Audience Takeaways

“gutsy and thought-provoking”

“bold and raw”

“hilarious, personal, and touching”

”full of surprises”

“entertaining, provocative, fun”

“edgy, vulnerable”

”dark, teasing, and powerful”

”courageous and smart”

“interesting, authentic story” “

“a treat to the senses”

John Bucher, Writer, Storyteller, Theatre Artist

“Sugar and Sh*t is a fascinating look at the relationships between what is sweet and what is abhorrent. It is a modern exploration of the sacred and profane — the Madonna and the Whore. Lenny Langley uses their mind, body, and keen understanding of the human condition to create beauty while Lori Hoeft mines her memories, her trauma, and her reinvention to craft a surreal celebration on stage. Together, the result is not sugar that superficially melts away immediately or shit that permanently stains and is inedible, but vegetables that nourish those parts of us we cannot always see, and sometimes forget. Thoughtful elements combined with bold, brave performances make Sugar and Sh*t an experience, not just a work of theater.”

Arlene Shapiro, Writer & Storyteller

“Sugar and Sh*t is a Compelling, Courageous, self Compassionate journey of two women who ironically are more similar than different. Caged. Meeting the naked underbelly of their remembered narratives with bravery and presence and without apology. It’s a sad piece, un-healable soul
woundings that sort out in their lives as lived to survive and come to some acceptance in the understanding of life as it was and life as it is. I felt the actresses deeply. The Hudson Theater and Cafe is a joyous bright light in a world overfilled with Sugar and Sh*t.”

Tanya Thomas, Actress & Storyteller

“Raw, bold and full of surprises, Sugar and Sh*t is a treat to the senses. The exploration of relationships through both their narratives was courageous and raw. Lenny as ‘Sugar’ uses dance and conversation while Lori as ‘Sh*t’ uses rich storytelling to mine her memories. I loved having my senses piqued at every turn!”

Yolande Wakeman, Storyteller, Writer, Artist

“Sugar and Sh*t is an intimate exploration of the inevitability of sh*t in life and the allure of sweetness as its antidote; a medicine that can easily become a poison with over-indulgence. Lenny and Lori are a dynamic duo that each bring a sense of sincerity and eccentricity to their performance.

The interweaving stories reflect a sense of the interconnectedness that exists between us, that often lays beyond our awareness. Get lost in the sensual allure of the show like a sugar rush and wade with the performers through the sh*t that they encounter along the way.”

Larry Davidson, Actor & Theatre Artist

“Sugar and Sh*t was so much fun. The stories were raw and honest; distinct, yet subtly woven together. The synergy of the two storytellers, each with their distinct style, yet both equally as charismatic, created a wonderful combination. The show was funny even as it addressed some very serious personal revelations. Overall the show was a delight, and I was glad I was there for the end to experience the bonus surprise that allowed the audience to participate.”

AO, Theatre Fan & Supporter

“Wow. What a show. SO many words come to mind – and yet there are none that could truly capture my feelings. Sugar and Sh*t managed to elicit a range of emotions simultaneously – I didn’t know whether to laugh, cry, feel angry or excited. The show left a massive mark – certainly one that will keep you thinking for days after the fact.”


Barbara Brussell, Award-Winning Cabaret Singer

“Loved it. Sugar and Sh*t follows two women, Lenny Langley and Lori Hoeft, as they boldly tell their truth. These beautiful souls & talented writers have come through life’s journey with stories to tell. While they are complete individuals, they complement each other seamlessly, riffing on multiple meanings of what the title holds. Sugar and Sh*t reveal a universal truth, that you never know what kind of sh*t another person has been through…or is going through. This is an opportunity to remember, never to judge a tiger by it’s stripes… or it’s tail!”

Presley Cash, Singer, Musician, & Actress

“I was blown away by Sugar and Sh*t due to the concepts of the sugar and shittiness of life. It spoke to everything I believe about feminism, courage, and expressing yourself. I was intrigued by how the production explored the darker side of the story. The attention-craving, the suppression we as women face, the daddy issues that just don't seem to go away but rather grow stronger with time. I truly felt my imagination could run wild with this story. The bold, uninhibited choices of Lenny Langley dancing and the way the music was incorporated into the production were powerful. The way the artists explored freedom was moving. Then when Lori Hoeft told her story as the Shit, the contrasts in emotions were so relatable. Her story made me cry. I'm posting about this and my friends are already going to see it!! Can't wait to see it again!”

Helen Hackney, Writer & Storyteller

“The vulnerability and raw emotion is what has this show stand out from the crowd. From Lenny, as “SUGAR”’s total acceptance of their naked body to Lori, as “The SH*T”’s final communication to her adoptive mother, this production had me on the edge of my seat. The interaction between these as they together first expose, then heal, the traumas of their past is inspiring. I find myself wanting to set myself free too. Can’t wait to see what they create next.”

Allegra Huston, Acclaimed Writer, Editor, & Imaginative Coach

“Fierce and brave, wildly imaginative — and I mean that literally! Sugar and Sh*t takes pain and heartache and loss and powerlessness and transforms them into an often hilarious, always intimate statement of triumph and camaraderie and power. The show was brilliantly staged, emotionally gripping, unforgettable.”

Arlene Shapiro, Writer & Storyteller

“Seeing Sugar and Sh*t for the second time, I witnessed the show develop from the original spine of the first show to unleashing a fierce ferocity in the veracity of the memoirs. From the low lights and Sugar’s voice from the opening scene to Lori’s explosive send off to her dead mother, the show escalates with new elements including an extraordinary interpretation of mother Jane in voiceover, a colorful cast of memorable characters never seen, and the embodiment of Lori’s Tiger. In this iteration of the show, the stage sings with connection to their stories and the audience spiced just right with spots of unexpected humor and raw beauty. It stings with the dark truth of life as it is and the women sparkle as the jewels they are in their own lives. Well done and rare.”

Eric Billitzer, Theatre Artist

“I loved Sugar and Sh*t. Just what you want for the final day of the Hollywood Fringe Festival — world class burlesque and high tragedy!”

Shahab Zargari, Creative Storyteller, Photographer & Film Director

“Great show! Hilarious, personal, and touching. I loved the music and sound effects. Overall, it was a very enjoyable experience. Bravo!”

Ed The Animal, Creative Artist & Photographer

“I loved the stream of consciousness and character development in ‘Sugar and Sh*t’, as both the characters reflect on their past lives, the misogyny and religious bullsh*t that they had to deal with, the insatiable appetite for Frosted Flakes, and where they are at the present moment. I hope that it will be the first of many wonderful plays from them in the future!”

Jair Bula, Theatre Artist

“Entertaining, provocative, fun, yet touches on deep subjects. Sugar talks about filling human emptiness, which resonated with me the most. This emptiness I feel is part of the human condition and this character talks about it beautifully. Lori and Lenny definitely roared with this piece. Tony the Tiger was my favorite!”

Craig Satchell, Musician

“Amazing! Sugar and Sh*t is a wild ride and a treat for the senses with bold dancing and colorful costumes that were visually awesome. Sugar and Sh*t was relatable, deep, penetrating & thought-provoking about the concept of being in a cage and setting yourself free. Ferocious performances by both Lenny Langley as "Sugar" and Lori Hoeft as “The Sh*t,” it was very bold artistically. The performer's stories, writing, & music all wove together perfectly with such unexpected humor and vulnerability. I enjoyed the insights into the plight of what women go through and loved the execution. Wild ride! Oh, I also loved the Tiger as a presence, a character, and an invisible ally. Highly rare and highly recommend you see it!”

Press Reviews

“From sex kitten to prom queen,”

Elaine Mura, LA Splash

“Sugar and Sh*t is a provocative show about what makes something sweet or profane in our lives – how the goodness of love and sweetness of sugar may be evident in candy but not in real life as people don’t know how to treat each other with love. Sugar’s comment that working as a strip club dancer allowed her to examine men in a laboratory of human hearts. Quite eye-opening.”

Shari Barett, Broadway World

& Culver City News