FIERCE SATIRE AND MEDIOCRE SEX – Written by Edith Weiss; Directed by Susan Lyles. Produced by And Toto Too Theatre Company (Presented at Buntport Theatre, 717 Lipan, Denver) through February 28. Tickets available at AndTotoToo.org.
“Pastiche – In literary usage, the term denotes a literary technique employing a generally light-hearted tongue-in-cheek imitation of another’s style; although jocular, it is usually respectful. Pastiche has become positively construed as a deliberate, witty homage or playful imitation.”
As I was watching Edith Weiss’ collection of short plays, this was the word that came to mind. She writes with a light-hearted touch that engenders many smiles and occasional belly laughs. I’m thinking now of Jeff Jesmer’s frantic lovesick cricket trying desperately to find a willing partner to have sex before his time runs out. I will never again see someone rubbing their hands together without thinking of his mournful mating call. Edith has an eclectic mind that finds humor in everything from suicide prevention hotlines to high-borne game shows to loopholes in the path to heaven. She has provided laughs from way back in the Chicken Lips days. You know you’re from Denver . . . .
My understanding is that these particular skits were written, in the most part, as part of the annual fundraising Play Crawl And Toto Too sponsors each year. Local female playwrights are invited to submit short plays that can be performed in a store, a boutique, a restaurant in a neighborhood while the audience walks from one location to another to observe and laugh. So as they all enjoy the same whimsical sarcastic humor, there is no tie that binds them all together. Edith, acting as the Therapist for the audience, introduces each and then lets it roll.
Hence, you are witness to a game show at which the contestants are all female Shakespearean characters answering questions about the Master himself. A novice answering the phone at a suicide prevention clinic has just the right amount of nonchalance to provide just the right amount of prevention. St. Laurence argues with a lazy God about overcoming certain loopholes about getting into heaven and, the aforementioned Cricket, who realizes his time is limited and he wants to get one good one in before he goes.
What you also get is an invitation to partake in the Play Crawl this year in June to witness the new set of short and sweet skits as you walk around one of Denver’s real neighborhoods. Watch for further announcements and plan to join in the fun.
In the meantime, warm up to the humor of Edith Weiss and the cast she has assembled (Jeff Jesmer, Meredith Young, Sophia Badia, and Chris Kendall) to provide a winter treat at the Buntport Theatre before this short run is over.
A WOW factor of 8.25!!