Wavy Alum Brandon Kazen-Maddox and Jenn Kidwell Turn Capitalism into Cabaret in we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism — World Premiere at The Flea (Aug 26–Sep 27, 2025)
Brandon Kazen‑Maddox, a Wavy Award stalwart for four years running, and Wavy Winner for Actor of the Year 2023 pairs with OBIE Award–winner Jenn Kidwell and co‑director Adam Lazarus to unleash a delirious takedown of the American Dream in we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism."
Instigated by the artistic collective the blackening, this world premiere blurs stand-up, performance art, and carnival spectacle into an evening that seduces and interrogates in equal measure. It’s sharp, funny, and occasionally scandalous — theatrical flossing for the era of buy-now-pay-later.
What to expect: Kidwell riffs on the siren-call of consumption and the fetishization of wealth, using humor, audience-facing bits, and grotesque pageantry to unmask the fantasies capitalism sells. The show leans into the carnivalesque, inviting viewers to both revel in and recoil from the theatrical promises of power and prestige. If you love satire that’s equal parts absurd and pointed, this is a must-see.
two lingerie and coresetted people feeding each other fried chicken on animal print rugs look up towards the camera in this promotional shot from we come to collect: a flirtation with capitalism
Performance Dates with Front of House ASL Interpretation
Saturday, August 30 | 2pm-3pm
Tuesday, September 2 | 6pm-7pm
Wednesday, September 3 | 6pm-7pm
Thursday, September 4 | 6pm-7pm
Thursday, September 11 | 6pm-7pm
Saturday, September 13 | 6pm-7pm
Friday, September 19 | 6pm-7pm
Saturday, September 20 | 6pm-7pm
Thursday, September 25 | 6pm-7pm
Friday, September 26 | 6pm-7pm
Saturday, September 27 | 1pm-2pm
Accessibility: Select performances include Front of House ASL interpretation. Dates with ASL interpretation run Aug 30 and several nights through Sept 27 (see listing below).
Practical info: we come to collect: a flirtation, with capitalism runs Aug 26–Sep 27, 2025 at The Flea. Digital program available. Buy tickets through The Flea’s box office or website.
