Crazy Head Space, a new play from the Abraxas Stage Company, is a literal A to Z of psychiatric disorders -- set to music. I know what you're thinking, but stick with me here...Each letter of the alphabet is projected, in turn, on the wall, with a corresponding diagnosis from the good ol' DSM IV, and then an original song relating to said disorder is performed. Song styles vary from rap to ballad, and are admittedly hit-or-miss. For example, a song about depression is touching and sincere, while a beat-box/scream-fest about horny teenage girls (under "J" for juvenile delinquency) is downright frightening. From what I'm told, various songs about various conditions exist for each letter of the alphabet, so perhaps it's just a matter of the show's creators finding the perfect combination through trial by error. There is also a slight issue with some people who are stronger actors than singers being given solos -- but that is by far the exception, not the rule.
The surprisingly large cast, which includes many Equity members in this "AEA Approved Showcase," is incredibly impressive and versatile. Each actor is highlighted in turn, then returns to the American Apparel - clad chorus of the psych ward. A few people truly stand out -- Adriene Couvillion, as the inescapably sexy and inhumanely flexible naughty nurse (nymphomania, anyone?) Couvillion's character provides a much-needed thread of continuity from one tableau to the next, and, luckily for the audience, also gets her due stage time...which she generously shares with her fabulous vajay (I'm sorry, it needed to be said.) Eddie Cooper is also fantastic as a larger-than-life drag queen dishing about kleptomania. And what would a night at the theater be without a little narcissism? Carl Anthony-Tramon handles it like a pro.
Matthew Neff's choreography is fierce, and, one imagines, could be even more mind-blowing in a larger performance space. The show's creators hope to keep this project moving towards bigger and better things. After some tweaking, crowds will surely line up for visitation hours.
through april 5th @ seaport! -- yes, this is the name of the theater, and yes, it is hard to find, even when using the map function on your iphone. arrive early.
The surprisingly large cast, which includes many Equity members in this "AEA Approved Showcase," is incredibly impressive and versatile. Each actor is highlighted in turn, then returns to the American Apparel - clad chorus of the psych ward. A few people truly stand out -- Adriene Couvillion, as the inescapably sexy and inhumanely flexible naughty nurse (nymphomania, anyone?) Couvillion's character provides a much-needed thread of continuity from one tableau to the next, and, luckily for the audience, also gets her due stage time...which she generously shares with her fabulous vajay (I'm sorry, it needed to be said.) Eddie Cooper is also fantastic as a larger-than-life drag queen dishing about kleptomania. And what would a night at the theater be without a little narcissism? Carl Anthony-Tramon handles it like a pro.
Matthew Neff's choreography is fierce, and, one imagines, could be even more mind-blowing in a larger performance space. The show's creators hope to keep this project moving towards bigger and better things. After some tweaking, crowds will surely line up for visitation hours.
through april 5th @ seaport! -- yes, this is the name of the theater, and yes, it is hard to find, even when using the map function on your iphone. arrive early.
