If you’ve read any of the many books written by author Nicholas Sparks, or seen any of the movies that inevitably come on the heels of publication, no doubt you’ve noticed a pattern.  They’re tear jerkers which stick to a formula: get the audience heavily invested in the love story of the gal and the guy … And Then … (wait for it) … She Dies At The End! This play written and directed by Christina Brosman and Elizabeth Kerin takes the cliches of all Nicholas Sparks’ stories and  wonderfully transforms the saccharine and bittersweet into a roaring fun adventure.  Lovers of fantasy adventure shows  will recognize and love the parody form which is taken to as high a level of art as Nicholas Sparks’ has taken the genre of “crymance”.

The play opens with good old-fashioned melodrama, as we hear Brennan Lee Mulligan  - the long deceased ghost of Sparks’ great-great-great granduncle Corporal Reginald Sparks  - who was one of the long line of Sparks who have been fighting for centuries “in a secret war with Hell itself”.  He introduces his descendant Nicholas as the only hope this generation has against the evil of the Demon Rodanthe who is so evil, “that even an ocean of holy water could not save us”. He holds him at bay for a little while with a haunting flute tune.

As we shift back to the world of 1996 (before The Notebook and the changes that it wrought), we see Nicholas (Alan Starzinski) enter with Callie (Sarah Black) carrying crates and canning jars with much mutual excitement over Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman and the joys of pickling.  Reginald invisibly whispers awkward phrases in Nick’s ear like a demented Cyrano De Bergerac to try and move Nick beyond his innate awkwardness and Callie leaves with a look of uncomfortable confusion.

After Callie leaves, Reginald reveals himself to Nicholas, and explains to him the charge their family has had for generations: to save the world from Rodanthe whose only weakness is the tears of mankind, particularly women “whose tears are the most potent”.  After a brief visit by Rodanthe through the magic of light and sound design (thanks to Jill Sapenoff, stage manager and production designer  Doss Freel), Nicholas -who was a bit of a slacker before- throws himself into the occupation of writing sappy romance novels that make you cry, which soon, besides keeping the demon at bay, also get him the girl, and success in life in short order.

However this is not “The End” for our heroes. The year is 2011 and people are getting used  to the power of Sparks’ crymance, his wife of 15 years, Callie, is sick of Nick being full of himself (along with always being occupied with creating his next novel)  and bellows of the Demon Rodanthe are heard closer than ever.  The only way to save the day is to get beyond his predictable writing and create his magnum opus, or else … once again the certainty of apocalypse is at hand.
To try to save his marriage Nicholas confesses the real reason why he has been so driven to write romance novels, which drives Callie to send a police officer (played also by Sarah Black again in a demeanor as tough and cold as her portrayal of Callie was sweet and sincere) to take him into an insane asylum.

The third movement of this story is several months later when Reginald brings poltergeist friends of his for enough of a distraction  (again through brilliant sound design) to bust him out so he can write and write until he is ready for the thrilling conclusion of the play.

The writing and direction of this show keep the audience laughing and engrossed the whole time and do a good job of melding parody with touching (melo)drama in a way that could be a good example to many. I hope to see more works by this company in the future and hope the rest of their Fringe run is as successful as the show I saw.

~~~

…And Then She DIES at the End!
Writer: Christina Brosman and Elizabeth Kerin
Director: Christina Brosman and Elizabeth Kerin
When a ferocious demon threatens the survival of mankind, only tearjerker novelist Nicholas Sparks can save the world. Can he churn out a masterpiece, get the girl, and still make it home in time for “Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman”?
1h 0m   Local   New York, New York
Comedy   Improv/Sketch/Stand-up
Staycation: Literary Lane   Celeb-reality TV in Hollywood
www.andthenshediesattheend.tumblr.com
VENUE #14: New Ohio Theatre
Fri 10 @ 7:45  Sat 11 @ 12  Sun 12 @ 7  Wed 15 @ 7:45  Sat 18 @ 6:15

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So, what is a crapshoot, exactly?  Basically it’s something risky — something that depends more on luck than on skill … something that has an unpredictable outcome.  But the secret to the success of Rising Sun Production’s monthly show Crapshoot! is that while a lot of it is wildly unpredictable, it’s sitting on the shoulders of talented folks who have a solid improv foundation and are pretty much ready to handle whatever gets thrown at them.  More luck than skill?  I’d say there’s skill aplenty here, and it comes zooming at you at 90mph in this variety show.  The result is a boisterous, crazy, sometimes chaotic but always hilarious night of pure enjoyment that offers up nothing but silliness, fun and entertainment.

The format for Crapshoot! is simple – and they stick to it. Part improv (well, more than part) part talk show, part audience participation, part balls-to-the-wall hilarity … these folks will do anything to give the audience a good time and I left with my sides hurting from laughter.  Just be warned if you answer their sweet-faced “Do you want to play a game?” with “Yes” then your name is going into the pool of volunteers who will be called up to the stage.  While it’s all in good fun, if you don’t want to play, make sure you don’t submit your name card.  If you do wanna play however … be ready for anything.

Each show is different but I can assume the basic premise will be the same. On my night host Mia Y. Anderson had the audience in the palm of her hand as she immediately warmed us up with material that was both prepared ahead of time as well as tossed off on the spot. As a full-fledged bisexual she had full license to flirt with any and all who caught her eye, and she did so with a naughty wink that never went too far.

There was just enough variety – served up in short segments – to keep the movement going: a talk-show format, some interviews with “Nurse Betty” where questions were taken from the audience, a game show (cue giant puffy dice) that was so hilarious I couldn’t catch my breath. The audience is encouraged to liquor up beforehand (and during!) so the looser the crowd the better the show.

Intersperesed between all the games, fake commercial breaks, and white fly girl dancing, there is some out-of-the box improv done on the spot to real life postcards and love letters – supplied by the audience.  (“BRING YOUR POSTCARDS, HIGH SCHOOL LOVE LETTERS, DIARY ENTRIES AND BREAK UP STORIES AND SEE YOUR MEMORIES ACTED OUT LIVE ON STAGE FOR THE AMUSEMENT OF OTHERS!” Click here to submit. All names will remain confidential.) Bad handwriting often proved to be the speed-bump which brought this otherwise funny bit to a halt.   I’d suggest perhaps vetting the cards before hand – not for content but for legibility.  Still, on my night the audience gamely rooted the cast on and was duely happy with the results.  It’s all in good fun, folks.

Coming in at just around an hour this later show is the perfect way to start an evening of hi-jinx of your own … see the show, get in a few laughs and then hit the great bars in the area. While almost all of your experience may vary, chances are this capable cast will do right by you.  You’ll have a blast.  And that, my friends, may be a crapshoot, but it’s also a pretty safe bet.

The cast I enjoyed on Thursday June 21st for Crapshoot! was:

Host Mia Y. Anderson
MC/Pianist/Closing Act: Michael Burns
Fly White Girls: Samantha DeSimone, Amanda Berry, Haley Selmon
Cowboy Deuce: Ryan Dursek
Nurse Betty: Sarah Norris
Jackie Walker: Haley Selmon
Wish you Were Here (Postcards Players): Mike Burns, Sarah Norris, Ryan Dursek, Amanda Berry
Post-Apocalyptic Mailman: Carl Fengler
Game Squad: Amanda Berry, Sarah Norris, Carl Fengler

~~~

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Ever been in a dead end job and it seemed like you were going nowhere?  Everyday the same routine?  Well the title characters of the play Ye Elizabeths have been doing just that for the last several years – and they couldn’t be happier.  They work as reenactors for the Old Salem Township Living History Museum, and are very content  (at least in a superficial way) with the set routines and repetitive but amusing dialogue they have as historical figures.  They also find comfort in the predictable ways their friendship plays out.  But what happens when the perfect job (dead-end or not) goes away?  Who will they be then? 

As the lights dim and then the spot lights come up again, we are launched suddenly into the world of Ye Elizabeths with a fun musical number outlining the premise of the story.  The two heroines (both named Elizabeth) introduce themselves and their world with expert piano accompaniment by Evan Gregory.

We’re reenacting history
From the 17th century
Through our characters we live vicariously
Because we don’t have lives of our own …

They have adventures (like the time when blood from the chicken slaughterers got in their eye and didn’t go away for a month), and gossip about the newbies.  They endure the curse of Wilawamat, and drool over (or disparage) the popular “Pilgrim Plantation” (a reality show about reenactors of the Pilgrim era which we get to see snippets of via a multimedia component of the show expertly and entertainingly done by Jeremy Mather). They also have numerous competitive verbal jousting matches about who is more desperate in one way or another.  Oh and there’s running. “Running’s our favorite”.

Mockucomedramady should be a term made especially for this show.  It quite successfully walks the fine line between slapstick and broad humor, highlighting the special tension between the two Elizabeths played by  Erin Leigh Schmoyer and Alicia Barnatchez.   One such moment is captured perfectly in the song Break-up which they perform in the climactic scene of the show.  With belting power ballad performed by Alicia  interlaced with the beating drum of Erin eviscerating her with rapid staccato in between her notes, we all hold our breath waiting to see how long the spell of their banishment from each other will take to weave. This is a really fun piece showcasing the talent of all three performers – Schmoyer,  Barnatchez and Gregory.

There are at least 3 strong threads weaving through this play.  There is the musical, which in and of itself is very catchy.  Then there is the mockumentary aspect which follows the same vein as Christopher Guest films.  The final and most thoughtful thread is the actual theme: What does it mean to have “a life”?  If you are feeling trapped, maybe you are.  It’s good to be good at what you do and be comfortable, but sometimes you just need to try something else if you’re going to get anywhere.

Alicia Barnatchez and Erin Leigh Schmoyer (Photo by Mike Gregoreksm)

One of the duo is dubbed “Elizasmith” for her aptitude for historical re-enactment of copper smithing and other tinkering, and the other is called “Elizabox” since she is an oxen interpreter who stands upon  a wood box  for the tourists who come through the stations each day.  She relays what the oxen are trying to communicate (“They don’t speak English”).

Elizasmith (Schmoyer) was born into the job being a “duo” with her mom since she was a baby.  In a way, Elizasmith is the more bitter of the two, but also sharper in many ways usually winning the verbal jousting matches the Elizabeths have with each other.  However, she is definitely much less worldly.

Elizabox (Barnatchez) is passionate for her work, and just wants to be the best at it what she is doing.  She wants to stay happy and stable with her friend who seems even more lost than she is.

One humorous meta-comic joke that recurs is simply the style of acting.  Even though the characters are in love with the idea of living in the times of the Pilgrims, in many ways they would fit more in the times of Vaudeville, what with their slapstick antics. It is almost a neo-Vaudvillian style taking the best of slapstick and inserting other more modern improv techniques.  Director Leah Bonvissuto’s hand is well played as she seamlessly moves from one form of story telling or multimedia expression to another while never missing a beat.

In terms of multi-media, the film clips range in style from that of reality show to classic silent movie which illustrates the duo transitioning from the world of Old Salem Township to the more alien outside world of imaginary motel rooms.  The two co-musical directors, Sarah Gregory and Evan  Gregory incorporate a diverse score – one that includes everything from the classic show tune to a smoky jazz song sung by the piano player during a scene change to a power ballad or two.

Erin Leigh Schmoyer and Alicia Barnatchez (Photo by Mike Gregorek)

Though there were a few rough edges in the production Barnatchez and Schmoyer do a great job showcasing the fun of this show, and Evan and Sarah Gregory have written some charming and amusing songs.

The ending might have been a little too pat, but for Ye Elisabeths it actually worked.  It drove home the message that maybe we can’t expect a perfect happily-ever-after for ourselves like we see in Ye Elizabeths, but we can sure try.

If you’re feeling down, this show is just the thing to perk you up.  It’s definitely funny and energizing, and it’s a little like hiding spinach in brownies: you get something good for you in what you though was just something basic and sweet.

~~~

Ye Elizabeths
Benefiting: Girls, Inc.
Produced by Easter Punny Productions
Written & Performed by Alicia Barnatchez and Erin Leigh Schmoyer
Directed by Leah Bonvissuto

$18 General Admission
$9.00 for Film/Music Participants
FREE for Theatre Festivity Participants

Saturday 6/2/12 – 5:00pm = Performance #1
Thursday 6/7/12 – 7:00pm = Performance #2
Friday 6/15/12 – 8:30pm = Performance #3
Saturday 6/16/12 – 3:00pm = Performance #4
Tuesday 6/19/12 – 8pm = Performance #5

50 minutes

At Bleecker Street Theatre (Upstairs)
45 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012
Conveniently located near:
Bleecker St (4 & 6)
Broadway – Lafayette St (B, D, F, M)
Prince St (N, R)
click here to purchase tickets

Related Posts:

• Ye Elizabeths – 5 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)
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Monologues! Comedy! Improv! Ukulele music!

Friday, Sept. 2nd, 7-9pm

–> Bowery Poetry Club <–

Hosted by award-winning playwright Monica Bauer (Outstanding New Script, MITF 2008; nominee writing for Best Solo Show, Planet Connections 2010; finalist, Heideman Award).

Performers include:

• playwright Monica Bauer performing the Breast Pride Movement from the Diet Monologues
• John Fico performing a monologue from his critically acclaimed performance in Made for Each Other
• Duncan Pflaster, master of the Broadway Ukulele
• and others!

–> Open Mic sign up at 7 pm <–

Admission $8 (includes one free raffle ticket for a $100 Amazon.com Gift Certificate that will be raffled off that evening!)

Related Posts:

• BALLS! – Come See What Goes On In The Minds Of Men
• Last Looks At The Happiest Medium In 3-D – Pull Your Glasses Out
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• CLENCHED: 10 Things To Know About The Show Before You Go (2016 FRIGID NEW YORK FESTIVAL)
• Becoming Butch (Fringe Festival 2012)

If you haven’t already had a chance to check out Groundling alum  Holly Mandel’s IMPROVOLUTION! now’s a great time to 1) give yourself a great night of improv 2) support people who really need it during a time of need.  Because This Friday, Jan 29 @ 8pm Improvolution will be holding their next Improv Lovefest which will not only be a night of long form improv but also be a FUNDRAISER FOR HAITI where 100% of the money collected will be donated to the American Red Cross to help their efforts there … a TRUE Lovefest!

For more information, check out http://www.improvolution.org

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• It’s A Lovefest
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Deck The Hallmans!

Let’s face it, the holiday season is all about getting family together.  And as much as we’d all like to think that that’s a good thing, the truth is that when family members are forced to spend hours on end in the same house it can often spell chaos – which is the main thrust of The Brick’s production of Deck The Hallmans! (improvised by the ensemble and directed by Audrey Crabtree).

Too many generations mingling with too many lifestyles which are sometimes in direct conflict with each other; old traditions that aren’t cherished anymore, versus old heirlooms that are given too much value; hidden agendas nestled in among the good wishes and feigned merriment, all wrapped up with a nice bow.  Throw in a little improv, some choreographed punches, and the Hallmans find themselves thoroughly Decked.

I liked the loose improv of this show, which begins with Dave the security guy (Played by Director Audrey Crabtree) thoroughly policing the crowd.  Ms. Crabtree has great ironic timing and, when asking the crowd for nuggets that will become seeds of the story (such as names of childhood pets, issues you have with your parents, or ideas for where the family last may have gotten together) she has a way of getting a laugh from the most pedestrian of answers.  Naturally comic and comically natural she keeps the plot moving along and adds just the right touch between scenes as we spend what almost seems like Christmas Eve played out in real time.

The family consists of blissfully quaint dad Bob Hallman (Robert Honeywell) who invites the rest of his family to “come into my office” whenever he thinks they need a heart to heart, his wife Carol (Moira Stone – who displays shades of SNL vet Mary Gross) a devoted housewife who dithers about cooking her “slow food”,  the twins Chris and Chrissy played simultaneously (with the switch of a hat) by Lauri Berritta, eccentric Aunt Lily (Alyssa Simon) who does experimental theatre and wafts into the room like a hipster version of Vera Charles.  Add to this a curmudgeonly old Grandma (Iracel Rivero) , her male nurse (Jonathan Kaplan), Laverne the frisky neighbor (Donetta Riley), a blowhard uncle (Lynn Berg) and eventually a crazy ex wife (also Audrey Crabtree) and there’s enough here to keep the night moving along with plenty to riff off of.

Interspersed throughout the night are Adam Swiderski’s choreographed fights, some of which play out comically well, some of which are cartoonish (but intentionally so) and some of which are a bit of a stretch.  Still, the mood remains in tact throughout, and aside from a few glitches (As this is an improv show I had the feeling something went wrong as the cast displayed various stages of boredom waiting for dinner to be done … and no one knew where to pick it up.  Still, this was more a missed opportunity rather than a solid misstep) it was fun to watch the cast incorporate the audience’s ideas.  The final fight which had the entire cast at each other throats is reminiscent of a live-action version of some day dreams we’ve all no doubt had at the holiday dinner-table.  All in all Deck the Hallmans! is a satisfying pre-holiday gear up to the petty arguments and full blown fights that, no doubt, will grace some homes this season.

~ ~ ~

Related Posts:

• … And Then She DIES At The End! – On Why Even Nicholas Sparks Can Be A Hero (Fringe Festival 2012)
• Crapshoot! Liquor, Laughs and Luck O’ The Dice
• Ye Elizabeths: Living Vicariously Because … (2012 Planet Connections Festivity)
• Radio City – Just For Tourists? Think Again …
• Flocked (Amuse Bouche – NY Clown Theatre Festival)

The next Improv Jam will be with IMPROVOLUTION’S finest!

A night of improvised games, scenes, long form, instant characters, experimental theater…and more fun fun fun!

Starring:
Holly Mandel * Anthony Minto  * Darrin Giglio * Orli Ben-Dor * Radhika Vaz  *  TJ Kenneally  *  Paul Pinizzotto  *  David Frenkiel  *  Barry Sacker  *  Mike Drummey

Directed by: Holly Mandel

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