What I liked
Kick Boom Theatre’s HOUSEWIFE ’52 begins with a jaw-dropping theatrical image that would be hard for most theatre companies to top, but not for John Wuchte and his inventive cast and crew. Kudos go to: Dagney Kerr, whose natural flow enhances her character as she’s haunted, seduced, harassed and then driven insane by her husband’s white dress shirts. Quincy Lou Huerter and Alexander Aguirre who deftly and poignantly portray how quickly two newlyweds can drift irreversibly apart. Michael Teoli’s evocative live musical score which touches on influences as diverse as Phillip Glass and Bill Evans. And the actors’ Escher-like theatrical movement, choreographed by Wuchte.
Those searching for a Fringe show with the heft of full production will find what they’re looking for here.
What I didn't like
The Broadwater Mainstage’s tricky acoustics can make it a challenging venue to mount a musical and made the actors hard to hear on a few occasions.
My overall impression
Kick Boom Theatre’s previous production, SCARLETT FEVER, made my list for the Ten Best L.A. theatre shows of the 2018-19 season, the ONLY Fringe show to do so that year. I think I’m gonna have to reserve a spot for HOUSEWIFE in 2022.
