Theatre is political. At its best, it creates space for voices that have historically been sidelined, giving them power, agency, and the chance to reshape the narrative. How To Become A Saint While Wearing Pants, part of the New York Fringe Festival at The Wild Project, leans fully into that idea, offering a loud, playful, and distinctly queer take on sainthood.
Telling the stories of figures like St. Marinos, Margery Kempe and Joan of Arc, the show reimagines the idea of becoming a saint through a contemporary lens focusing on the major transitions each main character has undergone on their journey towards sainthood. The concept is simple but effective. The audience is welcomed as a new intake of saints, arriving in Heaven’s lobby where a group of saints share their stories, challenge historical narratives, and ultimately find strength in one another. There is a clear journey from uncertainty to empowerment, particularly in the early moments where the nervousness of St. Marinos, well played by Lex Alston, gives way to confidence as the piece unfolds.
The tone is unapologetically bold. The comedy is direct and often exaggerated, sitting somewhere close to farce, with little interest in subtlety. What it lacks in restraint it makes up for in energy. The show moves quickly between different styles, from clown, storytelling, physical theatre, music and dance, creating a varied and sometimes chaotic rhythm that keeps the audience engaged even when the structure feels loose.
What stands out most is the ensemble. This is a balanced cast where each performer is given the space to tell their story and showcase their range. The production makes a clear effort to ensure no one fades into the background. A particular highlight is Brooke Ferries, a multi-talented clown who brings a fearless and infectious energy, moving comfortably between comedy and singing while holding the audience’s attention throughout.
The direction embraces a sense of freedom that feels almost therapeutic. There is a safe, expressive quality to the performance, where the cast appears fully at ease exploring these stories and themes. The perspective is clear, not necessarily rewriting history but reframing it, offering a version shaped by queer voices and experiences.
How To Become A Saint While Wearing Pants is not always precise, but it is confident in what it wants to be. It is energetic, versatile, and driven by a strong cast and clear intent. A lively and engaging fringe piece that prioritizes voice and presence over polish.
We are giving this 3/5 Ds (D D D)
Cast & Creative
Written and performed by Lex Alston, Becca Canziani, Brooke Ferries, Lynn Hodeib and Ania Upstill
Supported by Bechdel Project
More information at: https://www.aniaupstill.com/butch-mermaid