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Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park: Live! |
Through May 3, 2008
Reviewed by Chris Gibson
The unholy alliance of Hanna-Barbera and the rock group Kiss in 1978, produced the wretchedly goofy television movie, Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park. I must confess that I watched this as a teenager and found it truly awful, in a good way. Well, at least the music rocked. Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre makes their annual spring appearance with a staging of this gem. And, as in years past, they've managed to make a silk purse out of a sows ear, by mining this kitschy classic for all it's comic potential.
Before the featured attraction begins. the action is prefaced with two commercials and a preview trailer for the Star Wars Holiday Special. The first commerical riffs on Calgon and it's familiar "ancient Chinese secret", before taking a violent turn. The second one, for Pringles, features spot on recreations of the phony sincerity so prevalent in advertising. But, the best bit takes on the Star Wars Holiday Special and it's mind blowing combination of acting talent including: the Star Wars cast, Art Carney, Harvey Korman in drag, and the mellifluous (I'm kidding) vocal talents of Bea Arthur. Next up, is a condensed version of the original Kiss TV movie, but played for maximum laughs.
Theme park owner, Calvin Richards is concerned with shrinking attendance numbers and brings in Kiss to draw in a crowd. At the same time, he's decided to fire the man responsible for creating the cheesy animatronic figures that populate his attractions, Abner Devereaux. But, Devereaux is a mad-genius and he's been perfecting his robots in his underground lair. He's also created a device that will allow him to control humans, and have them do his bidding. His evil plans include replacing Kiss with robotic twins of his own design.
The entire cast is having serious fun reenacting this slice of warped 70's culture, but Jim Ousley makes a bid to steal the show by portraying lead singer Paul Stanley as a self-obsessed, preening poseur. Chris Jones is impressive as Gene Simmons, complete with ridiculously tall platform shoes. Ben Ritchie hits the mark as laidback drummer, Peter Criss. And Collin Preciado amuses as a spaced out Ace Frehley. Aaron Orion Baker is excellent as Devereaux, giving him just the right touch of insanity, but with tongue firmly planted in cheek. R.A. Flynn is solid as the theme park owner, looking for something more in his relationship with the crazed inventor.
The large ensemble is terrific in support including: Luke Lindberg, as Devereaux's enslaved assistant Sam, Diane Wittling as his concerned and persistent girlfriend, Melissa, and Julie Layton, Kimberly Sansone, Kurt Jarvis, Roger Erb, Adam Thenhaus, Jaysen Cryer and Amy Elz, in a variety of roles.
Donna Northcott's direction keeps this brief show moving at a good clip, but never too fast that you miss a punchline. The cast appears to be having a blast, and that translates to a good time for the audience as well. Writers Jim Dusley and Todd Gillenardo have crafted a hilarious adaptation.
Dave Froeckmann's set is nicely designed with panels that can switch between a Kiss logo backdrop, or the castle walls of the creepshow exhibit. Steve Moore's lighting is effective and adds a nice layer of excitement to the mimed song performances.
The Magic Smoking Monkey Theatre's hilarious presentation of Kiss Meets the Phantom of the Park: Live!, continues through May 3rd (2008), with showings at 8pm and 10:30pm at the Regional Arts Commission Studio Theatre. Call 314-361-5664 for more information.
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