Be Here Now
A quirky romantic comedy about a professor of nihilism who experiences joy for the first time in her life.
Be Here Now centers around Bari, a misanthrope who has returned to her hometown of East Cooperville, NY as she struggles to finish her thesis on nihilism. Working at a local fulfillment center, her despair has reached new heights When Bari begins experiencing emotions she never has felt before, she begins to have a different outlook on life. And when she discovers that the cause of these feelings may be killing her, Bari is forced to ask if she wants to go back to a life of nothing.
Playwright
Director
Summary
Be Here Now centers around Bari, a misanthrope who has returned to her hometown of East Cooperville, NY as she struggles to finish her thesis on nihilism. Working at a local fulfillment center, her despair has reached new heights When Bari begins experiencing emotions she never has felt before, she begins to have a different outlook on life. And when she discovers that the cause of these feelings may be killing her, Bari is forced to ask if she wants to go back to a life of nothing.
“In Bari, we see a woman experiencing joy and connection with others for the first time in her life, forcing her to question who she is now, what she is willing to do to hold onto her new-found joy, and whether or not she’s willing to change. Over this past year and a half, many of us have had to ask ourselves the same questions. And like Bari and those in her world, the answers may surprise all of us.” – Courtney O’Connor, Director
Press & Reviews
“Speaking of components: In framing the story, the set by Janie E. Howland for “Be Here Now” is integral in making the show run as seamless as it does because it is, actually, a set SET inside a ‘frame’.” “What a wonderful way to kick off the new theatre season.”
METRMag | “‘Be Here Now’ by Deborah Zoe Laufer – Lyric Stage Company (Boston, MA)” | Kevin T. Baldwin
“The acting is sterling, the direction, by Courtney O’Connor, brisk, the setting, wisely minimal given the athleticism on stage, becomes in itself a presence not to be denied.”
Artscope | Lyric Stage Company’s Be Here Now is Infectious | James Foritano
“Samantha Richert captures the inspiring character arc that takes Bari from despair to hope and self-esteem. Barlow Adamson finds all of Mike’s likeable eccentricity and his touching self-searching. Shani Farrell has Patti’s tough love and caring. Katherine C. Shaver is properly naïve and supportive. Kudos go to Janie E. Howland’s well detailed fulfillment center and Karen Perlow’s poetic color visions.”
Production Cast
Production Photos
Production Crew
Scenic Design**
Costume Design
Lighting Design**
Sound Design
Production Stage Manager*
Assistant Stage Manager
Intimacy Director°
Props Artisan
Assistant Director
Assistant Lighting Designer/Head Electrician
Wardrobe Supervisor
Production Sponsor
Richard & Carol DaynardDirector Courtney O’Connor, sponsor
Mary & DougYou Might Also Like
View All Productions
Penelope
His Odyssey. Her Story. The story you thought you knew, told by the woman who lived it.
Feb 6 - Feb 21, 2026
Angry, Raucous, and Shamelessly Gorgeous
The torch needs to be passed. Even if you’re not ready.
Mar 20 - Apr 4, 2026
Something Rotten
To thine own self be true. And all that jazz. Sometimes you gotta break a few eggs to make a musical.
May 1 - May 16, 2026