Time loop traps high school king, explores identity

Mommy, I'm Stuck in Highschool! takes the well-worn coming-of-age story and throws it into a time loop. Following Maximilious "Flame" Coleman, the self-proclaimed king of his high school, the show uses its fantastical premise to explore identity, belonging, mental health, and the often awkward transition from adolescence into adulthood. The result is a funny, thoughtful, and surprisingly heartfelt piece of theatre.

The production uses the intimate confines of DARC Microcinema ambitiously. The show often feels larger than the room itself, and moments suggest how its energy and scale might translate to a bigger venue. Yet the creative team makes excellent use of the space through strong direction, effective staging, and committed performances.

What stands out most is the cohesion of the company. Eris Hector, Alec Saper, Jay Mather, Pouya Sheykhghasemi, Kurt Santos, and director Jules Graham clearly trust one another and understand the story they want to tell. That shared investment is visible throughout.

The satire lands consistently, drawing on familiar high school archetypes without feeling stale. The script understands that stereotypes endure because they remain recognizable, and it finds fresh ways to explore them while still speaking to contemporary anxieties. Beneath the comedy is genuine empathy for its characters and their struggles.

Mommy, I'm Stuck in Highschool! leaves audiences with plenty of laughs, but also with meaningful questions about growing up, fitting in, and figuring out who we are. For a young company, it's an impressive and promising piece of work.

Mommy, I'm Stuck in Highschool! plays at DARC Microcinema through June 28. Tickets are $14 plus service fees, available online, at the Fringe box office (Fringe Courtyard, 67 Nicholas St), and at satellite offices (3rd floor, Arts Court, 2 Daly Avenue and La Nouvelle Scène, 333 King Edward Ave).