One man’s home is another man’s criminal enterprise… Join us at the Playhouse for Rent Control, returning to the Playhouse this fall!
A struggling actor falls backwards into an NYC rent-controlled apartment and turns it into a lucrative AIRBNB scheme in this wild-but-TRUE one-man show. Watch Evan Zes portray 25 characters as they close in on him and threaten to ruin his life in this cautionary tale of greed and redemption.
Meet the playwright and performer
“Something CRAZY happened to me about a year and a half ago that could only happen in New York. It involved my rent-controlled apartment on the Upper East Side. Every time I go out to dinner or to meet some friends at a bar, within 3 minutes I hear everyone talking about their living situation, because EVERYBODY who lives in New York has an apartment story.
Well, this crazy thing that happened to me, as it was happening, I thought to myself, ‘Pay attention, cuz one day this is going to make a great story. It’s not a great story now because it’s happening to me and I want to die. But someday…’
I didn’t die. Now, I’m glad that crazy thing happened to me because I wrote a play about it.”
– Evan Zes, Playwright and Performer
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Evan Zes' solo comedy is resonating with New Yorkers."
VarietyA hair-raising thriller."
Theatre ManiaUproarious."
DC Metro ArtsA masterpiece."
Washington Square NewsDangerously hilarious."
Theatre is EasyA cautionary tale."
New York Theatre GuideTHANK YOU
2026 Programming & Season Sponsorship is generously provided by Barbara Streicker.
Media Sponsorship for the 2026 season is generously provided by Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio.
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All titles, dates, and artists are subject to change.
EVAN ZES
English 
Spanish