Fostered Review – An Evening with the Fosters

An adult comedy about a chaotic family in New York, FOSTERED was penned by Chuya Doswell, reportedly inspired by her own family for whom chaos was typically the norm: “Especially the relationship between my parents and how they relate most of the time feels real.” Billed as “an uncharacteristic and heartfelt departure from its celebrated canon of rare classical gems,” Pacific Resident Theatre proudly presents the world premiere of FOSTERED. To quote director Andrew Weyman, “Sometimes we pretend to be something, or someone, we’re not. FOSTERED takes a comical look at coming to terms with our authentic selves through the lens of unconventional family dynamics…(after the devastating Palisades fire) a great opportunity to bring some healing laughter to the Los Angeles community.”

Hiram A. Murray, Hope Lauren, and Katy Downing – Photo by Zachary Kanner

The time is 2016, and the place is the Foster family home in Scarsdale, New York. Karen Foster (Terry Davis) and husband Sandy (Tony Pasqualini) like to think that they’ve done the best they could in raising their four children – now adults – and decide that it’s time to focus on their own lives, which includes selling the family home and moving to Hawaii. Little did they anticipate that their grown kids, all nicely settled into their own lives (with the possible exception of their youngest), would reach crisis states at the very same time. College graduate Alice (Katy Downing) is a stay-at-home mom who suddenly begins to question her choices now that she’s hitting 40. A little younger but equally questioning, high-powered attorney Rachel (Hope Lauren) has a well-ordered and financially secure life – on the brink of making partner and living comfortably with long-term boyfriend Daniel (Hiram A. Murray) – which is quietly but without a doubt starting to crumble. Successful financier married to his soon-to-be pregnant wife, Jeremy (Taubert Nadalini) is also questioning his choices as he matures. Then there’s quirky Maggie (Jillian Lee Garner), the youngest of the brood and still trying to find her place in the world. And let’s not forget about Shafeek (Satiar Pourvasei), who appears out of nowhere as Karen’s and Sandy’s adopted adult son. Perhaps a little vodka is in order.

Tony Pasqualini and Taubert Nadalini – Photo by Zachary Kanner

Skillfully helmed by Weyman, FOSTERED is a hilarious journey through the day-to-day life of the Foster clan. The eccentric members of these rather idiosyncratic kinfolk will keep the audience chuckling and chortling throughout the production. This is a truly funny show that brings together vibrant contemporary comedy, satire, farce, and is above all highly entertaining. FOSTERED will probably remind many in the audience of their own families – especially when they are faced with calamities which both divide and unite them.

Terry Davis and Satiar Pourvasei – Photo by Zachary Kanner

Kudos as well to Rich Rose’s scenic design (with a nod to James Morris, builder), who has created the perfect middle class, up-in-age (and unchanging) Foster home. Coupled with Audrey Eisner’s costumes, Michael Redfield’s lighting, and Keith Stevenson’s sound, the ambiance is close to perfect. Pacific Resident Theatre has again nailed it with a very human comedy which will trigger laughter, memories, fun – any maybe some new choices.

Taubert Nadalini and Katy Downing – Photo by Zachary Kanner

FOSTERED runs through July 20, 2025, with performances at 8 p.m. from Thursdays through Saturdays (no performances on Thursday after 6/25; 2 p.m. matinee added on Saturday 6/28) and at 3 p.m. on Sundays (no performances on July 4 weekend). The Pacific Resident Theatre is located at 703 Venice Blvd., Venice, CA 90291. Tickets range from $35 to $45 ($35 Thursdays, $45 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (55+ $10 discount; student rush at door $12). For information and reservations, call 310-822-8392 or go online.