Ahhh the golden age of theatre, the puppetry the pageantry, the mask work and make up, this show celebrates all of the tools that made artistic theatre such an experience worth going to. Like one of its main characters these artists don’t usually get to take center stage but this show is at its best when the spotlight is on what is usually marginalized.
Don’t get me wrong though, AMIR LEVI as the “Host” commands the stage like a sorcerer with hummingbird wings. He concocts this fever dream with flare and care, adding quippy commentary and blowing out the energy of the core story when necessary. The story he reveals is a love story not unlike ones we have heard before but more than likely not in this fashion.
The show is loaded with spectacle and while there are spectacular moments it can feel at times like a hot mess, which might actually add to the charm if you let it. The audience interaction is half of the fun and so when a prop that falls offstage is returned by an old man in the front row or when a whip doesn’t crack on cue it merits an extra bit of cheer from the peanut gallery.
Bursts of applause are not uncommon especially when the strengths of the cast members are on full display. GABRIEL CROOM brought down the house with a fantastic dance number that damn near stole the show. Whoever was in the Glitter Gladiator Helmet thrilled the audience with top knotch swordplay and KURT KANAZAWA’S body control was as evocative as any modern dance piece I have ever seen. As an added bonus, if anyone out there longs for the majesty that was Beach Blanket Babylon, there is a moment in this show that will definitely titillate your nostalgia nerve.
The crazy concept of this show sparkles as it spoofs some of our favorite moments from the films of yesteryear but the show sputters when it sinks back into a love story that is just too predictable. We learn that the love story exists here because it hasn’t had a chance to elsewhere. However, if this show was simply a romp through the queer history of stunt work it would be a riot. If only Paramount were brave enough to have that as part of its studio tour I’d go back week after week.
The entirety of the “Hosts” lines could also be presented as an essay or a piece of poetry and it would be worth a study. The character might as well be named Felix Culpa as this script wraps its messages up in as much mystery as a Cheshire Cat’s grin. If you are looking for high level homoerotic stunts stick to watching professional wrestling but if you want a fun way to spend a matinee and possibly a raucous rowdy Friday night be ready to hoot and holler at HAPPY FALL.
WHAT: Happy Fall: A Queer Stunt Spectacular
WHO:
• Written by Lisa Sanaye Dring with Rogue Artists Ensemble
• Directed by Sean Cawelti
• Co-Produced by Rogue Artists Ensemble, Los Angeles LGBT Center and Contemporary American Theater Festival.
WHEN:Performances Aug. 22–Sept. 8
• Thursdays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 22 (opening night), Aug. 29, Sept. 5
• Fridays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 23, Aug. 30, Sept. 6• Saturdays at 8 p.m.: Aug. 31 and Sept. 7 ONLY (dark Aug. 24)• Sundays at 3 p.m.: Aug. 25, Sept. 1 (understudy performance), Sept. 8
Special events:
• Sunday, Aug. 25: an interactive stunt demonstration with stunt coordinator Celina Lee Surniak follows the performance.
• Thursday, Aug. 29: a pre-show stunt puppet-making workshop (7 p.m.) at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries; create your own puppet and learn how to get involved in the puppetry community.
• Friday, Aug. 30: a pre-show “Meet-the-Artists” celebration (7:15 p.m.) at the Advocate & Gochis Galleries, to uplift the visual artists whose work is on display at the “Take/Action: Stunts, Spectacle and Queer History” exhibit.
• Saturday, Aug. 31: a pre-show blessing from the Los Angeles chapter of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, and a post-show discussion on the history of drag. Come dressed to express and join in the fun!
• Sunday, Sept. 1: post-performance Rogue Artists Ensemble VIP Fundraiser celebrating 20 years of groundbreaking new work in Los Angeles (ticketed event/separate admission; information at rogueartists.org)
• Saturday, Sept. 7: a post-performance conversation with Happy Fall composer Adrien Provost.
• Sunday, Sept. 8: an Action Star Dress–Up event; come dressed as your own action star and join Rogue Artists for a special fashion runway with prizes for selected winners.
WHERE:
Renberg Theatre
Los Angeles LGBT Center
The Village at Ed Gould Plaza1125 N McCadden Place
Los Angeles, CA 90038
TICKETS:
$45-$78 (including fees)
Understudy performance on Sunday, Sept. 1 at 3 p.m.: Pay-What-You-Can
