It has been a long time since I’ve seen live theater. I’m a big movie fan. I like the shiny glossy feel of the big screen at my local mega-super-plex, or in the comfort of my own home. Every so often, my wife and I will go see Comedy Sports in Calhoun Square for something different. We always have a good time. We always talk about seeing more live productions and support the local theater community, but we never do.
When Aaron Christopher put the post card for his new play, American Apathy, in my hand at work, I thought, “Here is the opportunity.” I went online to Urban Samurai and got tickets. I was familiar with only the comedy routines that he and Ian Swanson put together to entertain the bigwigs at work and relieve stress in Customer Service.
American Apathy is a show that should not be missed. It is timely commentary on the current state of the American consumer mentality. Christopher’s slick dialogue and potent scenes of domestic dystopia are an eye opening mixture of economic blunders, shaken, not stirred with marital misfortunes.
I just couldn’t help but see a little of myself in Judy Cummings (played by Melissa Bechthold) and Ron Cummings (played by Nate Hessburg) as they try to pretend that everything is alright in the world. When the situations teeter toward the edge, toward having to admit that not everything is okay, go shopping. My weakness is ebags. When I’m stressed out and need to escape, I shop for messenger bags. As a result, I have closet full of them.
However, the Cummings have much bigger problems. Not only do they try to keep up with the Joneses Elaine (played by Marcia Svaleson) and David (played by Ryan Grimes). Elaine and David have their share of problems. They solve everything through a new purchase. David even admits that the best way to turn Elaine on and “she opens like a pair of salad tongs” is to remodel something in their home. Remodeling being ultimate expression of love, not because he knows Elaine would like to remodel, but because it is expensive will shut her up for at least a week.
In between each powerful scene, as the set is changed, a slideshow keeps the audience's attention. These slides are commercials for products and feelings mentioned in the play. There are several for pills that claim to provide happiness. Others for two-for-one chainsaws - don’t be caught with only one – or Hummers or products to help with whatever ails you. The point, you can buy happiness, if you spend enough.
As you can see, I’m quite excited about American Apathy. Here are the details, don’t miss your opportunity to see Christopher’s apocalypse of the American way of life.
American Apathy
Now Playing at:
When Aaron Christopher put the post card for his new play, American Apathy, in my hand at work, I thought, “Here is the opportunity.” I went online to Urban Samurai and got tickets. I was familiar with only the comedy routines that he and Ian Swanson put together to entertain the bigwigs at work and relieve stress in Customer Service.
American Apathy is a show that should not be missed. It is timely commentary on the current state of the American consumer mentality. Christopher’s slick dialogue and potent scenes of domestic dystopia are an eye opening mixture of economic blunders, shaken, not stirred with marital misfortunes.
I just couldn’t help but see a little of myself in Judy Cummings (played by Melissa Bechthold) and Ron Cummings (played by Nate Hessburg) as they try to pretend that everything is alright in the world. When the situations teeter toward the edge, toward having to admit that not everything is okay, go shopping. My weakness is ebags. When I’m stressed out and need to escape, I shop for messenger bags. As a result, I have closet full of them.
However, the Cummings have much bigger problems. Not only do they try to keep up with the Joneses Elaine (played by Marcia Svaleson) and David (played by Ryan Grimes). Elaine and David have their share of problems. They solve everything through a new purchase. David even admits that the best way to turn Elaine on and “she opens like a pair of salad tongs” is to remodel something in their home. Remodeling being ultimate expression of love, not because he knows Elaine would like to remodel, but because it is expensive will shut her up for at least a week.
In between each powerful scene, as the set is changed, a slideshow keeps the audience's attention. These slides are commercials for products and feelings mentioned in the play. There are several for pills that claim to provide happiness. Others for two-for-one chainsaws - don’t be caught with only one – or Hummers or products to help with whatever ails you. The point, you can buy happiness, if you spend enough.
As you can see, I’m quite excited about American Apathy. Here are the details, don’t miss your opportunity to see Christopher’s apocalypse of the American way of life.
American Apathy
Now Playing at:
Waring Jones Theater
2301 East Franklin Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55406-1099
April 4-27
Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm
Sundays at 2 pm
Regular Tickets:General $14 on-line $16 at the door
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