By D. A. Blackburn
Hot on the heels of this season's Halloween-themed production, "Blood Bath & Beyond," Planet Ant Theatre has set the late night table for Thanksgiving with "The Ol' Switch-A-Roo."
Written by Andy Dombrowski, Louie Krause and Mikey Wilson – known collectively as the Big Meaty Trio – "The Ol' Switch-A-Roo" produces a big comedic meal in a small package. The show stars two-thirds of the trio (Krause and Wilson) along with Peter Jacokes, and all tackle multiple roles and genders.
The show centers around the town of Meagerville, Iowa, and a Thanksgiving Day tradition, the annual Turkey Bowl football game. Meagerville has lost the game 104 years running, but with a little help from a Canadian science wiz, the town plans a special play, the ol' switch-a-roo, to claim glory.
Jacokes, Wilson and Krause craft some sincerely funny characters with help from director Dave Davies, and are often at their best when dressed in drag. Wilson, particularly, excels in multiple roles, developing a variety of hilarious voices and shifting appearance with the ease of a chameleon.
Dyan Bailey's exceptional video work shows some of the finest editing and effects work this season, and adds a polished, professional touch to an otherwise Spartan production.
"The Ol' Switch-A-Roo" script is packed with funny material, and is, by no means, a turkey, but it does also include a rather stale cinema-spoof twist (circa 1995). Though tired, the twist works because it is well executed – to the credit of Bailey's video and good decisions in costuming and props.
"The Ol' Switch-A-Roo," which fills the Late Night slot at the Ant through Nov. 1, is a light-hearted treat, a great opportunity to see some familiar local performers in drag, and a sure bet to put you in the mood for turkey and football.
REVIEW:
'The Ol' Switch-A-Roo'
Planet Ant Theatre, 2357 Caniff, Hamtramck. 10:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday through Nov. 1. Tickets: $5. For information: 313-365-4948 or http://www.planetant.com.
