"Gay Camp" at The New York International Fringe Festival
“Gay Camp” By Philip Mutz and Susan-Kate Heaney Directed by Phillip Fazio Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
If you are going to “Gay Camp” this summer currently playing at HERE Arts Center as part of the New York International Fringe Festival, pack your sense of humor and “be prepared” to be flooded and immersed in camp: it is required. It is a wild seventy-five minute ride filled with satire and stereotype (ala Charles Ludlam) that manages to create rollercoaster results of smiles, groans and a steady track of hearty laughs. It is all quick and fun and no one can take offense because everyone is offended. This is a perfect escape from the sometimes serious issues that are lampooned. It won’t make the problems disappear but provides a comfortable outlet to release some pressure; it is much healthier to laugh.
The cast of three are absolutely hysterical as they franticly switch gears, characters and costumes to portray your fellow campers and camp staff. Geeks, musical theatre divas, insipid drug laden counselors and lip-syncing drag queens all step up to the plate. Christian Mansfield, Ken Urso and Philip Mutz are talented actors fully capable of the tasks at hand and work diligently to create the style and flair needed to keep the action moving and the audience involved. At times sketches seem to be a bit too long and repetitive but may be attributed to the similarity of the material presented.
The conclusion might be that “Gay Camp” does not reach perfection at this stage of development but it is great fun, and with a little more insight and polish I believe the rough edges will be gone. Escape the city grind and heat this summer and spend a little time at “Gay Camp.” You will be happy you did.
GAY CAMP
Presented by MU Productions and The New York International Fringe Festival. Written by Philip Mutz and Susan-Kate Heaney. Directed by Phillip Fazio. Original music and lyrics by Bradford Proctor; Lighting Design by Michael Megliola; Wig Design by Kathy Urso; Wigs Styled by Amanda Duffy; Sound Design by Phillip Fazio; Stage Management by Stephanie Holmes.
WITH: Christian Mansfield, Ken Urso, and Philip Mutz.
All performances take place at HERE Mainstage Theater, 145 Sixth Avenue (6th Avenue and Varick 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 15 minutes with no intermission. www.GayCampThePlay.com
Remaining Show Dates: Saturday, August 18th @ 10:00 pm Wednesday, August 22nd @ 9:45 pm
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Sunday, August 19, 2012
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