Aqua Force
Aqua Force
By Ira Sargent
Directed by Winn Emerson
Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Purple Venue</strong>
Super heroes aren’t supposed to die, but sometimes their super power gets dated and employment is hard to come by. After Aquaman (Bruce Costella) lost his sidekick Aqualad to the Black Manta (Ahmed Brooks): first he was depressed, and then he was down sized. The Justice League doesn’t feel the breathing underwater or talking to fish is that critical anymore. Even Lex Luthor (Alex Hehr) over at “Legion of Doom” is uninterested and an interesting question drifts by: can a superhero commit suicide by jumping off a bridge, presumably one over dry land. He tries counseling (Courtney K Kirby) and dating (Pamela Miller) but he’s still at odd and ends. Can this lost soul reground himself, or is a super power just a disability that cuts you off from society as cruelly as leprosy?
Funny and personal, this show flies along with silly scenes, touching moments and a real soul. Mr. Costella seems genuinely hurt by rejection, and finding a friend in an old enemy is a nice touch. Ms. Kirby is both a nurturing councilor and well as a spoiled date looking hook up with a super hero, but not one that smells of Omega 3 Fatty Acids. Mr. Brooks plays several competing super heroes with panache, and Mr. Hehr gets all the utility roles including Superman, Lex Luthor and The Guy Who Moves Props. Lastly there Ms. Miller, her best role was as Cat Woman: she loved the smell of Aqua’s slime but hissed at him anyway. Here’s a cute but fluffy hour for all those people who ask the question:” Just how lame a super power do you need to have before they WON’T make you into a comic book?” There may be no limit, and I can’t wait for the next issue of “Proper Punctuation Man” to hit the stands.
This commentary was based on a technical rehearsal.
This production is part of the 2014 Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. Information on tickets and show times may be found at http://OrlandoFringe.org/
