“Absolutely Filthy” at FringeNYC 2014 at The Player’s Theatre (Closes on Friday August 22, 2014)
“Absolutely Filthy” at FringeNYC 2014 at The Player’s Theatre (Closes on Friday August 22, 2014)
Written by Brendan Hunt
Directed by Jeremy Aldridge
Reviewed by Joseph Verlezza
Theatre Reviews Limited
Once again, the gang is all here ( or what is left of them) in a new unauthorized parody of one of the most beloved comic strips. Entitled “Absolutely Filthy,” the play is presented as part of the NY International Fringe Festival. It has been ten years since we viewed this gang as teenagers in “Dog Sees God” (part of the Fringe NYC 2004) as they reunited for Snoopy’s funeral and now they have grown up and come together for the memorial service of “CB.” It is difficult to imagine the traits of these cartoon characters transferred to adults but as the script unfolds playwright Brendan Hunt makes no mistakes fleshing out each with their familiar attributes and threatening flaws. It is insightful, inspired and infused with life lessons that are to be learned by our faulty friends.
As the group slowly assembles with individual entrances, characters’ scars are a display of struggles, problems, and mishaps contributing to ironic situations within the cynical group. The cast is perfection, led by the tour de force performance of Mr. Hunt as he surrounds himself with the stench of failure, the filth of misfortune and the solitude of regret, while keeping old friends at bay with the swivel of his hip and a revolution of an impenetrable hula hoop. He is brave, uninhibited, secure and vulnerable as he mutters through his psychological meltdown to find peace. There are no disappointments here as each member of the ensemble clearly understands who they are, where they are, how they got here and the consequences that come with facing the past with old friends. They are deftly directed by Jeremy Aldridge who understands the fine line between reality and absurdity and keeps the momentum at a fast pace.
The play is full of laughs, lighthearted lessons, remarkable performances and characters, that no matter what their flaws, will capture your heart as you sit back and remember when. It may be sarcastic, but never preaches, yet somehow you will leave the theatre feeling good, a little smarter and maybe ready to pick up your phone and call an old friend.
ABSOLUTELY FILTHY
“Absolutely Filthy” is presented by The Wall of Sound in Association with The Present Company (Elena K Holy, Producing Artistic Director). Directed by Jeremy Aldridge.
The cast of “Absolutely Filthy” includes Jaime Andrews, Curt Bonnem, Anna Douglas, Rachel Germaine, Brendan Hunt, KJ Middlebrooks, Shannon Nelson, Kiff Scholl, and Robbie Winston.
For performance schedule, ticketing information and more information about the presenting company, please visit www.FringeNYC.org. For mobile ticketing, please visit www.FringeonTheFly.com. The running time is 2 hours with one 12 minute intermission.
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