What I liked
Written in the style of a late night SNL sketch (but with none of the X-rated language bleeped for television), each actor quickly captures the essence of his or her character. From Don Schlossman’s befuddled and utterly clueless Al Gore to Dennis Delsing’s southern-fried Senator Hollings, this bunch goes for it and, for the most part, they do it successfully, especially a charismatic Drew Fitzsimmons (Frank Zappa) and passionately rough Terry Tocantins (Dee Snider). But it is the soft-spoken Scott Nelson who stuns as the late all-American folk singer, John Denver. It isn’t an impersonation so much as it is his uncanny ability to step into Denver’s rhythm and soulful presence that is so fascinating.
What I didn't like
One other reason to see the show – guitarist Rick Steier, who has played with everyone from Kingdom Come, Wild Horses, and Van Halen to Metallica, Bon Jovi and Warrant – provides the scene change music. My only beef, whether it’s before, during, or after the show, he’s got to play a full song. You can’t waste that kind of talent as only incidental music.
My overall impression
Porn Rock is a must-see for anyone who values their constitutional rights. Period. The language alone is so jaw-droppingly funny that you’ll swear it isn’t authentic, and that’s the beauty of it. It is. Tipper Gore really quoted the lyrics to The Mentors’ song “Golden Showers”…on C-SPAN, in front of a congressional audience…and it is part of the permanent record. Think about that for a minute.
