That great Southern Schtick
by theatrepal
Saturday, October 20, 2007	4.5
I must admit that I got the date wrong and thought I was seeing Southrn Baptist Sissies (which I missed last time around) and not Sordid Lives (which I saw years ago). However, the show was great! I was on the edge of my seat with laughter the whole time. Every one of the actors (especially Kim Salome and the new face of Christa Sfameni) was absolutely wonderful. The characters were perfectly fleshed out and really reminded me of everyone I knew growing up in Mississippi. The costumes and set were perfect and fit the play very well. I only wish that Del Shores had written more for each of these characters. Most of them are only in one or two scenes and I would love to see them more. This is one of those shows that actors should see so you can witness how to play a role made famous in a movie, without playing the actor who made it famous in the movie. George Devours, especially, did a fantastic job of playing the well-known role of Peanut and giving it a new voice and body. My one complaint was with the blocking and some of the timing..all, I believe, to be acting and directing choices. The blocking seemed VERY forced at times, with one example being someone leaving the stage for 10 seconds and coming right back on again. It may have been in the stage directions, but it made me go "huh?" The play is very funny and witty and there are a few points where we need time to get the joke, but for most of the play we are right along with it and we're ready to be taken to the next moment. I did love the scene changes though, taking time and covering it with live music was a great choice and really fresh. But again, this is a great show with excellent actors and a hilarious & familiar story. I loved it! I can't wait to see Southern Baptist Sissies! [POST A COMMENT REGARDING THIS REVIEW]