What I liked
When personifying the legendary Charlie Chaplin, silence plays an enormous role in the success of said personification. SMILE shares movie clips with words that give audiences a taste of what viewing these early movies must have been like. I gobbled that up! These movie images also share historical information about the war and other heavier topics.
With a very minimal set design of two chairs, a table, a coat rack, the audience focuses all attention on Cole. There are a few costume pieces handy – namely a few hats, a wig, a woman’s stole, and his trusty cane. The real star of the technical design elements is the sound and music! Both are utterly transformative in helping to place the show.
And lastly, I applaud Cole’s charisma. He is charming as he flirts with the audience.
What I didn't like
There were a few times when Cole was changing attire and neither movie clip, nor sound
was playing. That’s an area that can be smoothed out.
Additionally, while audience interaction is always lively, perhaps less is more. Some might not be enthusiastic participants, others might be too much.
My overall impression
For those searching for a show that celebrates the nostalgia about the silent era in American film, SMILE is a “Gold Rush” of a solo performance! Australian performer Marcel Cole is in a class all by himself. Of course, his chosen tribute, Charlie Chaplin, was also a five-star multi-hyphenate who made cinematic history. Perhaps Cole is Chaplin reincarnated, who knows?
What I do know is that Cole’s mastery of pantomime, clowning, ballet and audience interaction, make SMILE a unique blend of fun and facts. Yes, the show is most assuredly a comedy; however, this homage does deal with dark themes of the time period.
