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Peer Reviews Le Petomane’s Next Show A review by Kevin F. Temple Entire contents are copyright © 2007 Kevin F. Temple. All rights reserved.
I feel as if I should be reviewing five separate shows. However, Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble was able to put all of the subjects into a feisty, energetic ensemble. We, the audience, were asked in the opening number -- that’s right, it was sung to us -- to watch and, at the end, vote for our favorite. The idea is to allow the viewers to have a say in what full-length creation is to come next from Le Petomane. The opening song was very energetic and, in an intimate setting such as only the Rudyard Kipling can give, we felt very much a part of the show. The song explained our objective, and that although we shouldn't be afraid to like all five, we were to choose only one. Act 1 (I shall call them acts) is about a family of bees named, ironically, "The Bees." Through the pollen hunting and conversation among the workers and queen, the bees decide to depend on the youth of the colony to search for pollen. I found the story quite similar to a cross between Ants and A Bug's Life. Where it might end up, who knows? This one has quite a bit of potential for being full length, but what throws me off more than a bee drinking chicken noodle soup is, when did Zeus start hanging with the bees? Act 2 is a long, drawn-out visit to the barber shop in Mayberry, titled "Haircut: A Tribute." I was amused at the initial presence and mannerisms of the poor old barber, as he struggled with the customers of a no-nonsense businessman, and I think it was Death....Hmmm, not sure, but if this is to be made full length, I recommend a shot of caffeine on standby after the first eight minutes. Act 3, titled "Boioioioionnnngggggg!," is a pantomime visit with two individuals struggling over a common desire. As the couple springs back and forth, a third shows up just to get tangled in the mix. For this to become a full-length production, it may have to go around the world. If you are wondering what I mean, you’ll just have to see it to believe it. Act 4, titled "Radio Show," is an interesting look into the creation of radio-broadcast adventure stories, even up to the sound effects. As the heroine tracks down mysterious sounds coming from the area around the Liberty Bell, she must face some most unusual foes. Sometimes, closing your eyes, you can just imagine the days when all such adventures were voices and not pictures in a box. (I mean radio and not TV, for those who don’t get it.) A full-length production of this could be easily done. Act 5, titled "Party of One" -- or was it "A Single Road to Loneliness" -- not only am I confused, but I think the actors were too. While Kristie was sharing her views and diary with us, she was interrupted quite often by her "friends." She spoke of the trials and tribulations of being alone, and perhaps the underlying truth would be that no matter how much you hate the fact that your "friends" are always interrupting and hanging around you, whether you’re the 5th, 7th, 9th or 13th wheel, you can never push your friends away. If they are true friends, they will mess with you, no matter what. Best wishes to the development of this potential full-length feature. We must take the good with the bad. The in-between actions were informative, and also added other special holiday massacres, along with phonebook ideas that were also voting capable. Overall, this is a very interesting combination of unique, creative and musical entertainment. You yourself can be a voting member of the audience. Le Petomane’s Next Show Sept. 20-22, 28, 29, and Oct. 1, 2007 Posted Sept. 25, 2007
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