UNREAL CITY

What I liked

This is the third Fringe show (The Truth, The Stars) that I have attended that has used the streets of Hollywood as its backdrop. Unreal City’s tone and narrative seems to integrate with the environment the most effectively out of the three. The use of Eliot’s poetry as the primary narrative structure was quite effective in creating a mood as well as a pertinent message in light of the news of the present day. The actors, for the most part, were deeply committed to their characters, enthusiastic, and good facilitators of the process (despite a few burps). Of special note was Eric Geller, who did a bang up job as our groups martinet of a guide. At the end of the day, this was a great way to spend an evening examining familiar streets in a completely different light.

What I didn't like

There were some timing issues, which I don’t know could have been completely eradicated due to scale and environment (to the cast’s credit, these were handled as best as possible.) There were a handful of cast members who delivered their lines with rather flattened affect which was incongruous with the others who were very much into their roles. Also, I would have loved to have spent a lot more time interacting with the characters in the final sequence of the show. There was a lot of opportunity to explore but inadequate time allotted.

My overall impression

Totally ambitious and earnestly executed. Despite a few timing lags, Fringe aficionados should just take the plunge and go on this most engaging walking tour of TS Eliot’s works.