Review by anonymous
June 08, 2016What I liked
It’s all about survival, right? Well, for young humans survival is a little more complex. “Cockroach Dialogues,” the latest offering from Second Skin Theater, takes a look at hunger – physical so-broke-you-can’t-feed-yourself hunger as well as the “yearning for Hollywood success” variety – and concludes that cockroaches of both the human and insect varieties know a lot about both, if only we would listen.
Tea, in a heartbreaking performance by Kate Poisson, is a lovely singer-songwriter who has fallen into depression. Her boyfriend Wayne, an aspiring actor played by Mark Binet, is on the verge of a major breakthrough – maybe. In the meantime, he’s getting advice from an unexpected source. Demetris Hartman, in a hilarious performance as a giant sentient (possibly imaginary) talking roach, makes his position perfectly clear; he just wants to eat. Do Tea and Wayne have the talent and drive to be top-feeders in Hollywood? The roach doesn’t think so, but you can’t eat dreams. Jay Lawrence Kiman, as wonderfully creepy Bob, is certain that Tea has what it takes – but at what cost?
What I didn't like
I went on preview night while the cast was still chasing the bugs out of dark corners – I look forward to seeing them squished by the end of the Fest!
My overall impression
Hollywood Fringe shines a light into dark corners that might be best left unexplored, but “Cockroach Dialogues,” written by William Whitehurst and directed by Andy McQuade is simply delightful. It is at turns funny and grave. It’s thought-provoking and dynamic with solid performances and witty dialogue. Talent? Luck? Where’s the food?
