The opening production is entitled, Under Andrea.
A funny story with an old message that purposely highlights the stereotypical Hollywood bosses who run big studios. Then throw in some overzealous film school graduates dying for a coveted assistant position and it becomes a poignant and humorous story.
All the acting is top notch and the writing by Ken Levine and David Isaacs shows us of the strength and style of their prior success on television.
No surprise that they have numerous Emmys between them. In this scenario, Andrea (Jules Wilcox) is feisty, hungry, insensitive, and constantly trying to keep her high status in the Hollywood arena. She’ll do anything to keep at the top of the heap. She may be bitchy but tries at not being a complete monster. Jules definitely fits the bill in this role. One would think she actually had done her character’s job before; as she struts across the stage as a strong independent woman who is smart and ruthless. Her soft side is revealed when she decides to keep all of the interns that are vying for a limited number of positions. Given the credentials of the writers, it becomes clear that this story is not just imaginary, but unfortunately mimics true Hollywood reality. The actors who play the interns all do a really nice job as anxious Ivy League graduates with stars in their eyes. An honest performance by everyone especially Sterling Sulieman, who seems very comfortable in his role as Ernie.
The second story Over my Head, is a true testament to overly nice people everywhere.
Unable to say no, Bob is caught up in a whirlwind of crazies that take full advantage of his nice guy persona. He wants to help and connect so badly with the world that he answers a crisis hotline for fun; dates a bizarre and needy women, and allows a wack-o to overtake his apartment for the weekend. Bob needs help, more than that he needs someone who is not in the above category. In writing this skit, Richard Dresser does more than just make us chuckle, he taps into our most basic primal needs; love, loneliness, sadness and fear. Peter Gardner plays Bob a natural on the stage with a long list of television credits to his name. He is perfect in this role of a semi-bumbling loner who really craves any human connection. Carol, the desperate fiancée is played by Teresa Ganzel. She is wonderful in this role and reminiscent of Gracie Allen in her voice and actions. She is also a veteran of stage and television appearing in over 30 sketches on the Johnny Carson Show.
Effed Up is the final production to these evenings’ performances.
Written deftly by Emmy and Golden Globe winner Russ Woody, this skit is so funny. The cast of characters delight the audience. It is full of smart jokes and comical situations we have seen before, however, here seems fresh and new. Poor Russell (Tony Nunes), the forgotten child in a family of self-centered insensitive “ mooks”. He is the only normal one, despite his private urges; he is the designated child to keep them all together. Hypochondriac mother, the resentful and bemused father, alcoholic sister, and of course the never-to-grow up brother all get together when family tragedy strikes. Can Russell remain true to his beliefs or get sucked into their ridiculous and humorous exploits? Although each character has been done before, the twist is the wonderful writing and casting. Each of their portrayals is the key to the success of Effed Up. They are all veterans of the stage and it shines through to the audience. Funny, predictable, yet very clever, this was my favorite for entertainment value.
In an area where many theaters exist, the Whitefire productions never disappoint.
It consistently offers top of the line work on stage. The producer, Jake O’Flaherty, has definitely picked a winner with Dead Pilots Society. None of these should be pilots on television; however, as a stage production they succeed. Coming to the Whitefire for this show is a requirement for a good laugh and a sincere chuckle. The acting is enjoyable to watch, the variety of writing is strong, and the audience responds with laughter and applause.
Hurry to the Whitefire to see this production.
Showing only on Mondays through July 20th at 8:00PM. Whitefiretheater.com or call (818) 990-2324 for tickets. The Whitefire Theater is on Ventura Blvd. in Sherman Oaks.