What I liked
A long time ago, in 2010 and 2011, when the Hollywood Fringe first stumbled onto Santa Monica Blvd., some theatre companies used it as a place to workshop new plays in front of a live crowd. Others used their appearances to preview work for their upcoming seasons. That rarely happens these days, but it hasn’t kept the Gangbusters Theatre Company—a troupe that’s never shied from controversy or bitch slapping audiences—-from workshopping a provocative new show this year, GLORYHOLE.
Todd (Patrick Flanagan), shocked by the death of his wife in a senseless random shooting, moves in with his brother-in-law (Christian Levatino) and his babe of a live-in girlfriend (Katie Cairo) only to discover they create and live stream loud, raucous porn every night on OnlyFans. Unable to sleep, he begins a long, merciless slalom through the crepuscular underworld of the many brutal ways humans mourn.
With the script being rewritten from show to show, it’s impossible to dive into any further critique of the play. Performances from the the cast who are sometimes just off book are surprisingly grounded. And while the show isn’t bitch slapping audiences quite yet, Christian Levatino and company are finding the light at the end of that long dark hole in the wall.
What I didn't like
… will be improved if you show up and give your feedback to the Gangbusters Theatre Co.
My overall impression
Be part of the workshopping process and help give audiences the head clearing bitch slap they deserve.
