The final lines of the prologue quoted in the headline of this review:
Admit me chorus to this history; Who, prologue-like, your humble patience pray Gently to hear, kindly to judge our play.
"Popcorn Falls" is a gentle play hilariously representing many residents of this small town about to meet the fate of many such American towns ruined by commerce and political corruption, which will forever spoil it's natural beauty.
Many playwrights have dealt seriously with these themes, but the only way out for the mayor and residents of Popcorn Falls seems to be to "put on a show."
I will only say that the two comedic actors, Tom Souhrada and Adam Heller, representing all the 'characters' of the town do put on quite a show for us. It's farce at its extreme, but very funny and embedded with truisms that whiz by, leaving the audience surrounding us at last Thursday night's performance gasping for breath between laughs. And it's not all that unsophisticated.
At its conclusion we joined the audience with a standing "O."
@MaureenM Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I was invovled with the development of the show in Michigan, and can say that it is sweet, and hilarious. The only thing that would have surprised me is if a NYT reviewer was able to embrace it's tone, and heart without sneering. For what it's worth , 2 different theatres here in Michigan will be doing it this spring after the NYC run, and I'd bet real money they will entertain large audiences. So yes, please don't let this jaded review stop you from enjoying a fun, joyous, and heartwarming night out.
It would be a shame if this dour review killed this play. We saw it last night (there was a cute squirrel in their promo materials) and judging from the hilarious laughter and standing O, the squirrel delivered. It's not a play that deserves the description of the plot line given in this review. "Plot," if you mistakenly call it that, is merely a framework on which two talented comedic actors ply their trade. It's not all madcap: there's no little sophistication in many of the wry jokes about theater and our culture. Turn off the news and enjoy a night out in Popcorn Falls. I'm still laughing today.
The final lines of the prologue quoted in the headline of this review:
Admit me chorus to this history;
Who, prologue-like, your humble patience pray
Gently to hear, kindly to judge our play.
"Popcorn Falls" is a gentle play hilariously representing many residents of this small town about to meet the fate of many such American towns ruined by commerce and political corruption, which will forever spoil it's natural beauty.
Many playwrights have dealt seriously with these themes, but the only way out for the mayor and residents of Popcorn Falls seems to be to "put on a show."
I will only say that the two comedic actors, Tom Souhrada and Adam Heller, representing all the 'characters' of the town do put on quite a show for us. It's farce at its extreme, but very funny and embedded with truisms that whiz by, leaving the audience surrounding us at last Thursday night's performance gasping for breath between laughs. And it's not all that unsophisticated.
At its conclusion we joined the audience with a standing "O."
@MaureenM
Glad to hear you enjoyed it. I was invovled with the development of the show in Michigan, and can say that it is sweet, and hilarious. The only thing that would have surprised me is if a NYT reviewer was able to embrace it's tone, and heart without sneering. For what it's worth , 2 different theatres here in Michigan will be doing it this spring after the NYC run, and I'd bet real money they will entertain large audiences. So yes, please don't let this jaded review stop you from enjoying a fun, joyous, and heartwarming night out.
It would be a shame if this dour review killed this play. We saw it last night (there was a cute squirrel in their promo materials) and judging from the hilarious laughter and standing O, the squirrel delivered. It's not a play that deserves the description of the plot line given in this review. "Plot," if you mistakenly call it that, is merely a framework on which two talented comedic actors ply their trade. It's not all madcap: there's no little sophistication in many of the wry jokes about theater and our culture. Turn off the news and enjoy a night out in Popcorn Falls. I'm still laughing today.