'Hold Me in the Water' Off-Broadway review — a heartfelt and humorous love story
Read our review of Hold Me in the Water off Broadway, a new solo show by writer and performer Ryan J. Haddad, running at Playwrights Horizons through May 4.
When Ryan J. Haddad tells a story, the audience listens. He’s a natural raconteur, blending perfect comedic timing and emotional vulnerability that captivates. In Hold Me in the Water, Haddad shares a story of love, from the first spark of attraction to a memorable first date, and even a candid play-by-play of a sexual encounter. But this isn’t your typical romantic narrative. Haddad brings his whole self to the stage as a gay man with cerebral palsy, redefining what intimacy looks like in storytelling.
Haddad commands the stage in this solo show, fully holding his own. He’s flirty and fun, and he shares deep insecurities about opening himself up to a romantic partner. The writer/performer is no stranger to vulnerability. In his previous solo shows, including Dark Disabled Stories; Hi, Are You Single?; and Falling For Make Believe, Haddad chronicles his experiences navigating life — and love — in a city that isn’t always built with disabled people in mind.
The show features integrated accessibility, with captions projected on the upper edge of the proscenium and Haddad describing the visual gestures of the play, using these as another vehicle for humor: “I’m standing on a large blue rectangular platform raised nine inches above the stage. The shade of blue used to be called Southern Belle, but I wasn’t giving enough Blanche DuBois to justify it, so now it’s been changed to Starry Night.”
Directed by Danny Sharron, the play moves fluidly through moments of tenderness and Haddad’s humorous bits, like when he declares topping during sex just isn’t for him or when he sings ABBA’s "The Winner Takes It All" during a bout of depression.
Haddad offers more than just a story — he invites the audience to learn and grow through his experience. In a powerful scene, Hadded breaks the fourth wall and addresses the audience. “Have you ever been attracted to a disabled person before? Have you ever allowed a disabled person to come into your life and even entertained the idea that romance might be possible for you and them?”
By the end of the show, Haddad isn’t just sharing the story of his first love; he’s providing a guidebook for the kind of love everyone should be looking for, one that meets both physical and emotional needs.
Hold Me in the Water summary
Ryan J. Haddad’s solo show Hold Me in the Water chronicles his first love, beginning with a chance meeting at an artist residency and going through the experience of courting in New York City. The show recounts the tender romance and shares the complexities of an inter-abled relationship. Hold Me in the Water was inspired by a story Haddad shared with a group of theatre students, which later became the foundation for the play.
What to expect at Hold Me in the Water
The clever scenic design by dots transforms the space from a lakeside beach to iconic New York City landmarks, including the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree, The Boiler Room bar, and the High Line park. The stage features a rising platform, from which Haddad makes a grand entrance wearing a pink sequin blazer.
Accessibility is seamlessly integrated into the show’s design. Beyond the captions and audio descriptions, every show is a relaxed performance, with dimmed house lights and an open invitation for audience members to move about as needed. A dedicated break space is also available just outside the theatre.
The production run includes select performances with additional accessibility features, such as enhanced relaxed settings, expanded audio descriptions, masked performances, and more. The show runs 70 minutes without an intermission.
What audiences are saying about Hold Me in the Water
As of publication, Hold Me in the Water has an audience rating of 79% on the review aggregator Show-Score. Reviews largely highlight Haddad’s performance.
- “A charming story of first love for a disabled man. While the story is detailed (and, therefore, not fast-paced), I was not bored for a moment. It is a tale of romance... with some very raunchy passages. Overall, it is innocent, sweet, and universal.” - Show-Score user TheaterBuff
- “Touching, layered, and personal. Once again, Haddad's vulnerability and willingness to be broken, opened, and transformed is his greatest power.” - Show-Score user Opa Dale
- “Young gay male artist with cerebral palsy has brief but transformative romance. Writer/performer Haddad's story focuses on how he needs support, both physical and emotional. Story is slight but very focused and offers a perspective not often heard.” - Show-Score user A 9142
Read more audience reviews of Hold Me in the Water on Show-Score.
Who should see Hold Me in the Water
- Fans of Ryan Murphy's Netflix drama The Politician will recognize Ryan J. Haddad, who had a recurring role on the show.
- Theatregoers should see this if they enjoyed Haddad’s previous works, including the Obie Award-winning show Dark Disabled Stories.
- Those who enjoy intimate solo shows about life experiences will appreciate Haddad's poignant story.
Learn more about Hold Me in the Water
Hold Me in the Water is a heartfelt recounting of Ryan J. Haddad’s first love, blending moments of deep emotion with laugh-out-loud humor.
Photo credit: Ryan J. Haddad in Hold Me in the Water off Broadway. (Photos by Valerie Terranova)
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