Theatre Vertigo
January 11 - February 9, 2008
Review by peanutduck
Walls of shattered mirrors serve as perfect metaphor for characters’ fragmented souls. Otherwise, adequate, if puzzlingly dull production; Shanley’s insightful, biting humor flattened. Ensemble lacks range; Norman’s sore-thumb (though entertaining), cartoonish performance suggests direction uncertain of voice. Unnecessary deep-Brooklyn accents distract. Fortunately, ghosts’ violent visitations revive interest; enjoyable kooky music.
10 comments:
This should be great!
Photo Credit: Yolanda Suarez
An odd show; does Vertigo want to be defunkt, with flying tables, a small stage and casting that sacrifices the show for the sake of using the ensemble (redheads Gary Norman and Heather Walters as an older Brooklyn/Jewish couple)? And the fight with Tommy at the end seemed like it was supposed to be funny, but was staged, scored and lit in opposition of that.
Saw this on opening night, and thought it was just a blast. It was funny, sharp, and moved quickly. The audience the night I attended seemed to be right there with the cast every step of the way, and the whole thing was a good time spiked with barbed observations. As a former New Yorker, the accents placed the characters in a certain New York commuter/bedroom hell that made sense with the character's dilemma. (If you ain't been there, fuhgeddaboutit.) Anyway, thought it was fun and smart, and I think this is just one of those times when I'll just have to agree to disagree with the critic. Go see it and decide for yourself.
Wait....
since when can't Jews have red hair?
Um...there are plenty of redheaded Jews out there. That's an extremely weak (not to mention offensive) criticism of the show as well as the company. Vertigo's use of their ensemble in their casting of their shows is not an attempt to imitate the fine folks over at defunkt. That's what acting companies everywhere do. That's the ENTIRE POINT of a company ensemble.
http://www.themadmusicarchive.com/display_album_image.aspx?AlbumImageID=8080
hey, now. To begin with, they're upper east side. Not Brooklyn. Secondly, as a Jew, I can comfortably call "bullshit" on your redhead comment. How about you review the acting instead of the hair?
Sam
Entertaining diversion, but never quite gels into its own world. Acting good enough in general, but all in voices/hands, as if the actors are trying to steer strange bodies around. Sit them down or give them props, everything's fine, but without that no one can settle down and simply exist. Playing parts vs. living them.
Well, I enjoyed it. The performances were honest and the actors were present and vulnerable. In this town, ensembles are damned if they do and damned if they don't -- don't take it personal, guys. Great show. Established characters.
Angie Hughes
Portland World Theatre
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