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Psycho Beach Party (review)

Psycho Beach Party (review)

Psycho Beach Party (review)

THE PLAY: This spoof on ’60s beach movies follows young Chicklet on her journey of self-discovery, while tossing in a few other relationships and a multiple personality disorder.

 

THE PRODUCTION: The script doesn’t have a lot of inherent laughs, so it depends on a stylistic approach to bring out the humor. Director Penny Ayn Maas has ramped things up with some clever comic gags (along with Joey Luck’s delightful sound design), but it’s the performances that must make it work. On that front, this cast is energetic, but uneven. Jessi Johnson perfectly personifies the camp technique that’s needed, while Stevie Rice and Louise Keeton also make strong impressions. Maas’ staging sometimes seems busy and rushed, while other moments hit the mark. Frank Foster’s set and Michael Jarett’s lights add colorful fun.

 

THE POINT: This show is enjoyable when it hits its camp style, but there are as many misses as hits.

3 out of 5 stars (3 / 5)

 

At Richmond Triangle Players thru 8/15

 

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Brent Gallahan as Chicklet, Madeline Lovegrove as Berdine and Louise Keeton as Marvel Ann. Photos by John MacLellan