Ionescopade, an episodic vaudeville for 7 actors and 3 musicians is a fast-paced comically driven entertainment based on the writings of Eugene Ionesco that runs through August 11 at the Odyssey Theatre in West LA. It is absurdist theatre at its laser-focused finest; a musical escapade that points up the pointless in life in a highly-stylized come-and-get-it fashion.
An excellent ensemble (Andrew Ableson, Joey D’Auria, Christina Gerla, Kelly Lester, Tom Lowe and Jennifer Malenke) performs tightly choreographed sequences connected by a silent clown revealed as the writer (Alan Abelew), who guides the audience with a twinkle in his eye and magic in his fingertips. Think fast, or don’t think at all, as you observe the changing tone of the pieces and begin to experience the madness. You’ll have your favorites among them. Mine included The Cooking Lesson, Madeleine, The Peace Conference, Bobby Watson’s ballerina sequence and wacky tap number, Wipe Out Games, and sections from The Bald Soprano. Bizarre, horrifying, gripping and funny as hell, you won’t find another show like it in L.A.
Through August 11, 2013
Taken from the works of Eugene Ionesco
Original concept by Robert Allan Ackerman
Music and lyrics by Mildred Kayden
Directed and choreographed by Bill Castellino
Musical direction by Gerald Sternbach
Produced by Ron Sossi
Tickets: www.odysseytheatre.com
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