By John Quinn
It's the end of October and generations from Baby Boomer on down are celebrating their eternal childhood by elevating Halloween to national holiday status. While candy is dandy, there's another upside – artists get to stretch the boundaries of fantasy. If you're a fan of haunted houses, consider the possibilities in haunted theaters!
Thus we come to "The Hot Mess Chronicles II," four original one acts by local playwrights designed to scare the pants off the bravest among us. These plays were solicited as a joint venture with Planet Ant Theatre, and "Hot Mess" compliments their production, "Nightmare Box." Here, five young actors take on the roles in all four playlets. The evening is tied together by Demon MC Katie Galazka, Evil Queen of the Bad Pun. Think Elvira with horns.
"The 'Screwed' Tape Letters" must have C.S. Lewis spinning like a turbine. Written and performed by Josh Campos and Brian Papandrea, it's a slapstick twist on a Satanic problem: They don't make demon apprentices like they used to. How hard can it be to steal Steven Fischer's (Papandrea) soul? Well, if you're Campos's Demon, it's pretty damn hard – to the increasing chagrin of Satan himself, played by James Nanys. His Satan, a dissolute stoner in an open bathrobe, seems to embody The Seven Deadly Sins in one obscene package. It's rollicking good fun – but a word to the wordsmiths: Profanity as a laugh line loses its shock value if the "f-bomb" is used in a blitz campaign. The script stands on its own, and the outbursts would be funnier if saved for the right moments.
"The Way to Win over Annie" by Steven Blackwell is more in the tradition of "Tales from the Crypt." Sarah Galloway is Annie, the object of affection in a warped love triangle. Nanys and Campos return as her "suitors" Daniel and Jim. It's a disturbing and disorienting play, easily the "creep factor" winner.
"Exorcise Daily" is Andy Orschelen's homage to "The Exorcist," with tongue firmly planted in cheek. Old Priest Nanys and Young Priest Papandrea arrive to exorcise the demon in housewife and mom Dyan Bailey. They get more than they bargained for in this randy little piece.
"The Whistler" by show director Mike McGettigan is, on the other hand, written in the spirit of slasher films like "Evil Dead." All the ingredients are here: four drugged out kids in an isolated cabin, a "strange" caretaker, more chocolate syrup than Hershey's – you know the drill. "Hats off" to McGettigan (you had to be there) for stirring the old stew and serving up something fresh.
Wilde Award winner McGettigan manages to define distinct characters with the cooperation of his ensemble. This show is another shot in the arm (you had to be there) for the local theater scene. May we expect a "III" next year?
REVIEW:
'The Hot Mess Chronicles II'
The Abreact Theatre, 1301 W. Lafayette, #113, Detroit. Friday-Saturday through Nov. 6, plus Sunday, Oct. 31. Free; by donation. 313-485-0217. http://www.theabreact.com.
