Sometimes the financial mechanics of theater can seem a little too obvious—and so it is increasingly with the presence of celebrities off-Broadway.

A big name, or big names, on smaller stages bring an immediate buzz, then a demand for tickets. The appeal: They’re popular names, and they’re up close on a small stage. The engagement is attractive for the celebrity because they work their theater muscles between TV or film shoots; they’re not on a big Broadway stage for months on end. And who knows: The play could become “the” thing to go see.

Perhaps these exercises are becoming too well-oiled and limiting. In a new production of Rajiv Singh’s Gruesome Playground Injuries at the Lucille Lortel Theatre, Tony-winning star Kara Young (brilliant as ever) and Nicholas Braun (Succession’s Cous

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