| Theatre Review |
| Oh, Mortified Los Angeles. How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…I take theatre very seriously. I love an earth shattering, groundbreaking theatre experience that leaves its audience different and changed. And… I also love Mortified. Quite possibly the exact opposite of what I just described, but just as completely valid and important, with a chance of being even more enjoyable. Mortified is a night of truthful, engaging storytelling that will make you laugh about all the things you used to cry about as an angst filled, clueless teenager. Seriously… why haven’t you been?
In a few short weeks (October 19th, to be exact) Mortified LA is having their 9th anniversary show. You might want to grab your tickets now. A show that has been running for nine years must be on to something… right? What are you in for? The show takes place at the King King Bar in Hollywood. Get there closer to 7:00 pm (and grab a drink) in order to get a seat, otherwise wear comfortable shoes and be ready to stand. The show starts at 8:00. It opens with “The Mortified After School Orchestra” playing covers of your favorite 80’s tunes to put you in the mood. They play throughout… and they are fantastic. There are six-ish willing participants each show, reading excerpts from their actual teenage journals and diaries. There are photos of the participants with perms, braces, and glasses. Occasionally, drawings from a participant’s diary are shared; other times lyrics or letters of love. The show features new participants each month, but the winning recipe is carefully followed each time. Men and women of all races and sexual orientations share their coming of age victories and tragedies from their generational perspective… and the audience consistently responds with recognition and laughter. Oh yes, I said I would count the ways, let me see… It’s unique. It’s the only show of its kind in town (as far as I know) and they do it well. Open mike style but well rehearsed and edited down to create the perfect individual story as well a finely crafted evening as a whole. You will identify. No matter who you are and where you are from, you will see yourself in the shared stories. And you will laugh out loud. Often. I guarantee it. It’s better, and cheaper than therapy. Since I mentioned it, Mortified is a relatively inexpensive ticket. $15 if bought ahead, $20 at the door. Hello, that’s an innovative and saucy date idea if I’ve ever heard one! Go see the show and share an embarrassing story or two from your own life afterward! Bring a group of good friends and bond a little. Neil LaBute says, “Everyone has a story”. The creators of Mortified (Neil Katcher is the Director/Exec Producer. David Nadelberg is the Creator/Exec Producer and Ann Jensen is the Producer… and “mega babe”) have believed this to be true for nine years, and have a delightful way to sharing. People of Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, DC, Chicago, and beyond (yes, there are chapters in a growing number of cities) don’t miss your opportunity to hear the brilliant telling of them. WHAT: Mortified WHEN: Next Los Angeles show- Wednesday, October 19, 2011 TIME: 8:00 PM VENUE: King King ADDRESS: 6555 Hollywood Blvd., 90028 |
Seminar Recap