show aims to captivate audiences with its unique blend of dark comedy and a sharp critique of contemporary issues.
The narrative of “The Holes” unfolds in an atmospheric, deteriorating bar situated in a rapidly evolving upstate city. At the heart of its mystery lies a locked back room, which, according to the official synopsis, offers patrons various forms of escapism—be it pleasure, solace, or something significantly more perilous. The play is characterized as a “darkly comic exploration of our strange new world,” promising to navigate the intricate dynamics between shame and desire, tradition and progress, and the interplay between community and individualism.
Friedlich's previous work, “Job,” captivated audiences with its intense psychological suspense. The two-person play starred Sydney Lemmon and Peter Friedman, known for their roles in “Succession,” and memorably opened with a scene featuring a distressed woman confronting her therapist with a gun. The plot centered on a psychologist tasked with evaluating a patient's fitness to return to work following a mandatory absence. “Job” initially garnered critical acclaim during its off-Broadway run at Soho Playhouse in 2023, before successfully transferring to Broadway's Helen Hayes Theater in 2024. Its bold and challenging themes made it one of the season's most discussed theatrical events, with the New York Times praising it as “extremely effective, often funny and quasi-sadistic.”
The creative team for “The Holes” includes Bubba Weiler, Grantham Coleman, and Tina Benko in starring roles. Michael Herwitz, who previously collaborated with Friedlich on “Job,” will direct the production. Hannah Getts serves as dramaturg and producer, alongside Adam Rodner, and co-producers Cathy Sarkowsky, Alex Levy, Elizabeth Salem, and Jeff and Caryl Hahn. The production's artistic vision is further supported by scenic designer Anna Grigo, lighting designer Evan C. Anderson, sound designer Brandon Bulls, costume designer Lily Cucinelli, creative director Stef Kohli, marketing head Ian Tarbert, graphic designer Julian Alicea, general manager Mix and Match Productions, and production counsel Jenny Waxman.
The upcoming play by Max Wolf Friedlich, with Robert Pattinson's involvement, represents an exciting development in the theater world. Following the success of “Job,” “The Holes” is expected to deliver another compelling and thought-provoking experience, exploring the complexities of modern society through its distinct blend of humor and dark themes. The collaboration between an acclaimed playwright and a prominent actor-producer team suggests a production that will undoubtedly draw significant attention and contribute meaningfully to the contemporary theatrical landscape.
