“America’s Breath of Fresh Air” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80
“America’s Breath of Fresh Air” at the New York International Fringe Festival at Theatre 80 Written by Arnie Roman Directed by Joey Murray Reviewed by David Roberts and Joseph Verlezza Theatre Reviews Limited
One leaves the flimsy “America’s Breath of Fresh Air” currently playing at Theatre 80 as part of the New York International Fringe Festival’s 17th season asking, “What is the point” and wondering how the uninterrupted 110 minutes could have been better spent. This musical is not edgy; rather it is littered with humorless random, silly vulgarity draped over Arnie Roman’s heteronormative and sexist one-liners.
Poorly defined characters cohabit hackneyed conflicts which drive meaningless and vapid plots. Attempts at creating parody are weak and the material not all current or inventive with much seen currently or heard before.
The only reward is having the opportunity to listen to (when they can be heard over the poorly mixed sound and the blaringly obtrusive keyboard) some solid singing, acting, and dancing. The talented Howie Michael Smith attempts to create a profile for Bob Summers but is prohibited by plot and dialogue. He has a strong rich baritone with clear tone and pure delivery. Mackenzie Bell (Jen) is a pleasure to watch and hear as she also combats the obvious pitfalls of this production.
Too bad such craft is wasted on such bland and offensive product. There is simply no need to see this musical’s final performance.
AMERICA’S BREATH OF FRESH AIR
“America’s Breath of Fresh Air” is presented by The New York International Fringe Festival and Arnie Roma at Theatre 80, 80 St. Marks Place (1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue).
All performances of “America’s Breath of Fresh Air” take place at on the following schedule: Friday August 23rd at 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $18.00 at the door and $15.00 for advance purchase. The running time is 1 hour and 50 minutes. For more information about the show and the cast and creative team, please visit www.americasbreatoffreshair.com For more information about the 17th Annual New York Fringe Festival visit www.FringeNYC.org.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Thursday, August 22, 2013
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