Discovery and Memory (Ergo Theatre)

Me and My Muse: An Episodic Drama

Episode Three Life is a Drag

Written by Jack Wallen

Directed by Sharon Kinnison

Review by Kate Barry

Entire contents are copyright @2026 by Kate Barry. All rights reserved.

Jeremy has eight days to send his next great novel to the publisher. Episode three of Me and My Muse sees the writer and his muse in new clothes and even more contemplative banter about art and memories. With a revolutionary idea, Jeremy and the muse fight boredom and imposter syndrome on their quest for the right words.

In case you missed the previous episodes, Jack Wallen and Keith McGill are an eclectic duo. Jack Wallen’s Jeremy is a grieving writer overcoming crippling depression and writers block. Through annoyances, inspiration and various repartees, McGill’s muse assists Jeremy with finding a fresh retelling of Joan of Arc’s story. Jeremy must work through his insecurities and trust his muse to produce pure art.

By episode three, Keith McGill and Jack Wallen have proven they are true companions as Jeremy and the muse. Whether they are bickering and getting each other’s goat or showing true compassion in the wake of a difficult memory, Wallen and McGill’s chemistry grows stronger. Intimate and familiar, the writer and muse reveal secrets and traumas, creating an even deeper bond.

Individually the performances are strong as well. Jack Wallen’s Jeremy shows vulnerability and ever present emotional depth. With beautiful vows from his dead partner in flashback, performed by the effervescent Sue Crocker, Wallen’s writer begins to show progress, using a bittersweet memory for his novel’s dialogue. Jeremy’s memories are explored in detail in this episode as well. Sharon Kinnison’s appearance as his mother stings with each of her cruel and pointed accusations. Heartfelt moments are explored as a young friend inspires and encourages Jeremy at a young and formative age to pursue a writing career.

As Jeremy finds the right words for his book, his muse guides and encourages the work. Keith McGill smartly plays the muse with emotions and matters close to the chest. Yet anecdotes about David Lynch and Shakespeare prove that his armor is starting to crack. Jason Cooper provides a witty performance as drag performer Trixie Stix. Enthused by the Jeremy’s modern take on the Joan of Arc story, Cooper’s Trixie serves confident and moving descriptions of freedom of self expression in a world of oppression and ignorance.

With time ticking away and grief weighing heavy, Jeremy pushes through and continues to write. Can the imagination produce when the heart is recovering? Or can Jeremy’s muse conjure the imagination? Only episode four will tell!

Me and My Muse: An Episodic Drama

Episode Three Life's a Drag

Ergo Theatre

August 27-29 and September 3-5 at 7pm August 30 and September 6 at 2 pm

Walden Conservatory Theater at StageOneFamilyTheatre

123 Payne Street

Louisville KY