My Roommate the Cylon

a kate west recommendation in abbreviations

Ever hear of "My Roommate, the Cylon" (MRTC)? Even if you aren't a fan of BSG ("Battlestar Galactica", c'mon people, turn on your television once in a while, OMG) and I'm really not, though I've heard of it of course, this series parody will tickle you. Three normal guys in a normal apartment suddenly suspect that one of them isn't so normal after all. One of them might be ... a cylon. And if don't know what that is, stop right here, as you're obviously not a BSG fan. To find out which one is in the closet, tune in each week as we get closer and closer to the hilarious truth. Well edited, directed, acted and just generally put together in a perfectly seriously funny way, MRTC should not be missed. Especially by sci-fi die hards. But even the non-techies will get a boost. As the byline says ....

Three roommates.

One is a Cylon.

You do the math.

Credits

• Produced, Written, and Directed by:
  
• Robert Gustafson & Alec McNayr
• Alex Enriquez as Bennett Jacobs
• Tyson Turrou as Pjeter Odama
• Kenny Stevenson as Dale McKinney
• Dorien Davies as Jessica Yarborough

Catch the first episode:

My Roommate the Cylon 1.1 "The Test" from Space Shank Media on Vimeo. Read more!

Sock Puppet Showgirls

Harvey Finklestein's
Sock Puppet Showgirls
a kate west review
directed by John and Stephanie Shaterian
a West Coast Premiere
at Theatre Asylum
6320 Santa Monica Blvd, LA 90038





contact (800) 838-2006 or www.brownpapertickets.com
Fridays 11 p.m.; tix $15; EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 21
www.harveyfinklestein.com / www.myspace.com/harveyfinklestein

What could possibly be worse than your friend making you watch the dreadfully campy and overdone Paul Verhoven movie "Showgirls"? Secretly realizing that it's actually a good bad and that it has since gained a phenomenal cult following. And that you love it. For those of you delighting in spectacularly failed Hollywood projects, you'll WANT to see it, again - and again and again, too. And what's even better than that kind of bad? A "Showgirls" sock puppet version!

Yes, it's true, sock puppets recreate the horrendous cinematic fiasco, thanks to Harvey Finklestein's outrageous production. Directors John and Stephanie Shaterian (married, with puppets) ensure that the actors aren't the stars here, the sock puppets are. If you don't know the story, here's the synopsis direct from a show program: "An angry girl escapes to Las Vegas to become a dancer. After all the fucking and bad acting she ends up having to leave Las Vegas because she hurts a bitch and opens a can of whoop ass on a celebrity, and because she is a whore, and they don't allow whores in Las Vegas." With that enticement, how can you say no?

Dorien Davies portrays adorable sock puppet Nomi (Elizabeth Berkley in the film), the wide-eyed skank who becomes a successful dancer in Vegas and then gives it all up again. Davies has emotional and improvisational range in voice alone, matched by Lowe Taylor playing Crystal (Gina Gershon in the film), the experienced sock puppet dancer who shows Nomi the ropes, only to have her turn against her at the end. Both Davies and Taylor are in top form, strongly steering the scenes forward and improvising their little hearts out. They are truly the heart and strength of the show. You'll love Davies' plaintive wail, "I am not a whore!"

Eddie Beasley, Jonathan Caplan and Andy Wolf (this night's understudy) round out the cast just fine, playing sleazy agents, managers and even the stereotypical gay choreographer (Patrick Bristow in the film). Cardboard car cutouts and metal poles also help direct the imagination to recall the movie. Not for the faint of heart, this show goes all out, uncensored and to the raunchiest extreme: i.e. it's a late night show for a reason, no kids allowed!

It's a little surreal to see the occasional hand pop out and at the same time hilarious to watch the sock puppet dance numbers (of which there all several), although one does get weary of certain repeated humor, such as the stereotypical gay choreographer. It's a fun, short show however, and the funniest bits are hearing actual lines from the movie, written by the over-hyped screenwriter Joe Eszterhas himself. Yes, it's dumb, but really, isn't the movie is to blame for that? At least this way, we can let naked cotton puppets shock us for the evening, a definite improvement over the movie.

Don't miss the Classic Original:
Showgirls (Fully Exposed Edition) Read more!

Debbie Does Dallas The Musical!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post. Read more!

The Simpsons Movie

The Simpsons Movie
a kate west favorite

It's only been a couple of decades in the making, but The Simpsons Movie is finally here! My brother and I have pretty much every episode memorized, between the two of us, so this is big deal for me. So much of my daily vocabulary is thanks to them. Mmmmm! D'oh! Woo-hoo! Mmh-mmh-mmh? (how does one spell that, anyway?) Excellent! Hah-hah! And HA! I'm a fan, in the very fanatic sense of the word. I even went to a Kwik-E-Mart early one Saturday morning to try a squishee. And the next day I had a pink doughnut. Mmmmm. Sometimes I'm mercilessly drawn to pop culture consumerism. I designed a Simpsons character for Kate West. See?



Anyway, I had great fun at the movie. It's one big long episode, really, but that's the fun of The Simpsons. We love them and want to see them in their element, with Homer doing something colossally stupid, this time on pretty much a national scale. He ruins the environment in Springfield, causing the evil government, run by Arnold Schwarzenegger (NOT Rainier Wolfcastle), to put a dome over the town. His family escapes through a sinkhole before the town can lynch him and they end up in Alaska, of all places. The main voice actors are featured, and I'm sure many people will complain about not seeing enough of their favorites, but the movie runs under two hours, so they can't fit everyone in. It's nice to see Bart appreciating Flanders, for once, and to see Marge being open and emotional with Homer. (You know all will be forgiven in the end, right?) The regular scenes are morphed into bigger emotional arcs, fit for the big screen. Fun sight gags and satirical references (you'll love "Spider-Pig" - so gloriously dumb), and of course you have to stay for the end credits. Well, I didn't, but that's not your problem.

Voice Actors in the Movie:
Julie Kavner as Marge

Nancy Cartwright as Bart/Maggie/Ralph/Nelson/Todd Flanders/TV Daughter/Woman on Phone

Yeardley Smith as Lisa

Harry Shearer as Scratchy/Mr. Burns/Rev. Lovejoy/Ned Flanders/Lenny/Skull/President Arnold Schwarzenegger/Kent Brockman/Principal Skinner/Dr. Hibbert/Smithers/Toll Booth Man/Guard/Otto/Kang

Hank Azaria as Professor Frink/Comic Book Guy/Moe/Chief Wiggum/Lou/Carl/Cletus/Bumblebee Man/Male EPA Worker/Dome Depot Announcer/Kissing Cop/Carnival Barker/Counter Man/Apu/Drederick Tatum/Sea Captain/EPA Passenger/Robot/Dr. Nick

Marcia Wallace as Mrs. Krabappel

Billie Joe Armstrong as Himself
Tre Cool as Himself (Green Day) (voice) (as Frank Edwin Wright III)
Mike Dirnt as Himself (voice) (as Michael Pritchard)

Tress MacNeille as Sweet Old Lady/Colin/Mrs. Skinner/Nelson's Mother/Pig/Cat Lady/Female EPA Worker/G.P.S. Woman/Cookie Kwan/Lindsey Naegle/TV Son/Medicine Woman/Girl on Phone

Pamela Hayden as Milhouse/Rod Flanders

Joe Mantegna as Fat Tony

Albert Brooks as Russ Cargill (voice) (as A. Brooks)

Russi Taylor as Martin

Directed by
David Silverman

Writing credits
James L. Brooks (screenplay) &
Matt Groening (screenplay) &
Al Jean (screenplay) &
Ian Maxtone-Graham (screenplay) &
George Meyer (screenplay) &
David Mirkin (screenplay) &
Mike Reiss (screenplay) &
Mike Scully (screenplay) &
Matt Selman (screenplay) &
John Swartzwelder (screenplay) &
Jon Vitti (screenplay)
Joel Cohen (consultant writer) &
John Frink (consultant writer) &
Tim Long (consultant writer) &
Michael Price

Worth seeing for Simpsons fans. And if you are one of the remaining holdouts and have never seens a Simpsons episode, you may as well start with this:

The Simpsons - The Complete First Season

www.simpsonsmovie.com
www.simpsonizeme.com Read more!

David Blaine Street Magic

a kate west favorite


David Blaine appears to trick two unsuspecting bystanders by seemingly knowing more about them than they know themselves. On closer look, we realize it's a parody, and a damn good one, thanks to Groundlings company members Mitch Silpa, Mikey Day (MTV's "Wild-n'Out") and Michael Naughton. It's worth several viewings and will only be funnier each time. And since a picture is worth a thousand words ... enjoy!

Written by
Mikey Day and Michael Naughton

Starring
Mitch Silpa as David Blaine
Mikey Day and Michael Naughton as Victims (a.k.a. Idiots)

www.groundlings.com Read more!

Joni and Gina's Wedding

Joni and Gina’s Wedding
a kate west review
created by Marianne Basford & Ann Lippert; directed by Ann Lippert & David Pavao
at El Cid, 4212 Sunset Blvd. L.A. 90029; http://www.elcidla.com/index.htm
contact http://www.joniandginaswedding.com/; (323) 769-KISS (5477)
tix* $30 (includes dinner, champagne & cake)
running through December 2005 and may be extended 2006!

In the spirit of the semi-pretend-reality live show “Tony and Tina’s Wedding,” “Joni and Gina’s Wedding” is a lesbian version of its Italian-style predecessor. Patrons are the wedding guests who mingle with Hollywood actors posing as members of an eclectic wedding party.

You are escorted onto the cozy patio at El Cid, a trendy Spanish restaurant in trendy Silver Lake. There you can drink to your heart’s content at the full bar while you wait for the festivities to begin. Some cast members may venture out to greet you, including the Caterer Funqueesha (Brandi Hawkins) with a few appetizers for you, and MadDog (Jane Wolfe). By the time you’ve had a few cocktails in you, you’re introduced to the madcap members of the wedding party, by Rychard, honorary male maid of honor (Alex Garner) and you’re escorted into the banquet room for the marriage ceremony.

Ministress Pat Miass (S. Rachel Lovey) performs the “almost holy matrimony” for Joni and Gina (Lowe Taylor and Jessica Hopper). Interspersed throughout are wholly inappropriate comments by the pretend family members, which of course contribute to the hilarity of the proceedings. After the atypical ceremony, you’ll be escorted out onto the patio for more drinking and then the reception begins, along with the real fun. Dinner includes chicken, rice, salad and a champagne toast. And what a lot of toasts there are. The Best Woman, Maureen (Allie Rivenbark), bitterly remarks on her lost love, Gina, trying to goad Jodi into a catfight. Both sets of parents and siblings make speeches, the stereotypes continue and the sparks fly.

Bruce Cronander, in this performance, is General Armstrong, Gina’s waspish father and plays the stodgy, horrified military man rather well. Gina’s roguish brother Joe (Chris Burton) makes some off-hand boorish remarks and Charisse Savarin, Gina’s mother Margaret, plays an alcoholic somnambulist with no idea where she is. Feuding Jewish ex-spouses, Larry (Tom F. Evans) and Ida (Rebecca Michaels) embarrass their daughter Joni by squabbling endlessly. Joni’s sister perpetuates the Jewish stereotype as Rivkah (Kim Anton), an orthodox, mousy Jewish scholar. Larry’s current girlfriend Wamsetta (Tonya Harris) outplays Alex Garner’s Man of Honor Rychard’s queeny outrage with saucy Puerto Rican fire.

We expect and applaud these stereotypes which would might not work in a normal play but fit in great with a wedding. Because the audience feels a part of the show and have had ample time to drink, we delight in being at a wild party. Making it all worthwhile are Lowe Taylor and Jessica Hopper as Joni and Gina - both very charming and interesting. Joni is the more butch of the two, contrasting Gina’s slightly more demure side. We forget they are an unusual couple by mainstream standards and we root for them wholeheartedly. By the time we are served cake, danced in a conga line and learned to line dance, we are completely won over. Word of advice: don’t go if you don’t want to party. The actors will ask you to dance and none of them are shy, giving new meaning to the words audience participatory. From beginning to end, when the girls run off to their honeymoon, you are swept into this crazy world. Also try sitting near the walls for the best view and make sure you drink – a lot. It’s the best wedding in town if you want to go with the flow. It’s time to let your hair down and catch that bouquet.

*Partial proceeds from all shows goes to the Equality Campaign, the group that helps to fight against constitutional amendments that discriminate against same sex marriage. Read more!

Fellowship!

Fellowship!
The musical parody of “The Fellowship of the Ring”
a Kate West review
directed by Joel McCrary
written by Kelly Holden & Joel McCrary
El Portal Theatre, 5269 Lankershim Blvd. North Hollywood, CA 91601
Running the month of December 2004, Tickets (323) 960-7774




“Fellowship!” is a delightful little parody of the J.R.R. Tolkein “Fellowship of the Ring,” the first volume of “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, and the mega popular hit movies by Peter Jackson. Written by Kelly Holden and Joel McCrary, it chronicles the classic story of Frodo Baggins, winsome Hobbit (a furry little creature of Middle Earth) inheriting the one ring of power and embarking on a journey to the fires of Mordor in order to destroy it. Aided in his quest are eight other inhabitants of Middle Earth: Gandalf the Wizard; Sam, Pippin and Merry, fellow hobbits; Strider, rightful heir to Gondor; fellow warrior Boromir; Gimli the Dwarf and Legolas the Elf. A very serious business. Except in this version, when it is actually a silly and ridiculous saga of song and dance.

The happy ensemble is obviously overjoyed to entertain us with this gentle mockery of Frodo’s mighty trek. With lighthearted fun, Bilbo Baggins, the kindly older hobbit who first discovered the evil ring, begins the piece with his big birthday celebration. Dressed like a bad lounge singer, Steve Purnick aptly plays Bilbo, complete with cummerbund and ruffles, rattling off terrible puns, and thus sets the perfect tone of hilarity. This is perfectly illustrated as the cast joyfully launches into song at every opportunity. In addition, in between numbers as background to the zaniness, there are slide projections of sketch drawings depicting a map following their progress.

Cory Rouse is an excellent Frodo, reminiscent of the touching innocence of Elijah Wood in the film epics and Edi Patterson is spunky and effervescent as Legolas and later Arwen, Strider’s elfin love interest. Peter Allen Vogt is immensely likeable as Sam, the barely suppressed homosexual sidekick to Frodo and is irrepressibly funny as the headliner demon, the Balrog, especially in his show-stopping number “The Balrog Blues”. The rest of the ensemble is quite strong as well: Brian D. Bradley as Gandalf, Kelly Holden as an almost-too-cutesy Pippin, Ryan Smith as the tragically unmemorable Merry and El Rond, the Matrix-inspired Elvish King, Matthew Stephen Young as the dude-like Strider and Lisa Fredrickson as the fiercely proud Gimli. Each actor seems to have the time of his or her life paying homage to the beloved story.

Some deliciously original ideas include Legolas (Edi Patterson) and Gimli (Lisa Fredrickson), evolving from bitter Elf-Dwarf enemies to fast friends singing “I always thought,” an amusingly satirical ballad. Edi Patterson also contributes a very Stevie Nicks/Cher attitude to “One Moment (with you)” singing a love duet as Arwen with Strider (the very funny Matthew Stephen Young). Joel McCrary must be credited with putting together an excellent ensemble and unfolding such a strong concept in a very loving way. The audience happily follows along with each inside joke, thrilled to be so in the know. There are no weak spots or actors and every minute is as enjoyable as the next. The entire cast, crew and producers all deserve warm congratulations for such a fun experience. Of course, it helps to read the books or see the movies first so be sure to do that and then call the box office immediately to be part of the hippest show in North Hollywood. Afterwards, you’ll all clamor for a sequel. Guaranteed. Read more!

Forever

Forever
a kate west review
by Judy Blume
directed/produced/adapted by Gerald McClanahan
the Sacred Fools Theater Company, 660 N. Heliotrope, Los Angeles 90004
Running June 12, 19, 26 only at 11 p.m., (310) 281-8337, www.SacredFools.org

Most Generation X-ers are very familiar with Judy Blume and her many popular novels depicting teenagers reveling in their overly dramatic angst and pain. The most supposedly controversial novel was “Forever,” which described a young girl losing her virginity in a fairly explicit manner. Many high school students spent part of their study hall secretly reading the forbidden book. Perusing the book as an adult, however, one finds it rather more innocuous than anything in today’s modern sexual world.

Producer/Director Gerald McClanahan must have come to the same conclusion and so created a parody of “Forever,” a book just begging for gentle ridicule. Now playing at The Sacred Fools Theater and part of their “Get Lit!” series, this new production of “Forever” is silly and fun but still fondly reminiscent of the earnestness of the novel.

Beginning at a modern party in the 90’s, the story is a flashback to the 70’s, a time of wanton sexual openness. Katherine Danziger (the winsome Stephanie Dees) struggles with the overwhelming decision of whether or not to lose her virginity to Michael (Chase Sprague). She is egged on by her friends and family, who take turns topping each other with sexual outrageousness. Her promiscuous parents, Roger and Diana (Drew Droege and Lori Funk), grope each other and everyone else in sight and have an unhealthy interest in their children’s sex lives. Classmate Artie (Andy Corren) struggles comically with latent homosexuality, while Jamie Danziger (Tabatha Hall) pines away for her sister’s boyfriend Michael, who keeps calling her Julie in a very Jan Brady pathetic sort of way (watch “The Brady Bunch Movie”).

Each scene is more outlandish than the next, exaggerating Judy Blume’s already melodramatic style in an amusingly satiric manner. Those familiar with the novel will appreciate the play the most, laughing at inside jokes such as the name ‘Ralph’ and the highlighting of various character traits like Katherine constantly storming out in a teen tantrum. Even if you have not read the book, you will enjoy the 70’s flashbacks, with the flamboyant costumes and dewily sentimental music. It would have been nice if the set and props reflected even more of the 70’s kitsch (where were the lava lamps?) although the fondue pots were plentiful. The general set is composed of simple brown stripes on boulder-type blocks which is definitely 70’s, yet perplexing in that it looks like a desert rather than someone’s house.

The acting is a bit uneven in general and it might have been funnier had the director cajoled his actors into being even more over the top; however, the overall impression is entertaining. Still it is obvious that McClanahan is quite fond of the material and the production sincere. Having only three performances in which to perfect their comedic timing (never an easy feat under any circumstances), any actors flubbing lines are to be forgiven. A fun evening out, it is worth attending and those of us from a certain generation will especially delight in the campiness and consequence-free frivolity of an era rife with comedic fodder.

Forever Read more!

Fleetwood Macbeth

“Fleetwood Mac,” by the Troubadour Theater Company
a kate west review
now playing at the Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood (800) 595-4849
February 19 – March 28, 2004

In Shakespearean time, theater was a bawdy, entertaining, interactive affair and audience members participated in their own raucous evening out. Shakespeare would have loved the Troubadour Theater Company. Troupe leader Matt Walker heads a company of professional improvisers, musicians and actors in a theater company that holds nothing sacred.

Their latest effort, “Fleetwood Macbeth,” stays true to their familiar style of wacky, irreverent fun. Set to the music of Fleetwood Mac, it is the classic story of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” From the beginning of the play, we know this will be a very different experience as some of the actors mingle with the audience before the show and the pull some “volunteers” on stage. Latecomers are greeted with a house-lights-up joyous song and the actors talk to us throughout the entire play.

Morgan Rustler as Macbeth and Matt Walker as Banquo take us through the entire story, jumping from traditional Shakespearean soliloquies to pop culture references such as mega singer Janet Jackson’s recent Super Bowl faux pas. Choreographer Michelle Anne Johnson dazzles us with fabulous numbers, including many acrobatic feats and Musical Director Andre P. Holmes accents the show with his rockin’ band. Meanwhile, the actors sing familiar Fleetwood Mac hits such as “Don’t Stop.” Lisa Valenzuela is an especially strong singer as Lady Macbeth and the crew of witches, led by Beth Kennedy as Hectate, are a delightful chorus of talented singers and dancers. Matt Walker’s direction is tightly controlled, yet still allows for improv and nice rapport with the audience. Costume Designer Sharon McCunigle creates a combination of modern and olden Scottish wear and most of the actors sport crazy huge rubber feet.

For those who can’t remember their high school lit class, “Macbeth” is inspired by the witches and his wife to murder King Duncan (Travis Clark) and take his place. Violence begets violence and he murders his friend Banquo to prevent his rise to the throne and then slaughter the entire family of his rival Macduff (portrayed East Los Angeles “homie” style by Guillermo D. Robles). He is ultimately and justly defeated by Macduff and heir to the throne, Prince Malcolm (deliciously foppishly played by Guilford Adams). Lady Macbeth dies and Macbeth himself is killed, all of his blood lust having left him with nothing but anguish and disturbing hallucinations.

The dramatic moments in this production, especially Macbeth’s speeches, could have been heightened in order to better contrast the troupe’s zaniness. As a whole however, it is a rewardingly juicy show, highlighting lowbrow humor and a finely toned ensemble. Tremendous fun and definitely recommended.

Macbeth (Folger Shakespeare Library) Read more!