Gus Summers Reviews: Anthony Montes’ One-Man Show, "Outta the Darkness Into The Light”

Anthony Montes’ One-Man Show, "Outta the Darkness Into The Light,” is a semi-autobiographical work consisting of reflections on some his life-altering decisions. Written and Directed by Tony, “Outta the Darkness Into The Light” is a play that exists in the nuances of now. Depending on what occurs from one moment to the next, it can exude the dark & alarming or emanate the joyous & gleeful. In true Meisner style, it all depends on the moment.


The play begins with Tony being in a life-changing moment, then intriguingly continues with a conversation about his life with an ominous, unseen voice. The purpose of this conversation? To afford Tony his opportunity to explain certain life choices. Curiously, the choices to be discussed are selected not by the Voice, but by a panel of unknown decision makers. This panel will, after listening to his explanations, decide whether Tony must continue on the path he has laid, or if he is free to follow another one. The panel alone decides.

The questions set forth to Tony are real, taken from his own life. The explanations, too, are real. Delivered from a place of vulnerability and truth.

From last night's performance of Tony Montes' "Outta The Darkness Into The Light" #Studio4. Help decide if he should #KeepHopeAlive! For more about Times & Dates visit @mattiedaisy .

A photo posted by @theinshow on Apr 24, 2016 at 4:38pm PDT

"Outta the Darkness Into The Light” is more than simply an open book of Tony's life. He does something that most performers will never do! That is, he opens up about his true self, and allows himself to lay under the scrutiny of his peers. He is judged not only for the play's sake - and duration, but also weathers the judgment meted out on his life, long after the play is finished.

"Outta the Darkness Into The Light” is a difficult play, not because of its content, but from where it emerges: An honest and open place.

For the audience, it could very well serve as a starting point for anyone willing to take inventory of their life and their life’s decisions. For Tony, it may very well provide a healing by understanding of some of the most difficult choices of his life.

You still have time to catch "Outta the Darkness Into The Light" at Studio 4 in NoHo on April 30th and May 1st. For more information, click here.