“Rubble” at the New York International Fringe Festival at The Players Theatre
“Rubble” at the New York International Fringe Festival at The Players Theatre Written by Mike Reiss Directed by James Valletti Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
What one would expect from “Rubble” a new play being served up to NY audiences as part of the International Fringe Festival, penned by Mike Reiss, long time writer for “The Simpsons” is exactly what you get, with no disappointment. Assembling a celebrity status cast including Bruce Vilanch and Jerry Adler and directed by Jack Valletti contributes to the success, and only ignites the firecracker script which explodes with one-liners. The plot is weak, almost non- existent, but of no concern, for the focus is on laughter. The jokes are fast and furious, some are funny, some irreverent and others are old and tired, so if one fails, the next or the one after will certainly succeed in producing a chuckle. The pace is lightening quick and at times interrupted by short musical parodies with slick, quirky lyrics and energetic vaudeville delivery. Of course it is sit-com humor but it is entertaining and will lure a new audience into the theater.
The cast does exactly what is necessary to maximize and utilize the script with impeccable timing and exaggerated expression. Bruce Vilanch is, well, Bruce Vilanch and who could ask for anything more. The highlight of the evening was seeing Broadway veteran Jerry Adler return to the stage with a noteworthy performance. His entire role is a series of hysterical phone conversations and his deadpan delivery of the old Hollywood agent vacationing in Hawaii is remarkable and exceptional. He all but steals the show. The competent performances by Jason Jacoby, Amy Wilson, Bryan McElroy and Jeffrey Arnold Wolf complete the talented cast who add plenty of sparks to fuel this fast burning fiery farce.
RUBBLE
“Rubble” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and 2L2T Productions. LLC at The Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal Street (West3rd and Bleecker).
All performances of “Rubble” take place at on the following schedule: Thursday August 22nd at 9:15 p.m.; Saturday August 24th at 10:15 p.m.; and Sunday August 25th at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 1 hour and 35 minutes with no intermission. For more information about the show and the cast and creative team, please visit www.rubbletheplay.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Thursday, August 15, 2013
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