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Disclaimer:
The reviewers' opinions are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of TheatreLouisville.org. |
Peer Reviews Rock and Roll: The Reunion Tour A review by Kate Barry Entire contents are copyright © 2009 Kate Barry. All rights reserved.
Admit it, once upon a time you wanted to be a rock star. It doesn't matter which one you wanted to be. Whether it was Elvis Presley, Mick Jagger or Bono, you have probably compared their life to yours and thought, "Now, that seems cool." In so many words, that's what the current installment of Actors Theatre's Discover Series is all about. Cleverly using rock and roll clichés, live music and multimedia, the show is a bolt of energy that is as bold and electrifying as the riffs pouring out of the amps.
Since this is a play about rock and roll, the story focuses on a rock band called Danger Seven. Their story is told through VH-1-Behind-the-Music-type segments aptly titled "Inside the Music." Although the band never becomes famous, they come of age through rock and roll. Playing only covers, Danger Seven's repertoire reflects all of the horrible, awkward and endearing things about coming of age. The small cast of five was so cool and so talented that I really did want to grab a beer with them after the show. But alas, I did not. Last season, Actors Theatre produced Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and its title player, David Hanbury, appears in this production as well. Dressed in an outrageous costume compared to his band mates, Hanbury plays Johnny, a kid whose motto is that "life is not a dress rehearsal." Overall, Hanbury's comic timing and musical talent were a delight to watch in another performance at ATL. Along with the back story of a fictional band, the play has elements of performance art in which random themes and segments of interviews of rock and roll related topics are discussed. Topics include the impact of the 1960's, first concerts, idol worship and even the effect of childbirth on rock and roll fans. These segments were usually intensified by Danger Seven's cover of a song. Jeremy Lee Cudd delivered a touching monologue about a wheelchair-bound patient who loves nothing more than to dance to "Only You (And You Alone)." A tribute to rock stars that have died was a nice touch in the second act. At intermission, I noticed that a few of the senior-citizen
members of the audience did not return for the
second act. And to be fair, folks who expect a "normal" play
have another think coming. But for the rest of
us, this is show is awesome.
Rock and Roll: The Reunion Tour
Posted January 26, 2009
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