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Fish in the Dark
Fish in the Dark marked Seinfeld co-creator Larry David's playwriting debut, his Broadway debut--and his first time acting on stage since eighth grade. David starred as Norman Drexel, a man in his fifties who is average in most respects, except for his hyperactive libido. As Norman, his more successful brother Arthur, their elderly mother, and a host of other characters try to navigate the death of a loved one, old acquaintances and unsettled arguments resurface--with hilarious consequences.
99 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 3, 2015
22 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Larry David
19 books49 followersLawrence Gene David (b. 1947) is an American comedian, writer, actor, and television producer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
September 18, 2017
pretty... pretty...pretty good!
August 4, 2024
Wavered on 4 or 5 stars. Didn't love the ending but it is rare that a book makes me laugh out loud and I did on several occasions reading this. If you are a Curb Your Enthusiasm fan, I think you will enjoy this.
October 9, 2015
Guys, I think I figured out why I don't like plays.
Real quick on this one, it's Larry David, it's like an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and if that's what you like, you'll like this too. If you're not into it, then don't read this. I'm a huge fan, so there you go.
Alright, plays.
There are two dialog-related rules that I try to follow in writing.
The first one is that you shouldn't try to advance the plot through dialog. Yes, I know that dialog is often a catalyst for plot ("I have to tell you something") or can bring the inner stuff going on with a non-narrator to the front ("When you did X, I felt Y"), but for the most part, it's a good thing to avoid. Think of dialog advancing plot as the worst version of Sherlock Holmes. We have a guy solving mysteries in his mind and narrating aloud to Watson a detailed version of how he figured out what he figured out. The BBC Sherlock is compelling as all hell, and that has a lot to do with the "mind palace" as a physical place on screen, the explanations being rushed and meted out while some kind of other action is going on, the fact that we see all the clues and answers in real time and only need quick flashes to get on board, and the straight-up charm of the whole affair. If it was just Sherlock and Watson in a room chatting, we'd all wish Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman would just quit this whole thing and get back to desolating and Smaug'ing.
Plays are almost all dialog, and rely quite a bit on dialog to advance the plot. Think about a Shakespearean character. A bunch of people run off stage, spotlight on one dude, and then he says aloud/to himself exactly what he's going to do here in just a minute. He says it to no one, really. Just, you know, talking about an intricate plot out loud under a spotlight. Like we all do from time to time.
The other problem is that plot-advancing dialog doesn't usually feel real. If you listen to the way people talk, the way most people talk doesn't actually involve listening and responding, listening and responding, and a dialog set that's like a staircase, ratcheting up step by step, taking us upwards in terms of tension and forwards in terms of plot. If you listen to how people talk, they hear someone tell a story, ask clarifying questions sometimes, and for the most part, seem to be waiting their turn to say their own piece. RARELY does someone listen to someone else talk and respond to what that person actually said. That's how interviews are done, but not conversations. Before you assume I'm just talking to the wrong people, listen in on some conversations in public and see what you think.
Okay, here's the other thing.
Writing should sound like people talking. That's a stylistic, personal preference, but it's why I don't really enjoy certain kinds of writing, especially academic writing. When someone says "The writing, it's like he's trying to prove he's smart" I think what people usually mean is "This doesn't sound like someone talking, and I don't believe in the authenticity of this voice at all."
Lots of plays sound like writing to me. Not like talking. The way they talk is always a little too cute or clever. They know what they're going to say next, always, because THEY DO know what they're going to say next. I think it's built in to the aesthetics of plays to have this kind of dialog, and that's cool, but it just rubs me the wrong way.
One more thing I hate about plays:
How the hell have we all decided that the thing in Hamlet where he does a fake play is a good plan? Is this supposed to be a good plan, or are we, as audience, supposed to be like "This guy is a fucking idiot, and that's the ride I'm on"? Because if the second is true, then I guess it makes sense. But Ham seems to be putting a lot of weight behind his stepdad being made uncomfortable by a play.
Let's say I suspected my partner of cheating. I don't think that I would be like "I've got it. I'll show her Fatal Attraction, see if she becomes physically uncomfortable in a noticeable way, and then I'll have all the proof I need." Seriously? She shifts in her chair, and I jump up all "AH-HA!"?
Nailed it.
Real quick on this one, it's Larry David, it's like an episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, and if that's what you like, you'll like this too. If you're not into it, then don't read this. I'm a huge fan, so there you go.
Alright, plays.
There are two dialog-related rules that I try to follow in writing.
The first one is that you shouldn't try to advance the plot through dialog. Yes, I know that dialog is often a catalyst for plot ("I have to tell you something") or can bring the inner stuff going on with a non-narrator to the front ("When you did X, I felt Y"), but for the most part, it's a good thing to avoid. Think of dialog advancing plot as the worst version of Sherlock Holmes. We have a guy solving mysteries in his mind and narrating aloud to Watson a detailed version of how he figured out what he figured out. The BBC Sherlock is compelling as all hell, and that has a lot to do with the "mind palace" as a physical place on screen, the explanations being rushed and meted out while some kind of other action is going on, the fact that we see all the clues and answers in real time and only need quick flashes to get on board, and the straight-up charm of the whole affair. If it was just Sherlock and Watson in a room chatting, we'd all wish Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman would just quit this whole thing and get back to desolating and Smaug'ing.
Plays are almost all dialog, and rely quite a bit on dialog to advance the plot. Think about a Shakespearean character. A bunch of people run off stage, spotlight on one dude, and then he says aloud/to himself exactly what he's going to do here in just a minute. He says it to no one, really. Just, you know, talking about an intricate plot out loud under a spotlight. Like we all do from time to time.
The other problem is that plot-advancing dialog doesn't usually feel real. If you listen to the way people talk, the way most people talk doesn't actually involve listening and responding, listening and responding, and a dialog set that's like a staircase, ratcheting up step by step, taking us upwards in terms of tension and forwards in terms of plot. If you listen to how people talk, they hear someone tell a story, ask clarifying questions sometimes, and for the most part, seem to be waiting their turn to say their own piece. RARELY does someone listen to someone else talk and respond to what that person actually said. That's how interviews are done, but not conversations. Before you assume I'm just talking to the wrong people, listen in on some conversations in public and see what you think.
Okay, here's the other thing.
Writing should sound like people talking. That's a stylistic, personal preference, but it's why I don't really enjoy certain kinds of writing, especially academic writing. When someone says "The writing, it's like he's trying to prove he's smart" I think what people usually mean is "This doesn't sound like someone talking, and I don't believe in the authenticity of this voice at all."
Lots of plays sound like writing to me. Not like talking. The way they talk is always a little too cute or clever. They know what they're going to say next, always, because THEY DO know what they're going to say next. I think it's built in to the aesthetics of plays to have this kind of dialog, and that's cool, but it just rubs me the wrong way.
One more thing I hate about plays:
How the hell have we all decided that the thing in Hamlet where he does a fake play is a good plan? Is this supposed to be a good plan, or are we, as audience, supposed to be like "This guy is a fucking idiot, and that's the ride I'm on"? Because if the second is true, then I guess it makes sense. But Ham seems to be putting a lot of weight behind his stepdad being made uncomfortable by a play.
Let's say I suspected my partner of cheating. I don't think that I would be like "I've got it. I'll show her Fatal Attraction, see if she becomes physically uncomfortable in a noticeable way, and then I'll have all the proof I need." Seriously? She shifts in her chair, and I jump up all "AH-HA!"?
Nailed it.
November 30, 2015
Really funny. I wish I got to see this performed.
January 19, 2018
Reads like an episode of curb. Highly recommended for all fans of the show; otherwise I wouldn't bother.
December 30, 2024
This was SO Larry David!!!!!
January 1, 2022
If you are a fan of “Curb Your Enthusiasm” you will love “Fish in the Dark” as it is basically a longer episode of “Curb”. You will also instantly recognize and hear the Larry David “voice” in some of the dialogue and you will definitely hear Larry David’s line reading in some of Norman’s (Mr. David played him) dialogue in vintage Larry David fashion. Mr. David even goes so far (or low?) to include his catch phrase “pretty pretty pretty pretty good” in the text. It is cheap, but it is giving the audience what it wanted, so I can’t quibble with it.
“Fish in the Dark” features a protagonist (Norman) who is a decent guy whose attitude and inability to let things go sometimes gets in his way making him look the bad guy. For fans of Mr. David this theme is very familiar. The play opens with the impending death of Norman’s father, and ends with the somewhat happy resolution that a death in the family can sometimes bring about.
The play is very funny and would be hilarious in performance combined with the funny script and the stage business that a talented cast would bring to the text. It would be very enjoyable to see onstage, and as a read it is very quick. I read it in one day and did not realize I was plowing through it.
The ending of “Fish in the Dark” is a little too tidy and it is abrupt. It seems to come out of nowhere. There are lots of subplots that get too quickly resolved or ignored altogether. It reminds you that if Mr. David were not the author this piece would have had some work done on it out of town before it premiered on Broadway. But that is minor. If you enjoy a funny and fast paced play then you will enjoy reading “Fish in the Dark.”
“Fish in the Dark” features a protagonist (Norman) who is a decent guy whose attitude and inability to let things go sometimes gets in his way making him look the bad guy. For fans of Mr. David this theme is very familiar. The play opens with the impending death of Norman’s father, and ends with the somewhat happy resolution that a death in the family can sometimes bring about.
The play is very funny and would be hilarious in performance combined with the funny script and the stage business that a talented cast would bring to the text. It would be very enjoyable to see onstage, and as a read it is very quick. I read it in one day and did not realize I was plowing through it.
The ending of “Fish in the Dark” is a little too tidy and it is abrupt. It seems to come out of nowhere. There are lots of subplots that get too quickly resolved or ignored altogether. It reminds you that if Mr. David were not the author this piece would have had some work done on it out of town before it premiered on Broadway. But that is minor. If you enjoy a funny and fast paced play then you will enjoy reading “Fish in the Dark.”
January 26, 2016
Never been a fan of Larry David, but wanted to see what all the fuss was about with his hit Broadway play. As it turns out, not much - it doesn't READ funny, but might be mildly diverting with an expert comic cast. It reminded me of those ubiquitous Ken Ludwig plays with lots of shouting and noise and plot twists, usually revolving around sex, that you can see coming a mile off - or maybe ersatz early Woody Allen.
June 12, 2019
I think this particular play would be far better live -- while I could understand where the comedy would come from on stage, I felt it rather lacking on the page, however I did love the ending and as it was a short quick read, I'd say it was worth it just for the end.
April 4, 2024
Larry David's "Fish in the Dark: A Play": A Hilarious Dive into Family Dysfunction
"Fishing in the Dark," the debut play by renowned comedian Larry David, delivers a riotous romp through the tangled web of family relationships and absurdity. Known for his wit and irreverence, David brings his signature brand of humor to the stage, creating a comedic masterpiece that is as outrageous as it is relatable.
Set against the backdrop of a family gathering following the death of the patriarch, "Fish in the Dark" plunges audiences into a whirlwind of chaos, dysfunction, and hilarity. As the family members navigate their grief, long-held grudges and simmering tensions bubble to the surface, resulting in a series of uproarious confrontations and misunderstandings.
At the center of the madness is Norman Drexel, played by David himself, whose neuroticism and penchant for self-sabotage drive much of the play's humor. David's portrayal of Norman is both endearing and exasperating, as he stumbles from one mishap to the next with his trademark blend of sarcasm and self-deprecation.
But what truly sets "Fish in the Dark" apart is its ensemble cast, whose chemistry and comedic timing elevate the material to new heights. From the overbearing mother to the bumbling brother-in-law, each character is a delightful caricature of familiar family archetypes, expertly brought to life by the talented cast.
Of course, no review of "Fish in the Dark" would be complete without mentioning its rapid-fire dialogue and clever wordplay. David's script crackles with wit and irreverence, eliciting laughter from start to finish with its razor-sharp humor and biting satire. Whether skewering family dynamics, societal norms, or the absurdities of everyday life, David proves himself a master of comedic storytelling.
In conclusion, "Fish in the Dark" is a triumph of comedy that showcases Larry David's singular talent as a playwright and performer. With its uproarious humor, memorable characters, and insightful commentary on family and mortality, this play is a must-see for fans of David's work and anyone in need of a good laugh. So dive in and experience the hilarity for yourself—you won't be disappointed.
"Fishing in the Dark," the debut play by renowned comedian Larry David, delivers a riotous romp through the tangled web of family relationships and absurdity. Known for his wit and irreverence, David brings his signature brand of humor to the stage, creating a comedic masterpiece that is as outrageous as it is relatable.
Set against the backdrop of a family gathering following the death of the patriarch, "Fish in the Dark" plunges audiences into a whirlwind of chaos, dysfunction, and hilarity. As the family members navigate their grief, long-held grudges and simmering tensions bubble to the surface, resulting in a series of uproarious confrontations and misunderstandings.
At the center of the madness is Norman Drexel, played by David himself, whose neuroticism and penchant for self-sabotage drive much of the play's humor. David's portrayal of Norman is both endearing and exasperating, as he stumbles from one mishap to the next with his trademark blend of sarcasm and self-deprecation.
But what truly sets "Fish in the Dark" apart is its ensemble cast, whose chemistry and comedic timing elevate the material to new heights. From the overbearing mother to the bumbling brother-in-law, each character is a delightful caricature of familiar family archetypes, expertly brought to life by the talented cast.
Of course, no review of "Fish in the Dark" would be complete without mentioning its rapid-fire dialogue and clever wordplay. David's script crackles with wit and irreverence, eliciting laughter from start to finish with its razor-sharp humor and biting satire. Whether skewering family dynamics, societal norms, or the absurdities of everyday life, David proves himself a master of comedic storytelling.
In conclusion, "Fish in the Dark" is a triumph of comedy that showcases Larry David's singular talent as a playwright and performer. With its uproarious humor, memorable characters, and insightful commentary on family and mortality, this play is a must-see for fans of David's work and anyone in need of a good laugh. So dive in and experience the hilarity for yourself—you won't be disappointed.
February 25, 2020
What happens if you take Seinfeld but turn it into a family situation instead of a group of friends? With George as the star and Jerry as his richer, slightly younger, brother. Elaine as George's wife and Kramer as a wild Uncle. Throw in a few more family members, the usual mundane absurdities that only Seinfeld could do, the complete lack of empathy and normal human emotions, and some really humorous yet sarcastic back and forth. Now you have Fish in the Dark. Quite possibly a 5 star performance, on the written page (even with Larry David's voice in my head as Norman) it's hard to give it more than 3. But I would definitely pay to see this performed by a cast of Larry's choosing.
December 10, 2017
OMG! This guy is a hoot. I LOVE reading his writing because I can just picture him saying the lines. It’s so quintessential Curb Your Enthusiasm. I loved this play. It’s a quick read, but it’s packed with hilarity. At one point, Norman’s wife threatens to kill him to which he replies, “If you ever killed me, she’d drown you in the toilet bowl, then impale you and use your head for a tchotchke” (37). I don’t think I need to say any more about this title. Thank you, GG, for giving this book to me!
August 23, 2021
It was preetyyy preetttyyyy preettttyy good. Not good, great! Not great, awesome! I just love everything Larry David does and this one is no exception. This basically reads just like a great Curb Your Enthusiasm episode. Norman is basically Larry and so the dialogue is simply brilliant. I could not stop laughing and read it in two sittings (could have done it in one, but I wanted it to last). I specially loved the "ventilator talk experience" bit. Genius.
June 5, 2020
Fish in the dark is a cute play. As someone who revered Seinfeld and Curb your enthusiasm my expectations were very high. And while this isn’t my favorite play I’ve ever read, it’s got just enough of Larry David’s flavor to make it worth your time. It won’t change your life, but, you’ll get a few laughs.
September 8, 2021
I’m in on anything and everything Larry David.
Never got to see this play and probably never will but reading the script alone it just comes off very hilarious. The typical LD humor and dialogue you’ve come to expect from the comedic genius. Putting himself and others in Curb-like scenarios. He even drops his a “pretty pretty pretty good”.
Never got to see this play and probably never will but reading the script alone it just comes off very hilarious. The typical LD humor and dialogue you’ve come to expect from the comedic genius. Putting himself and others in Curb-like scenarios. He even drops his a “pretty pretty pretty good”.
January 29, 2024
Yes, this play is very recognizably in the style of Larry David. But, there are a couple aspects that make it very different from Curb Your Enthusiasm. First, the characters are ordinary people not celebrities. And, second, the all the dialogue is written out, whereas in Curb it is improvised according to a plot outline.
It was a fun read. I wish I had seen it. I hope David writes more plays.
It was a fun read. I wish I had seen it. I hope David writes more plays.
November 8, 2019
Classic Larry David
I don’t usually read plays, since so much of the enjoyment is in the acting and delivery. But knowing Larry from Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld, it’s so easy to picture this play in your mind. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
I don’t usually read plays, since so much of the enjoyment is in the acting and delivery. But knowing Larry from Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld, it’s so easy to picture this play in your mind. Pretty, pretty, pretty good.
January 18, 2023
Good, but probably better live
This is a quick read, and if you are a fan of Curb, you’ll enjoy this. I have watched most of the Curb episodes and I thought I would enjoy this more.
This is a quick read, and if you are a fan of Curb, you’ll enjoy this. I have watched most of the Curb episodes and I thought I would enjoy this more.
April 22, 2024
Hilarious play well written by Larry David creator of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm. The play follows a man and his family as his father takes his last breath. There is a lot of comedic relief as the family deals with the death of their patriarch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2025
Fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm and Seinfeld will LOVE this play. It would have made a great episode for either show. I only wish it was longer. I never laugh out loud at books, but I actually did a few times.Only Larry David could come up with a story like this one😂😂😂
April 19, 2019
Pretty good. Pretttyyyyy, pretttyyyyy, pretttyyyyyy, pretty good
May 30, 2019
I love quirky humor, and you can't go wrong with Larry David! Fun plot, but with so many different settings in the play, you wonder how it was pulled off on stage! A fun quick read!
November 25, 2019
Off the page, it was difficult tracking all the characters. The characters seemed stereotyped.
I’d like to see it performed. Maybe I’d like it better.
I’d like to see it performed. Maybe I’d like it better.
December 21, 2019
Pretty typical Larry David. Funny. Crude. Good way to kill some time.
June 10, 2020
2 hr curb episode. only for hardcore larry david fans
July 27, 2020
Pretty...Pretty good
May 10, 2021
Pretty good. You can definitely see the roots and/or connection with a bunch of Seinfeld and Curb Your Enthusiasm stuff. Style, jokes, dialogue, etc. I liked it. Funny stuff.
June 25, 2021
Most jokes were just assaults- LOL love that Larry David 😙
January 13, 2022
Picked up the kindle version on a lark, a funny book which read like an episode of 'Curb...'
February 9, 2023
Hilarious
It was a quick read and very very funny. I liked all of the characters and the storyline was good as well
It was a quick read and very very funny. I liked all of the characters and the storyline was good as well
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews