Review by Steven Maisonet

Synopsis: Law student Abby Gates has no qualms about becoming a sugar baby to get her tuition bills paid—until it means keeping a secret from the man she loves, an artist exploring confession and thresholds of shame. When Abby’s two worlds collide, she discovers her sugar daddy has taught her more than just about good wine.

Brilliant Works of Art, an award-winning show by three-time WNY Artie Winner Donna Hoke, is poignant and dignified for its time. Hoke’s artistry in eliciting visceral reactions from the audience is astounding. During this intimate performance at the Alleyway Cabaret Space, Bellissima—a formidable theater company that has made its mark in the WNY theater community by utilizing well-established venues—felt truly at home in this space.

Zoe Goñez, who played Abby Gates, a law school student who has masterfully and complicatedly found a way to overcome her high college tuition expenses, outdid herself in this performance. Goñez, a recent BFA graduate from Buffalo State University, portrayed a sweet, noisy, and charismatic “sugar baby” with skill and depth. She brought this character to life, skillfully mirroring the mannerisms of her “Sugar Daddy,” Grant Parrish, played by Greg Howze. Howze not only served as a generous financial supporter to Goñez’s character but also as a pseudo-father figure to the young Abby Gates, who lost her father at the age of four.

Howze, who throughout the show surprised the audience with his fast-paced life lessons, brought a level of certainty to these characters’ faith that may not be immediately apparent to the untrained eye. Howze, who was last seen as Rufus in The Light Fantastic by Ike Holter at Road Less Traveled Productions—earning him a local Artie nomination—continues to deliver fresh, disciplined, and structured performances on stage.

Both Howze and Goñez delivered a salacious and provocative performance, exploring the intricate relationship between a “Sugar Daddy”—an individual who supplies allowance and generous monetary support to their “gift recipient” (sugar baby)—and the emotional complexities that come with such an arrangement. Though often consensual and mutually agreed upon, these two characters soon become overly involved in each other’s romantic lives when Gates’ love interest, James Gould (played by Johnny Barden), enters the picture.

Barden, who consistently impresses theatergoers with his immersive and nuanced portrayals, added depth to the script with his portrayal of Gould, an emotionally enriched artist longing for attention and a desire to be seen. Gould finds himself unintentionally entangled in the transactional love affair between Goñez and Howze’s characters. Barden’s brilliance in his acting technique gave the audience insight into what it truly means to be a muse in a world filled with secrets. Barden, last seen on stage as Frank Thorney in Witch by Jen Silverman at Road Less Traveled Productions, continues to evolve into a refined and well-established actor.

Although the show doesn’t delve too deeply into the external world of Gates and Parrish’s relationship, we are often invited into their personal worlds through brief mentions of Parrish’s family (wife and children), Gates’s social network of fellow students and roommates, and mentions of Gould’s close relatives. The show delivers, as promised, a night of extravagant sexual unraveling, promiscuous and salacious behavior.

Though minimal in its use of space, the show requires little more than a few set props and on-stage furniture, each serving versatile functions that help create an intimate atmosphere.. The technical aspects of the show solidify the creativity behind Brilliant Works of Art—the utilization of musical transitions, minimal black-box lighting, and quick, descriptive set and costume changes clearly announce to the audience when and where we are in this character’s love triangle an excellent job done by Karen Harty (Costume Designer). The show takes a quick turn in Act 2 as we witness the actors understanding the growth of their characters and the consequences of their actions. This includes the entanglement of love and transaction, money and power, fame and glory.

Sabrina Kahwaty, with her extensive and impressive directorial background, once again crafted a show that encompasses love, money, hunger, pain, and joy. Watching these characters understand each other through body language, comfort, and simulated sexual acts offers the audience—especially those curious about becoming a sugar baby or daddy—a unique glimpse into the complexities of finding one’s footing in a capitalist world. You are left grappling with the concept and ideology of “What power do secrets hold, and what can we let go of to appease the conscious mind that often impedes us from empathically connecting with humanity?”

As typical with any theater production, big or small, none would be possible without the talented behind-the-scenes workers. Nicolette Navarro, who served as intimacy director, created a safe and inclusive space for the actors to explore the sexual nature of their characters, something that can often create rifts and tension both on and off stage. (Just look at the headlines about Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni.) Stefanie Warnick, who I had the pleasure of meeting and discussing life and politics with after the show, served as fight director. Explicit content warning: the simulated power and control dynamics between Goñez and Howze’s characters are minimal but are often true representations of how these transactional, complex relationships can end.

Stage Manager Meghan Putman kept the show running smoothly, effortlessly maintaining tight order. Although minimal space and props are used, the show elicits visual, passionate moments that are as rich as the confessions Barden’s character, James Gould, crafts. As an audience member, it was truly enjoyable to read these confessions—“I lost my grandpa’s ashes,” “I have a secret family,” “I am a sugar addict baby.” It’s highly recommended to sit close enough to the stage to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Tyler Rahner (sound designer) provided relevant and coherent sound design, while Hoke and Kahwaty once again collaborated in selecting music cues that capture the characters’ moments of poor judgment, displeasure, and the thrilling excitement that accompanies a business-like relationship.

This show challenges the audience to understand how compartmentalizing emotions and actions is possible. Can we authentically separate conscious thought from feelings? Blissful ignorance exists in the realm of this idea—Barden’s character unknowingly being funded by solicitors with alternative motives. The show is highly recommended for anyone interested in modern relationship structures and human complexities. It challenges your beliefs and your understanding of the modern sex-work field (and yes, a sugar baby-sugar daddy relationship is considered sex work by definition, as it involves the exchange of goods/monetary support for acts of service).

This show is a must-see for fans of Hoke’s work, modern sex workers, financially struggling higher-ed students, and artists of all mediums looking to connect and understand the unique perspective of “generous” funders. Unravel yourself and suspend disbelief as you enter this complicated and treacherous world of romance and love affairs. Brilliant Works of Art, an original script by local playwright Donna Hoke, is a phenomenal and intriguing tale of life. Be sure to check out the show at Alleyway’s Cabaret Space, presented by Bellissima Productions.

Perhaps your experience will be enriching too, with audience interactions and conversations such as the complicated feelings of wanting to root for Gates’s success while also feeling disheartened by her character’s choices—or couples who are struggling with the early stages of their relationship and seeing similarities on stage.

Brilliant Works of Art runs until February 15th, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at the box office or by visiting Bellissima’s official website: https://bellissimaproductions.com
General Admission: $30.00 | Pay-What-You-Can Saturday Evenings
While you’re there, be sure to check out Alleyway’s merch stand and bar for libations and snacks.