This review has been reposted courtesy of the League of Cincinnati Theatres. For more LCT reviews click here to visit their reviews page.
Comic book crime fighting comes to the stage
The Know Theatre production of “Hearts Like Fists” by Adam Symkowicz lacks a bit of punch. The comic book inspired story of finding love has what you want in a comic book themed play: crime fighting women in form-fitting costumes, lots of zippy one-liners, a sinister Dr. X terrorizing the metropolis, and a heart surgeon whose heart needs to be fixed but he can’t find love.
James Creque as Doctor X & Sola Thompson as Nina.
Nurses by day, skilled warriors by night, a Charlie’s Angels-like team battles the evil and elusive Dr. X and his deadly war against romance. Dr. X sneaks into apartments late at night and injects lovers with a deadly serum that stops their hearts.
The script itself is flimsy and showcases an antiquated view of women, how women talk to one another, and what women care about – which is surprising because the whole purpose of the play was to have kickass female superheroes.
The ensemble moves nimbly on Andrew Hungerford’s life-size comic book set. The fight choreography by Jonn Bacca (coupled with lighting design images of comic book “punch” lines) brings to life the yesteryear comic book serials of Adam West with a mix of kung fu, gymnastics, and the grace of a ballet.
There are slow-mo punches, accompanied by a fantastic low bass sound and a projection of a comic book bubble that says “KAPOW!” or “OOF!” or “BAM!” (you get it). After the slow-mo, the actors return to a real-time follow through, bringing us back to reality.
The actors do a great job with it, but the tech elements are outstanding – to sync up all the sounds and projections with the actors’ movements must have taken a lot of time and energy.
The excellent cast is more than game at keeping the humor and multiple storylines intriguing. While the stylized villainy and bravery of the characters elicit laughter, the edginess of the piece isn’t quite clear. The production has its tongue planted firmly in cheek, paying homage to comic books and films, even hospital melodramas, but the production lacks the deeper complexities at work beneath.
It’s a humorous piece that demonstrates that theatre is limitless and has the ability to astonish. And I’m glad the Know Theatre gives us a chance to break away from the conventional.
“Hearts Like Fists” continues at The Know Theatre Wednesdays through Sundays, through April 25. For more information and tickets, go to http://knowtheatre.com.
For more information on the production, click here.
Behind the Curtain Cincinnati 