What I liked
In a few musical numbers, Travis makes some dotted use of Nine Inch Nails’ “Wish” and Marilyn Manson’s “Dope Show” to look edgy, with naughty bits censored (punctuated)–to keep things clean, you know, for the parents. And some Lil Jon, LMFAO, and a smattering of other contemporary pop hits, to look hip. He quotes from “Hurt” in the program because how else can he properly prepare you for his downward spiral? He also has some musical treats of his own, such as "Smellay Lahk A Turkey," of which speaks for itself. All the while, Travis is not-so-blissfully unaware that a little more respect for a man, whose technical training and vocation skill he knows nothing about, could perhaps go a very long way for him. The result is a hilarious and self-aware tribute by Ritchey to the craft of acting, technical theatre, and Fringe festivals, with some poignant insight on that delicate eggshell walk it is to come out about a mental illness.
What I didn't like
I plan to see it again. I’ll get back to you. (For complete review see link.)
My overall impression
A “one-man show with a two-person cast,” the play hysterically goes to the mattresses with a solo show that uses the stage as a reason to regurgitate their life story; as a form of personal therapy; and as a vehicle for their own masturbatory amusement. “Blackboxing” also takes multiple nods and pot-shots at theatre community superstitions, overused dramatic standards, and novice Hollywood Fringe show producers’ unreasonable expectations, over-estimations, and underestimations–all to great comic effect.
