Elevator - Theatre Review

by Joan Alperin

Written and directed by Michael Leoni, Elevator is one of the most original and entertaining plays I've seen recently. I knew I was in for something special the moment I walked into the Coast Playhouse.

The play had a first, year-long run here in LA in 2010. Playing to sold out audiences and rave reviews, it garnered the esteemed Los Angeles Times Best Bet and Critics pick.

Elevator is not just original, it's also extremely funny, touching, insightful and full of surprises. The play begins with seven individuals entering a lobby and waiting for an elevator. When each character steps inside they immediately, through a clever use of voice overs, judge each other by what they see.

But it doesn't take long before preconceived notions, stereotypes and judgments are challenged as one by one the character's masks come off, surprising the audience and each other.

The casting this time around is pitch perfect. David Abed as Business Man, Willian Stanford David as Maintenance Man, Erica Katzin as The Temp, Karsen Rigby as Hot Girl, Kristina St. Peter as Goth Girl, Tyler Tanner as Cyrus and others, Deborah Vancelette as CEO Woman and Devon Werkheiser as Musician all nail their parts and then some, bringing out the multi-layered that make up their character's psyche.

Leoni, uses lighting, music, sounds and movement to take the audience on an amazing and unforgettable trip. In the end, Elevator makes you stop and realize that what a person looks like is not always who they are.

Elevator opened on March 24th and continues through April 30th. The Coast Playhouse is located at 8325 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Tickets are $40.00 and to purchase them, call 323-960-7787 or go to www.plays411.com

---

Posted By Joan Alperin on April 11, 2017 11:35 am | Permalink