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Theatre Review: ‘Drop Dead’ at The Empty Space
Topics: comedy, live entertainment, theatre, the empty space, Drop Dead!
Posted by jenraven Wed Feb 20, 2008 22:58:26 PST
Viewed 223 times
0 responses 2 comments Location: 706 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA

DON’T MISS THIS ONE!! AT THE EMPTY SPACE!
FINAL TWO PERFORMANCES THIS WEEKEND!

“Drop Dead!” is a fantastically funny farce revolving around the hilarious happenings in a “crappy Very-Off Broadway theatre, NYC,“ and this show is, without a doubt, the most fun I’ve EVER had at The Empty Space. I was laughing so hard, my sides were sore the next day!

Brilliantly Directed by Bob Kempf, this “Comedy-Murder Mystery-Farce” is entertaining from start to finish; many of the cast members begin their performances before the show has even officially started; they mingle with the audience beforehand (sometimes without our realizing they are part of the show) … and they continue to hold character after the audience begins to leave. The ‘stage manager,‘ Phillip, played by Andrew Ansolabehere, was so believably in character before curtain that I thought he was the actual stage manager, not a member of the cast. And don’t be surprised if, during the show, a cast member yells at you, sits down beside you, or even shouts out his lines from directly behind you, before storming down onto the stage!

I was eager to see the show because I’d heard so many good things about the script, and because it’s directed by Bob Kempf (I’m a fan); but I squealed when I opened the program and saw that local talents Ron Warren (as the director, Victor LePewe) , Jason Monroe (as the producer, Sol Weisenheimer), and Lorenzo Salazar (the Method actor) were also involved. These guys have never failed to impress me onstage, and “Drop Dead!” was no exception. Newcomer Andrew Ansolabehere fit in beautifully with this cast … and this is supposed to be his community theatre debut?! Where has this kid been hiding? I thought the onstage chemistry between Andrew and Ron Warren was ingenious.

Another standout performer in this show would have to be Ryan Watts, who played would-be actor Dick Shalit. I think Ryan has grown tremendously as an actor in the last year or so, and seeing him in “Drop Dead!” only reinforced my opinion there. This goofy, awkward character was a complete departure from the more serious roles I’ve seen him in, in the past. His costume was hilarious, his comedic choices were hysterical, and his use of physical humor really rounded out this performance.

Add to this list the favorite local talents Amy Hall (as ex-porn star Candy Apples), Barbara Gagnon (in the role of Constance Crawford), Jarrod Ackerley (as Chaz Looney),  Joe Mitchell (as playwright Alabama Miller), and Cheryl Smith Ellis ( who plays a terrific Mona Monet) and I'd say we have an all-star cast, on our hands.

I can’t review a show without mentioning the set, which in this case, was put together by Director Bob Kempf. The script calls for a “thirty-five dollar set” and it was very amusing, with chairs painted on the walls (you have to see the show just to see the actors manage ‘sitting‘ in those chairs!), and one wall made entirely of scraps from a cardboard box, painted blue to match the flats. I mentioned how much I’d liked that particular touch and Bob told me it was actually a happy accident; he hadn’t measured before he built the two separate parts of the set and when they didn’t meet up, he went out into the alley, “cursing myself; why didn’t I measure?” and there was the cardboard, in the alley … problem solved!

Many of the really funny elements of this show were happy accidents, according to Bob. “People would make mistakes or add something as a joke, and I’d say, that’s funny, keep it in!” Jarrod Ackerley‘s brown shoes, with his black butler outfit, were another example. A brown belt completed the mismatched effect. Bob remarked that one of the funniest moments in the show is when the lights go up on Jarrod, in a beret and mustache, ready to perform his part with a terrible French accent and a flourish of his brightly colored duster.

This show employs a breakaway … a bottle or glass that is meant to break when thrown or smashed … and if you’ve never seen one in action let this be the time you do … it’s so much fun! Someone sitting behind me in the audience didn’t know it wasn’t a real bottle (being smashed over someone’s head, onstage) and she actually screamed. I asked Bob how much those things cost and he gave me a wicked chuckle. “Wanna take a guess?” They’re eighteen dollars each! … but well worth it, to my mind.

Other terrific theatrical stunts include lighting instruments and sandbags falling, some fantastic physical humor on the part of Jason Monroe, and a hilarious ‘snowstorm’ of packing peanuts. This show really has it all. Theatre people will love it, especially, for the endless jabs and jokes made at the expense of us all, regardless of our position in the theatre hierarchy. Theatre-goers will enjoy it for the fast paced humor and colorful characters. And let’s not overlook the fact that this amazing, incredible show is FREE to attend … how can you say no?

If you only see one show this year … let this one be it! Treat yourself to “Drop Dead!” at The Empty Space, this weekend! 

 Drop Dead!

Written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore

Brilliantly Directed by Bob Kempf

 

LAST WEEKEND February 22 & 23 at 8 pm

doors open at 7:30 … get there early for good seats!

Admission is FREE with donations cheerfully accepted!

 

The Empty Space … Setting Theatre Free!

706 Oak Street (behind Pizzaville)

Call 327-PLAY for more information or to make reservations!

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Comment From: matt

Thanks Jen! This show has been the talk of the town, yo!! Comment From: jenraven

we went and saw it again tonight ... awesomeness!! this is such a great show!