LOST CELLPHONE WEEKEND at the Brickhouse Theatre
Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Addiction to cell phones has truly changed how we communicate in our personal and work lives today. Somehow, those little gadgets became an extension of us, like we grew a third arm. Allowing ourselves to become imprisoned by our cellphones and especially the internet connection, we feel like a piece of us is missing if we don't have it. We believe that we are totally lost, stuck and disconnected from the world.
Producing Artistic Director John Lant and Tamra Pica with Write Act Repertory present the West Coast Premiere of this new addictive 'musical cautionary tale about our screen-centered modern life. Lost Cellphone Weekend is inspired by the 1945 Billy Wilder film "The Lost Weekend" with Ray Milland, a love letter to Film Noir.'
The synopsis is - Don Birnam has a problem. But it's not the usual stuff, like booze or drugs. He has a social media problem, a problem with his cellphone. Like many of us do. This weekend, he will be tested as never before! Begging the question, "Can you survive a weekend offline?"
Stephen Gilbane (writer and composer) created a musical on this very topic, to show how ridiculously important a role the internet plays in our lives today. As in Wilder's film, we see two writers Jake/Restaurant man/Shop Keeper played by Scott Di Lorenzo and Stan/Nat portrayed by Trevor Murphy, writing a musical about cellphones and as they start - the scene reveals the story of a young couple Don Birnam (Lance Bagley) and Helen (Lauren Faulkner) getting into a remote area where the internet connection is very shaky. The idea is that they spend a weekend in Vermont, without cellphones and pay more attention to their relationship. This social satire touches upon how insanely crazy we become by not being able to Tweet, go on Facebook, or go on internet and check our mail. Addiction to something surely takes our freedom away.
While discovering all the hidden phones and taking them away from Don, we had some laughs as Helen points out to Don who is possessively trying to get one of his phones back, 'It's just a phone, I am the one you should be playing with', and 'Turn that off and turn me on!'
Directed by Darrin Yalacki, the scenes alternate between the writers writing and the scenes being played out. The rest of the cast are Courtney South (Peanut/Stranger/Restaurant woman), Jess Spruiell (Gloria/Waitress) and Birdie (Swing/Understudy). Everyone, besides Don and Helen, is cast in multiple roles; everyone embraces his/her role and sings and dances with enthusiasm. The wonderful addition and upliftment to the show is having a real piano being played by Nancy Guzman. Many cast members played feisty characters in a good way, with very diverse roles and played with passion. Kudos to casting.
Lost Cellphone Weekend is hysterical and musically on-point.
Wonderfully done!
Casting by Tamra Pica Casting, Misty West's choreography. Jonathan Harrison is an associate producer. The costumes by Susan Eiden and Darrin Yalacki. Lighting and Set Design by Zad Potter and Abigail Westman is the stage manager. Music Direction is by Daniel Pietruska, accompanied by Grace Balint. Beautiful Percussion is Nancy Guzman and Additional Music Recording - Erich Rausch. Sandra Kuker-Franco of Sandra Kuker PR is taking care of publicity.
The play runs at the Brickhouse Theatre in North Hollywood, at 10950 Peach Grove Street, off Vineland Blvd, just north of Camarillo Street. Free street parking in local neighborhoods.
Box office opens 20 minutes prior to curtain. Performance dates are April 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 25, 26 and 27. There is no show on Easter Sunday - April 20th.
The shows are on Friday and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm.
The ticket for general admission is $25. Students/Seniors/Union with ID pay $20. Cash or credit/debit cards accepted at the theatre box office.
For reservations call
1-800-838-3006 (ext.1) or go online at Brownpapertickets.com at
www.brownpapertickets.com
and at
www.onstage411.com/LostCell
