Monthly Archives: June 2011

101 RULES FOR DATING (OF WHICH YOU WILL HEAR 20 OR SO...) from Venzin-Althaus EXPLOSION! Photos by Jeff Burkle.

101 RULES FOR DATING (OF WHICH YOU WILL HEAR 20 OR SO…) from Venzin-Althaus EXPLOSION! as part of the 2011 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. You can read the show description here.

Megan Venzin and Emily Althaus are funny and charming as they recount personal dating misadventures that led to the creation of 101 RULES FOR DATING. A slide show of graphics and personal photos adds a fun, visual element to their storytelling. This format works well and creates many laugh out loud moments.

The show begins to lose its momentum about two-thirds of the way through the performance. The video of “man on the street” interviews is a tired device and runs too long. Following the film is an audience participation/improv section that does little to re-energize the show. Another story before the final scene would be a welcome addition.

Overall a fun, but uneven work. Its strength is their personal stories, the rest just seems to be filler.

The final performance of 101 RULES FOR DATING (OF WHICH YOU WILL HEAR 20 OR SO…) at the Art Academy of Cincinnati is Saturday at 8pm.

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links to other media reviews and more are available on my FaceBook fan page or you can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.

MEMOIR OF A MYTHOMANIAC rom East Tennessee University State Players - Photo by Joe Bourguignon

MEMOIR OF A MYTHOMANIAC: THE TRUE STORY OF A COMPULSIVE LIAR (OR TALLULAH DIES) from East Tennessee State University Patchwork Players as part of the 2011 Cincinnati Fringe Festival. You can read the show description here.

MEMOIR OF A MYTHOMANIAC, a fusion of spoken word and dance, offers solid acting throughout the cast. It is also great to see the always-on-stage ensemble focused on the action throughout the entire show. Versatile ensemble members Savannah Arwood, Brock Cooley and Cara Harker (the latter also serves as director, playwright and choreographer) take on several smaller roles.

The choreography is visually interesting and well-executed with good technique. Personal favorites include: the solo during the father’s interview (with a well-choreographed and executed on stage costume change) and the pas de deux with Kelsey Danielle Mumpower and Everett Tarlton. I thought extending the dance, through Tarlton’s costume change to be a smart detail. I also enjoyed the use of the yoga balls in the choreography of the teenage flashback, and the final “confrontation dance” which had some great support poses. It might be interesting to see the confrontation begin with some movement to build a little momentum that can be carried into the dance.

During the scene with the father (Matthew D. Huffman) and the therapist, I liked the decision to keep the interview going throughout the dance. After the dance, the remainder of the scene seemed to be just a tad too long. I’m not sure if the cause was the script or the lack of blocking. I did find the transition into the final scene to be a bit abrupt and wouldn’t mind a line or two to give the audience an idea of when the final confrontation is taking place.

Mumpower turns in a solid performance as Jane. I would like to see her relax into the role. You’ve “got” Jane, so take confidence in that, relax and really enjoy your last performance.

Overall a solid, well-directed show, with dance that added a visual grace to the narrative.

The final performance of MEMOIR OF A MYTHOMANIAC  at Hanke 1 is Saturday at 8:45pm.

Links to all reviews can be found on the BTC REVIEWS page. Blog postings, links to other media reviews and more are available on my FaceBook fan page or you can receive updates on Twitter from @BTCincyRob.