Legs and All (Summer Shapiro and Peter Musante) is a multi-layered work of exquisite simplicity. Events unfold in unexpected and visually thrilling ways. We are treated to an alternate universe (within which exist more alternate universes) where nothing is exactly what it seems. The characters dwell in this world as though it were perfectly natural. Although the narrative is abstract, they are entirely human and identifiable, and beautifully portrayed. The work is enhanced by the music and lighting, but it is the performers’ skill as physical comedians, expressive from head to toe, that make Legs and All a real gem.
Shorty and Fatty’s Half Century Extravaganza! Our fab hosts Shorty (Deborah Kaufmann) and Fatty (Karen McCarty) subtitled their show “a couple of old birds present a bunch of old farts” translation: all performers are over the age of 50. Their opening dance number was entirely ridiculous and set the tone for the coming acts. Each was announced in the vaudeville style of title cards on an easel, with Shorty in her parrot voice squawking “Start the show.” First was Diva (Hilary Chaplain). This pregnant opera singer‘s face goes into hilarious contortions while singing an aria in the throes of labor pains. Lil’s Hair & Beauty Parlor (Lilli Sukula-Lindblom as Italian-speaking Lil) mistreated her unfortunate assistant Valentino (Bryce, hired from his seat in the audience) while giving a make-over to a game audience member. (Richmond Shepard) Standup Mime told jokes accompanied by mime movement. He moves spryly for 81 years old. Clifton’s Senior Moment (John Leo billed as Clifton Wells) tried to pass himself off as older than his years but Shorty and Fatty had Gork the Stagehand (Michael Getlan) toss him off the stage. The Hole (Nancy Smithner, Therese Schorn, Bernie Kramer) presented their strange tale of three well-bred ladies (Bernie portrayed a very critical Aunt in drag) with mime and mask. They sip tea in the parlor and then descend into a demon world where they sprout tails and lose their inhibitions. This Old Man (Will Shaw) in big clown shoes, sang the title song while playing his ukulele. His clown charmed us with great hat tricks and tie gags. Femininity Tonight! Lost Beauty Secrets of the New Euro Woman (Julie Goell) with her German accent, gallantly made a fine mess on herself rather than subjecting a member of the audience to her gloppy cosmetic mixture. Gotta Dime for the Ancient Mariner? (John Leo as Samuel Amos Hart) appeared yet again as an old sea dog, and once again was whisked away by Gork at the command of the hostesses. Vases (David Sharps) was a classy, unique balance act that inspired oohs and ahs from the audience. It was well-urned. My Way (Bernie Kramer) presented a one-man song and mime crime drama including shootouts and car chases. Mildred and Foo Foo (Mildred Penniman--John Leo this time in drag), directed her adorable chihuahua to dance, this time giving himself the boot off stage before Gork did it for him. All three times John was exposed as being too young for this show and unceremoniously hustled away. Turns out he was one of the gang. The Amazing Zakahhr (Michael Christensen) clad in furs, ranted in gibberish as he tried to subdue a wild mole. Gork the Stagehand (Michael Getlan) silently and steadfastly assisted all the acts in moving props and cleaning up. Despite his goof ups, he earned his moment in the spotlight and used it to eat some plums. There you have it. Lively clowns showing us that age is only a number.
Channel One (James & Jf, also known as Emily James and Ishah Janssen-Faith) is a show by a sparkling team who portray a multitude of wacky characters doing tv shows on the only channel to be found in the future. (Do their moms really talk like that or did they script them?) They idiotically provide their own a capella backstage music and sponsor announcements, and compete for the spotlight. It’s a very vocal show that ends with a great verbal volley. There was a moment when Ishah cracked herself up while improvising some silly line. What a pleasure to see a clown who is really enjoying herself.
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