THE PLAY: A group of apocalypse survivors sits around a fire trying to remember an episode from “The Simpsons.” In Act 2 they’ve become a troupe of travelling players and the final act finds their production elevated to overblown theatrics.
THE PRODUCTION: The play starts rooted in reality and rollicks along, as they piece together the episode (and we try to discern what happened to civilization). Suddenly, it turns grippingly somber. Confusion starts to cloud things in Act 2 and the final act is a stylized, sung presentation that ranges from classic Greek theatre to gospel. During each intermission everyone moves to the lobby, so they can rework the area into a different seating configuration. This is just one aspect of director Deejay Gray’s bold, confident vision. He’s put the show together with an outstanding ensemble that dexterously handles the moods and styles (the 3rd act drones on too long). Jessi Johnson’s singing is a wonderful bonus. The set and lights are minimal, but both work for the concept. In many ways, this is Theatre of the Absurd: it doesn’t really matter what’s happening…just sit back and enjoy. If you don’t know the Simpsons, you’ll miss some of the references, but the enterprise is so compelling that you’re liable to be entertained anyway. (Running time: 2:30)
THE POINT: As an unusual experience, this play is uniquely intriguing, boldly staged, well-performed and usually entertaining. However, the ultimate outcome is somewhat unfulfilling.
(4 / 5)
A TheatreLAB production at The Basement thru 8/5
Deejay talks about his vision in this video.
