Cellino V. Barnes is playing at The Asylum NYC through the end of November.
By Elazar Abrahams
For New Yorkers who have ever found themselves humming the ubiquitous jingle of the famous personal injury firm, Cellino V. Barnes is an absurdist gift. Playing at The Asylum NYC until December 1st, this off-Broadway show blends humor, nostalgia, and the surreal in a way that will appeal to anyone familiar with the lore of the Cellino & Barnes saga. For those not in the know, however, the experience may be more bewildering than enjoyable, but everyone will exit the theater with a certain string of numbers running through their head.
Cellino V. Barnes thrives on the chemistry between its two leads, Eric William Morris as Ross Cellino and Noah Weisberg as Steve Barnes. In a show that places all its weight on a duo, this dynamic is key, and both actors deliver all they’ve got. Their playful back-and-forth and sharp comedic timing keep the momentum going, even when the material leans into the wackier aspects of its humor. Absurdist and surrealist in nature, the show stretches the boundaries of conventional comedy, delighting in pushing its premise to the limits. The narrative condenses and blends decades of building and corrupting a business empire into gag after gag. Viewers looking for something more grounded might find the show a bit too far-fetched.
The 80-minute, one-act format is ideal for this sort of production, yet, even within that relatively short window, the show occasionally drags. While the jokes are clever and often hilarious, their repetition becomes noticeable as the play progresses. Some moments feel slightly overextended, though the show never fully loses its momentum. Despite these occasional lulls, the overall tightness of the script ensures it doesn’t outstay its welcome, even if it could have benefitted from a few more varied gags.
The true charm of Cellino V. Barnes lies in its specificity. This is a show written for New Yorkers. Those with a connection to the now-defunct firm that ended in a bitter breakup or even just an appreciation for the city’s local quirks will find plenty to laugh at. However, for those unfamiliar with the iconic jingle or the legal battle that followed the firm’s split, much of the references may go over their heads. As a result, this is not a show for tourists or casual theatergoers. Instead, it’s a quirky love letter to the shared cultural touchstones of New York life, and that is where it shines.
Cellino V. Barnes is a thoroughly five borough experience. Be sure to read through the firm’s story on Wikipedia after the show; you’ll find the truth is just as strange as the fiction! While silly, the performance is remarkably well researched.
Find tickets and more information HERE.
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