Carla Hall. Photo by Teresa Castracane Photography.
Nearly flawless is the first phrase that comes to mind when describing Carla Hall’s one-woman show, “Please Underestimate Me.” True to its title, the production delivers a hard-hitting deconstruction of the entertainment industry and the toll that it can take on women—or, in this case, one woman. Hall culls from her professional experiences as well as stories centered on her early, formative years as she brings audiences on an inner spiritual journey of sorts, turned outward. The resounding message: trust in yourself, believe in your voice and own your power, or you may be left with some hefty regrets.
Nearly flawless…Hall’s utter charm and universal, joy-spreading ability make this a show that will definitely delight a multitude of audiences.
This is not to say that Hall regrets her life choices. It’s more that she regrets not being more present and more visible while the events ultimately enshrined by those choices were unfolding. The show begins as Hall films a biscuit-making segment for a quasi-fictional cooking show, “The Perfect Bite.” Hall’s stint as a co-host of “The Chew” lays the groundwork for the premise of this production. At once, audiences can’t help but feel uncomfortable right along with the chef-come-talk show host as she dutifully, through gritted teeth, takes the show producers’ notes, listens to their derogatory “hot mic” comments, and struggles to tamp down what makes Carla, Carla. This initial segment kicks off a whirlwind of a journey through her years at Howard, a brief modelling stint, her dating life, her adventures on “Top Chef,” and a relationship with her mother marked largely by a constant striving to adapt to the woman’s expectations—something with which many a grown daughter can personally look back and say, “yes! she nailed it.”
The show reads as part stand-up, part play, and part throwback sketch comedy in the vein of “The Carol Burnett Show.” In fact, Burnett herself factors into Carla’s one-woman odyssey in quite a consequential way. There are some hilarious surprises, and there are some rawer, stripped-down revelations where the spotlight seems too heavy a price for a cook and entertainer whose people-pleasing demeanor often meant masking her truth. Among the biggest laugh-getting moments are the audience interactions. Prior to entering the house, theatregoers have the option of filling out a card with the warning “you may be interacting with Carla.” Unlike other performances where such interactions are generally frigid and of the terrified variety, these certainly were anything but. It seemed like one was conversing with an old friend they hadn’t seen in some time, which speaks to the abundant warmth and easy-going nature of the show’s star. Hall is that person you feel as though you can confide in even if you have never met her. A segment titled “Auntie Carla Has Spoken,” though somewhat tongue-in-cheek, finds Hall getting real with her audience in a truly endearing and, of course, funny series of mini, advice-driven conversations.
Beyond the spectacular presence and engrossing antics of the show’s star, the set really is an epiphany in its own right. Scenic Designer Lauren M. Nichols hits a home run with this highly adaptable stage design featuring a few enjoyable surprises. Sound design by Willow James and lighting by Harold F. Burgess II help take Hall’s journey into some wonderfully chaotic and also, at times, bittersweet places. Under the smart and thoughtful direction of Lili-Anne Brown, with book by Hall, Lori Kaye, and Leslie Thomas, “Please Underestimate Me” has something for everyone. Admittedly, if you are a woman of a certain age, as I am, you might be quicker to say, “wow, she totally gets me.” However, Hall’s utter charm and universal, joy-spreading ability make this a show that will definitely delight a multitude of audiences.
Running Time: One hour and 30 minutes with no intermission.
Carla Hall in “Please Underestimate Me” EXTENDED through July 26, 2026 in the Mulitz-Gudelsky Theatre Lab at Olney Theatre Center, 2001 Olney Sandy Spring Road, Olney, MD 20832. For more information and to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at 301.924.3400, Wednesday – Sunday: 12 – 6 pm, or go online.
