Theatre Review >> Love Me Deadly

My first kudos has to go to the writer Mathew Sklar for coming up with such an original story concept and keeping the characters alive, interesting, creepy and funny. Imagine a man meeting a woman who is not what she appears to be. This woman takes control of men and, let me just say, she is definitely NOT someone you want to meet in a dark alley.

Director Sebastian Munoz does an insightful and clever job of making this ‘radio play’ fun, funny and at the same time a little scary. Sebastian’s choice for pantomime, lighting and uniquely timed sound effects and staging of the performances made this a wonderful piece to watch.

Now about the performers, I must give a special nod to Harry Hart-Browne who plays Gus, a washed-up drunkard type (and for good reason) who gives an amazing monologue that literally explains the history of what turns out to be a very troubled ”woman.” Harry gave reasons for the audience to applaud because he does an amazing emotional and passionate appeal to try and save a young man from what could be his doom by telling a story in a very convincing way.

Leading the story is Cory Wyszynski who once again gives a broad spectrum performance of a man named Sam who has no idea what is in store for himself. Cory is great with his expressions and comic timing  and, with his reactions, has a great chemistry with Willy Romano-Pugh playing his best friend Bobby who sees the trouble looming and can’t stop his friend from an obvious disaster. Willy does a nice job in letting the audience know how we are feeling and has the passion and conviction to keep on trying to save his friend. Both Cory and Willy are fun to watch as they play off each other and their chemistry seems very real.

Now throughout this whole play Corey Zicari plays a picture perfect radio announcer and sound effects technician extraordinaire. Corey’s energy and ability to switch character modes by simply putting on a hat or a pair of glasses is quite entertaining.  She's constantly in sync with her sound effects and extremely funny with her period commercial readings which are read in the exact style of the old golden age radio spots of yesteryear.

Now all this is sandwiched in between the comical interpretation and explanation of the “Narrator” who makes sure you know where you are, where it might be going and why. Verbosely funny, Matt Sklar does a fantastic job of making you aware of what’s going on and maybe the ‘real’ reasons why. And yes, this comical announcer is also the inventive writer of this production! Bravo Matt!

Now, guiding the characters through their daily jaunt and offering advice, even when not asked for it,  is the sharply performed part of Alice, played with such humor and snarkiness by Caroline Montes. Caroline will make you laugh more than once and eventually you see her secret desire and understand what she wants too.

Last but not least, you can’t have a spooky ghost story without a creepy antagonist. Erin Cate does an amazing job at ‘creeping’ you out in non-obvious ways by playing Fiona. Erin plays sultry and seductive to the tee and when she reels her prey into her web...she… I won’t say anymore, but keep your eye on her!

I can’t really tell you how much of a wonderful play this really is. It’s fun, funny, often a little on the creepy side and still has surprises, amazingly fun sound effects and one other thing, an eerie and enchanting score played live through the talents of musician Kevin Van Cott. Kevin’s accompaniment really enhances the production. This is not for the really, really young, but this might send a chill or two in the kids (young adults) as well. You gotta see this! Check them out atwww.ZombieJoes.com.

Photo Credit: Adam Neubauer.
TOP, Left To Right: Willy Romano-Pugh, Erin Cate, Cory Wyszynski, Caroline Montes, Harry Hart-Browne.
BOTTOM, Left to Right: Corey Zicari, Matt Sklar, Kevin Van Cott