“Elevator” Soars To The Heights

“Elevator” written and directed by Michael Leoni is one of the most original, entertaining plays I’ve seen in a very long time. From the moment I walked into the Coast Playhouse where the play now resides, I knew I was in for something special.

The play first opened in Los Angeles in 2010 and ran for a year.  It received rave reviews and played to sold out audiences. It garnered the esteemed Los Angeles Times Best Bet and Critics pick.

Leoni is not only a brilliant writer/director, his talent also lies in his casting, which is pitch perfect. Every cast member, including David Abed (Business Man), Willian Stanford David (Maintenance Man), Erica Katzin (The Temp), Karsen Rigby (Hot Girl), Kristina St. Peter (Goth Girl), Tyler Tanner (Cyrus and others), Deborah Vancelette (CEO Woman) and Devon Werkheiser (Musician) nails their parts and then some, bringing out all the multi layers that make up their characters psyche.

“Elevator” is not just original. It’s extremely funny, touching, insightful and full of surprises. The play begins with seven individuals entering a lobby and waiting for an elevator. When each character steps inside, they immediately, through the clever of use of voice over, judge each other by what they see.

But it doesn’t take long before preconceived notions, stereotypes and judgments are challenged at every turn as one by one the characters masks come off surprising the audience and each other.

In the end, ‘Elevator’ makes you stop and think that what a person looks like, is not always who they are.  Leoni,  uses lighting, music, sounds and movement to take the audience on an amazing and unforgettable trip.

‘Elevator’ opened on March 24th and the remaining performances in April are: Friday, the 14th, 21st, 28th;  Saturday the 15th, 22nd, 29th, Sunday the 16th, 23rd, and 30th

The Coast Playhouse is located at 8325 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069. Tickets are $40.00 and to purchase them, call 323-960-7787 or go to www.plays411.com.