"Songs of Love: A Theatrical Mixtape" at The New York International Fringe Festival
“Songs of Love: A Theatrical Mixtape”
Written and Directed by Nat Cassidy
Reviewed by David Roberts, Chief Critic
Theatre reviews Limited
When a musical opens with one character rehearsing the number of ways one can “expletive deleted” (but you know the word) food, one anticipates an “All About Eve” bumpy ride. And “Songs of Love: A Theatrical Mixtape” does not disappoint in providing that uncomfortable ride. Eventually, in the selfsame opening scene, the same voracious actor substitutes “making love” which comes late in the metaphorical mélange of the vernacular used for participating in that “romantic” activity. He then proceeds to play for his companion his mixtape which will, ostensible, explain the meaning of love.
The most impressive scene in Nat Cassidy’s mixtape (made for the audience with love) was the tableau fashioned when the two actors who had finished their scene prepared the stage for the following scene: with only Nat Cassidy singing and playing guitar, the two spread a blanket on the stage, placed two champagne glasses on the blanket and, with no words, exited stage left. One wished for more such artistic sounds of silence in this New York International Fringe Festival offering.
Near the conclusion of this mixed-up mixtape, someone in the cast has the temerity to judge the performance as “a bit heteronormative.” That it was which, in any serious production in 2012, is inexcusable and needs to be addressed. Enough said.
SONGS OF LOVE: A THEATRICAL MIXTAPE
Presented by Tin Drum Productions and The New York International Fringe Festival. Written and directed by Nat Cassidy. Lighting designed by Kia Rogers; musical direction by Alexis Thomason.
WITH: Matt Bailey; Abby Royle; Tarantino Smith; Alexis Thomason; Kristen Vaughan; and Ben Williams.
All performances take place at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street in New York, NY. Tickets are available at www.fringenyc.org or 866-468-7619. $15 in advance, $18 at the door. Senior and Fringe Junior tickets available at the door for $10. Running time: 1 hour with no intermission.
Remaining Show Dates
Tuesday, August 14th @ 7:00 pm
Tuesday, August 23rd @ 9:45 pm
Friday, August 24th @ 9:45 pm
Saturday, August 25th @ 2:15 pm
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 | Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Sunday, August 12, 2012 |
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