"Have I Got A Girl For You" at The New York International Fringe Festival
“Have I Got A Girl For You” Written by Josh Mesnik Directed by Sara Sahin Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
When you read a story, it is the intent of the author to provide words that trigger the imagination of the reader to invent real, three dimensional characters whose conflicts move the plot forward. When a playwright provides a script for the stage, words are entrusted to the actor, whose interpretation manifests a character providing the audience with the suspension of disbelief. The interruption of this process creates the major problem with “Have I Got A Girl for You” starring Josh Mesnick who also penned the autobiographical comedy of sorts, now entertaining patrons of the New York International Fringe Festival at the La Mama First Floor Theater.
The story of a gay man working as an assistant at an upscale female escort service with a has been escort/centerfold pin up model at the helm serves up some funny situations providing ample laughs during the 75 minute romp. The parallel to the infamous screenplay “All About Eve” is clever but not sustainable in part due to the transparent characters of Josh and Gina played respectively by Josh Mesnick and Danielle Di Vecchio. The puzzling non-dimensional, flat performances of these proficient actors sabotage the plot, providing only sitcom laughter, and eradicating any emotional connection to the audience. Simply put, you just don’t care.
One exception is the fine work of Kim Morgan Dean who is extremely capable of bringing to life not one but multiple characters with ease and economic flexibility. Perhaps if the audience connected a bit more, the end of this story might have played out differently, which possibly could have been what the playwright had intended. For now, if you are looking for a light sitcom-like comedy, it is worth a shot.
HAVE I GOT A GIRL FOR YOU
Presented by The New York International Fringe Festival. Directed by Sara Sahin. Scenic design by David L. Arsenault; costume design by Nicole Wee; lighting design by Peter Bragg; sound design by John Hobbs.
WITH: Kim Morgan Dean (Female track); Josh Mesnik (Josh); Jonathan Seymour (Male Track); and Danielle Di Vecchio (Gina).
All performances take place at The First Floor Theatre @ La MaMa, 74 East 4th Street (between Bowery and 2nd Avenue). 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 20 minutes with no intermission.
Remaining Show Dates Monday, August 13th @ 3:45 pm Thursday, August 16th @ 7:00 pm Sunday, August 19th @ 9:30 pm Saturday August 25th @ Noon
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Monday, August 13, 2012
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