When your life becomes a medical mystery, why not turn it into a musical?

Molly Bell’s Hysterical is a bold new solo musical, fresh from its development at Theatreworks Silicon Valley’s nationally recognized New Works Festival. This feel-good, laugh-out-loud exploration takes you on the unpredictable rollercoaster of living—and performing—amid the chaos of an undiagnosed “something.” Make that two “some-things.” And yes, Molly is living in this musical. That she’s writing. While performing it live. No wonder she’s wondering how to be sick. Told with cheeky humor, die-hard determination, and half a dozen kick-ass musical numbers, Molly Bell’s Hysterical is a tale of optimism, joy, and resilience, reminding us that sometimes it’s the humor, not the hardship, that gets us through.

This innovative piece marks a powerful reunion between Molly Bell and director Timothy Near, who previously collaborated to great acclaim on The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee at San Jose Repertory Theater and Sweet Charity at Center Repertory Theater. As one reviewer noted, “For those of you who do not live on the warm side of the Caldecott, you need to know that there is an incredibly talented musical theatre actress who is worth the drive... Molly Bell is Broadway professional in the talent department.”

-John A. McMullen II reviewer