Risk It: Reflections on Venus and The Vixens and the Power of Play

A production shot of the Goddesses of Venus & the Vixens. Photo by Michelle Bates.

In May of this year, I had the joy of premiering a rock musical called Venus & The Vixens: Games of Love. This production was a labor of love and collaboration with Sari Breznau, who composed all the songs, and Caela Bailey, who co-wrote the lyrics with Sari and me. Together, we set out to create an immersive theatrical experience that blended musical theater, humor, and play.

The final song of the show, "Risk It," captured the essence of the story and my worldview at this moment in time:

Bare your heart and show your cards
Take a chance and drop your guard
Jump in and don’t be coy
It’s time to OWN YOUR JOY...

These lyrics are more than a catchy tune; they’re a rallying cry. They embody a belief that resonates deeply in my life and work: You can’t win if you don’t play.

Songwriters Caela Bailey, Sari Breznau and Martha Enson take a selfie during a rehearsal dinner.

Why This Message Now?

We’ve all heard the sayings: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained” or “You’ve got to get some skin in the game.” But after living through the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic, these ideas feel more urgent than ever.

The Surgeon General recently declared loneliness a public health epidemic. People are worn out from years of fear, uncertainty, and disconnection. Many of us have become risk-averse, avoiding the vulnerability that comes with new experiences. And yet, what I see as critical to our collective healing isn’t more work or seriousness—it’s more play.

Audience members participate in the Games of Love, an integral part of our storytelling.

The Playground as Inspiration

When we were kids, the playground was a melting pot of joyful chaos. Whether we arrived with friends or ventured in alone, it was a space of limitless possibility: strangers became instant companions, and every slide, swing, and sandbox promised discovery. Ready, set, GO!

At some point, though, we lose this. We worry about looking foolish. We get bogged down by the grind of adult life. And in the process, we forget the magic of shared, spontaneous fun.

Enter Immersive Theater

With Venus & The Vixens, we set out to create what I call “the adult playground.” This immersive theatrical experience invited audiences to laugh, sing, and participate in a story that was, at its core, about connection. The show wasn’t just a performance—it was an opportunity to engage with joy in a way that feels rare in today’s world.

And it worked. The production exceeded our expectations, proving that immersive event production can create community and rekindle a sense of belonging.

What’s Next?

The success of Venus & The Vixens has inspired us to dream even bigger. While we plan for a future remount of the show (feel free to call me if you’d like to collaborate!), we’re also exploring new ways to use immersive entertainment to bring people together in Seattle and beyond.

Because here’s the truth: play is not frivolous. It’s vital. So, take a chance. Drop your guard. And as your mom always said, “Go outside and play!”