At the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles, Hymn arrives with an impressive pedigree and an intimate theatrical promise: two actors, a bare stage, and a story built almost entirely on language, rhythm, and connection. Written by Lolita Chakrabarti—whose stage adaptation of Life of Pi won multiple Olivier Awards and who also adapted Hamnet in London—the play reflects a writer with a remarkable ear for dialogue and a deep understanding of human connection. Under the assured direction of Gregg T. Daniels, this U.S. premiere leans into those strengths, delivering a thoughtful and often moving evening of theatre.
Hymn centers on two men, Gil (Chuma Gault) and Benny (Jason Delane), who meet at a funeral and form an unexpected bond. What begins as casual conversation gradually deepens into something more complex, as both men navigate grief, masculinity, identity, and the quiet ways people try to connect. Chakrabarti structures the play through a series of conversations that feel both naturalistic and heightened, blending humor with emotional honesty.
The writing is unquestionably the production’s strongest element. Chakrabarti’s dialogue has a musicality—sometimes playful, sometimes probing—that keeps the audience engaged even in the absence of elaborate staging. There’s a confidence in the script that allows silence to carry meaning, and when the emotional beats land, they do so with precision. It’s easy to see why Chakrabarti’s work has garnered such acclaim; her voice here is intelligent, resonant, and deeply human.
Gregg T. Daniels’ direction serves the material well. With only two actors on a small stage, the production relies on movement and spatial awareness to maintain visual interest. The choreography—subtle shifts in position, moments of stillness, and carefully staged interactions—works effectively without overshadowing the text. Daniels wisely keeps the focus on the relationship, allowing the dialogue to shine.
Performance-wise, the production is slightly uneven but still compelling. Chuma Gault, as Gil, is sublime. His performance is grounded, nuanced, and emotionally rich, anchoring the play with quiet authority. He listens as well as he speaks, and that presence gives the piece its emotional weight. His accent is also spot on!
Jason Delane, as Benny, is clearly a strong actor, and there are moments where his charisma and instincts come through. However, the accent work is inconsistent and often unconvincing, which becomes a recurring distraction. It pulls you out of the play at key moments, undermining the otherwise strong foundation of the production. It’s frustrating because the talent is evident—this feels less like a limitation of ability and more like a lack of fully realized character work. If he continues to work on his accent skills, I'm sure it will get much better with time.
Despite this, the chemistry between the two actors is strong enough to sustain the central relationship, and the emotional core of the play remains intact. When the production connects, it does so with honesty and grace.
The play runs approximately 90 minutes with no intermission, which suits its intimacy and momentum perfectly.
Ultimately, Hymn is a well-crafted, dialogue-driven piece that showcases the power of language and connection. It may not be flawless, but its strengths—particularly Chakrabarti’s writing and Gault’s performance—make it a worthwhile and engaging theatrical experience.
Rating: 8/10
WHEN:
April 29 – June 14
• Performances: May 2-June 14: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 3 p.m. / Wednesday, May 27 at 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
TICKET PRICES:
• All performances: $35
(A $3 fee will be added to each ticket purchased with a credit card.)
• Discounts available for students and seniors.
HOW:
OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2
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