🎭 Just Frank – A One-Man (well...almost) Comedy Show Like No Other

Fridays & Saturdays | Gulf Coast Rep Playhouse | OWA

Frank Lash is back—and he’s bringing the laughs with him! Straight from the hit Murder at Mama’s, Just Frank is a fast-paced, 90-minute comedy experience that blends sharp storytelling, sketch-style antics, and stand-up energy.

Frank dives headfirst into the absurd moments of his life—family feuds, career flops, and everything in between—with a performance that's both hilarious and surprisingly heartfelt.

Oh, and did we mention? There's cheesecake? Coffee. Soft drinks. Even Lactaid. (Trust us—Frank has his reasons.)

🍽 Make It a Night Out

Grab dinner at Waffles R' Wild Speakeasy next door or explore one of OWA’s many restaurants. Then head to the Gulf Coast Rep Playhouse—formerly the Bohemian Event Center—located right next to Starbucks.

🎟 Tickets

Available now for Friday & Saturday shows. Seating is limited—don’t miss your chance to laugh your way through Frank’s unforgettable night.

Buy Tickets!

Ready to laugh?

Tickets on sale now!

Opening Night - May 30th

Run Dates

May 30th - July 26th

Friday & Saturday nights

Seating is limited to 72 in Theatre One at The Gulf Coast Rep's Playhouse

$25.00 - Adults

$22.50 - Military, Seniors, Students

including any beverages or treats that Frank may serve

PG for mild language and mild adult content

USE PROMO CODE: summerfest at checkout to save 15% on your tickets!

FRANK - Darren Butler

For nearly twenty-five years, Darren has been playing the role of "Frank" in numerous productions of the Murder at Mama's series. In 2003, he wrote Just Frank to explore what would happen to Frank after he inherited the money he was entitled. After spending most of his life scrimping and scrounging to make ends meet, Frank finally inherits millions. Oddly, now what he has everything, he feels like he has nothing. In one hilarious night, Frank confronts his past in order to discover the path of his future.

"Young Amanda"

COCO BUTLER

"Mrs. Wallenstein" & "Dr. Weinbaum"

ANNE LABELLE

Mrs. White-Clark-Lash-Von Schmit "Mama"

CLAIBORNE WALSH

"Amanda"

EVIE ROSA BUTLER

"Becky" & "Claire"

ISABELLA SALCEDO

"Audrey"

KATHY SHEA

"Steve"

DOUG MAZE

Q & A

Q: Where did "Just Frank" derive?

A: Back in 2003, I wrote the show after we had done the first two murder mystery comedies, Murder at Mama's and Mama's Revenge! I had been wanting to do a solo show, and I really loved this character. I wanted to dig into "Frank" and peel back some more layers.

Q: Did you perform the show back in 2003?

A: I did a couple of readings for friends and family - an invited audience. I was ready to roll with the full production, but we could never find the right time to fit it into the schedule. Eventually, it just went back into the filing cabinet. But - I've never forgotten it! I think it's probably the funniest thing I've ever written to be honest.

Q: Really? Did you revise it for the upcoming production?

A: Yes. I mean it's been twenty-two years since I wrote the original script. There's been a lot of changes since then. Lots and lots of things to bring even more comedy to Frank's situation.

Q: Like? You're not going to tell us, are you?

A: I don't want to spoil it! There's so many rediculous twists and turns for this guy. I mean, there's a lot that's...let's just say..."unexpected."

Q: Okay - so, what's the set-up for the story? Can you tell us that?

A: Absolutely. Frank has just returned to his apartment in Hells Kitchen in New York City. His stepmother, Mrs. White-Clark-Lash-VonSchmidt has passed away, and her last will and testament has been read. Frank has finally inherited the money his father left him which his stepmother has kept from him all these years.

I mean, this guy has had to live day to day, paycheck to paycheck for most of his life. In reality, he had millions waiting for him after his stepmother died. But, he never really knew if he would get it or not. So, like anyone who dreams of wealth, Frank had huge plans of what life would be like when he had money.

Now, he returns to his little apartment in New York ready to live it up! But that's the catch - he's not sure what he wants to do with his life. He's lost. No clue what his purpose should be.

In a fateful twist, Frank hurts his back and takes something for it. Well, the medication takes him on a crazy, hilarious dream induced journey into all the things Frank "could do" with his life.

And that's all I'm going to say...

Q: So, it's a one man show?

A: No. The show focuses on "Frank," but he is joined onstage by "Young Amanda," "Claire," and "Becky." We've been very fortunate to pull in some incredible talent for voiceover and video characters. In fact, the original "Audrey" and "Steve" from the very first production of the Murder at Mama's series will be present in voiceover.

Q: I think I read where's there's food?

A: Dessert actually. I can't say too much because it would give away one of the funny parts, but each member of the audience will have a really tasty goodie to eat during intermission. If you want dinner, you'll have to visit our friends nextdoor at Waffles R Wild - The Speakeasy. They're going to be offering some great specials for people who have tickets to the show. Go grab dinner with them at 6:00 or 6:30 and then step nextdoor to The Gulf Coast Rep and be ready to laugh at 7:30!

Q: I saw where the show is "interactive." Can you elaborate?

A: Sure. It's a little like the murder mysteries. Audience members will have the choice to interact with the show, or they can just laugh and enjoy it. No one is going to pull you onstage...unless you want to be onstage that is...