The Undead Acts
The Undead Acts
Written by Terri Giannoutsos and Mazzeo Payne
Directed by Terri Giannoutsos
Mad Madame Payne Productions
Theatre Downtown, Orlando FL</strong>
Why Zombies? Because they SEEEEELLLLLL!, we established that at this year’s Fringe. And now we have two one act plays filling the late night slot on a suitably Gothic set for “Divine Sister.” The first event is “For Love or Brains.” Even high level executives can get the undead itch, and CEO Milton (Dan “Mongo” Nichols) is reduced to communicating his policies via electronic squawk box. His handler (Anthony Vito) seem uncertain of his lines, rumor has it he first saw the script about dinner time so I won’t hold it against him. Its not clear what going on but a Tim Curry style hooker (Brian Thompson) runs across stage occasionally, and a loose collection of well costumed but confusing characters interact with Milton. Sure, he munches a few brains and I loved his make up but it’s not clear what we supposed to carry home after this exercise.
Intermission time and we are kicked out into the muggy lobby so the crew can set a couch and few microphone levels. “My Undead Ex.” was much nicer experience, the story made more sense and it had some very nice Lady Gaga style dance numbers. Sophie (Caitlin Carney) and Vickie (Pam Stone) are on the rocks; it seems Vickie is spending way too much time with flaming Ryan (Mark Bradley) which makes Sophie morph in a zombie version of herself (Katrina Johnson). The bitchy relationship and Ryan’s flamboyance sold the show, and their production numbers were the frosting on this blood and brain casserole. It’s all light weight fun and just the sort of show to catch late at night with a tropical storm bearing down on your weekend.
