What I liked
Johnny, as always, has the looks, the poise, the talent and the diction to hold the stage for a full evening, and it’s a pleasure to see him again, managing a stage full of props and (often zany) costumes and the characters that inhabit them.
What I didn't like
The use of amplified sound turns out to be problematic! It’s GOOD to be able to hear everything Johnny says, both directly to his audience and in the context of his invented scenes—-but he acts against actresses who are NOT miked, an apparent and off-putting imbalance. One “scene”, involving a live piano, is so misconceived that the music actually buries all the dialogue! Think Twice, guys!
My overall impression
Italian actor JOHNNY CANNIZZARO (2Ns,2Zs) has been around the block but could still double for Robert Downey any day of the week! Now he’s concocted an 85-minute self-showcase that displays his considerable acting chops more than his writing ones, abetted by three girls of varying talents. And to be sure those filling his 70 seats are happy they came to his very “off-Hollywood” venue (the century-old Women’s Club on LaBrea above Hollywood Blvd) he fields a free feast and a modest admission price! Why? He deserves to collect Full Market Value more than most of his Fringe competitors for the fine time he provides!
