“R.O.I. (Return on Investment)” is a delightfully sophisticated play created by author Aaron Loeb. The highly entertaining, 90-minute, one-act drama flies by as we witness the rise and fall of a “unicorn” ─ a venture-capital-funded billion-dollar investment.
Perhaps inspired by the rise and fall of Theranos, the headline-grabbing blood-testing start-up run by the now-incarcerated Elizabeth Holmes, R.O.I. is a cautionary tale of a venture firm’s investment that explores the dynamics and shifts in authority, gender, age, race, and class, and puts personal ethics to a challenging, life-changing dramatic test.
We meet Paul Montrose (excellent Anthony Fusco), a partner of a Silicon Valley investment fund, and his protégé May Lee, a fifth-generation Chinese American (absolutely wonderful Sharon Shao). Paul is an investment veteran whose “street cred” harks back to authentically name-dropping Woz and Jobs. He seeks to make tons of money . . . and do good, or so he tells May Lee. And maybe, naively, he believes it himself, at least until the stakes soar.
Ambitious May interviews Willa (outstanding Lauren English), a seemingly timid, vaguely dorky scientist who has developed new diagnostic tools that will revolutionize health care. In their first meeting, Willa reads from index cards, instead of using the glossy presentation investors expect. But Willa has done her homework and has thoroughly researched the members of the firm. Is Willa’s science too good to be true? And what do Paul and May really know about Willa?
As the drama continues, the company takes off, early money rolls in, and Willa no longer depends on Paul and May; Willa retains shareholder control of the company, dresses better, and gains confidence and assertiveness. When unethical aspects of her greed and her blatantly and uncomfortably racist views become apparent, the firm’s dilemma becomes more acute. And the audience squirms.
Playwright Loeb, who has experience in the tech world, uses exceptionally engaging, complex, fast-moving dialogue that maintains enough realism to satisfy Bay Area investors, techies, and wannabes. The talented actors are extremely professional. Experienced director Jonathan Moscone is excellent, keeping the action moving and our interest piqued. The modern set design features large videos (Bill English) and high-tech gadgets, including smart glasses and cranial implants (no phones needed; press your forehead and your thoughts appear on the screen!).
Although there are moments in the play when the plot twists seem a bit too pat, I highly recommend R.O.I. It was commissioned by S.F. Playhouse and written by resident playwright Loeb. R.O.I. is now playing at San Francisco’s Creativity Theater, 221 4th St., in Yerba Buena Gardens.
By Emily S. Mendel
© Emily S. Mendel 2026. All Rights Reserved
