1812 PRODUCTIONS DANCES UP A DOOZIE IN SUBURBAN LOVE SONGS

Theater: 1812 Productions
Show Title: Suburban Love Songs
Opened: April 9, 2008
Seen: April 9,2008
Reviewer:Arnie Finkel

I don’t remember when I enjoyed an hour of theater as much in a long time. And there was no dialogue. Not one word.

1812 Productions, Philadelphia’s all comedy theatre company, is presenting Suburban Love Songs at the Plays and Players Theatre 1719 Delancey Street. It’s a completely danced hour created, directed and choreographed by Karen Getz. She created the piece not for dancers but for comedic actors.

It’s hilarious! Set at a party in 1968 in the suburbs of any town, Ms. Getz deals in Tupperware parties, marijuana smoking, the worship of the “Stereo”, Twister, scavenger hunts, pass the grapefruit, and almost every kind of sexual combination you can think up. Yes, that one too. It’s brilliant and brilliantly done.

And what a cast! The considerable talents of the following Philadelphia comedy stars make this cast incredible: Jennifer Childs, Dawn Falato, Mary Carpenter, Dave Jadico, Amy Smith, Mario Fabroni, Fred Siegel and last, but by no means least, Karen Getz herself. Each one has his or her shining moment. And each is funnier than the last.

The set design by Bradley Helm, the costumes design by Charlotte Cloe Fox Wind, the lighting design by Stephen Keever, and the sound design by Chris Colucci were all perfectly in tune with the purpose and added just the right touch.

I’m running out of complimentary adjectives—let me just say—I’ve heard that laughter is good for the soul. Do your soul a big favor and get down to the Plays and Players Theater before the show closes on April 27th.