What I liked
The story, the cast, the costumes, the set, the music, the food, and… THE CAST again!!! Wow.
What I didn't like
Zero, zilch, nada. I had no idea an immersive experience could be this cool :)
My overall impression
I loved this show! A true testament to Kristen Boule, Tiffany Asta, and Scott Golden’s collective and irresistible adventurous spirit, Welcome to the Neighborhood is a non-stop blast. As you make your way around the BBQ, you are introduced to the characters, (all of whom are absolutely pitch-perfect) and then hilarity and intrigue begin to effortlessly unfold from all sides around you.
(As with every immersive Kristen Boule joint,) I had no idea what to expect when we showed up at a slightly out of the way spot in Hollywood that immediately took me back to the 50’s, but the cast expertly enveloped us right into their story and I have to say, there is nothing quite like it. Seriously. Leigh Wulff, Peter Fluet, Dana DeRuyck, Lucas Alifano, Sam Sheeks, Everjohn Feliciano, Kelly O’Mally, Joe Hernandez-Kolski, and Gregory Guy Gorden deserve a ton of credit for making this brain-tickling experience sling-shot to life right from the start, before your very eyes (and tastebuds… did I mention, they have food and drinks too!) I really think this show is a must-see (or must-experience) because, how often to you get to interact with electric actors popping off scenes every which way, organically manifesting from nothing as you mingle? There’s really no way to describe how that feels as an “audience member.”
Linda Muggeridge’s costumes are perfect (as always) and they brilliantly compliment the actors, along with the set and the music, to transport you back in time with ease. Welcome to the Neighborhood is truly an authentically satisfying story-telling achievement and I certainly hope people flock to it while they can, because it is a do-not-miss theatre experience!
