Photo by Grafton Doyle
‘Pizza Man’ written by Darlene Craviotto is the second production I’ve seen by the Pop Up Theater and once again they did not disappoint.
The POP UP THEATER was founded in 2014 by a group of extremely talented thespians who realized that exciting theatre in LA needed some help, and created a company that brings immersive and interactive performances to the audience. They find non-traditional performance spaces that embody the character of the work and make both site and audience part of the story.
When we walk into their new venue, we find ourselves inside a Hollywood loft apartment in the 1980’s. It’s here we meet Julie Rodgers (the wonderful Emma Chandler) who is on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Her boss made a pass at her that she rejected so she’s without a job, broke, disillusioned, and it seems may also have a problem with alcohol.
One thing’s for sure, she’s definitely not looking forward to her self-absorbed roommate, Alice (the excellent Raleigh West) coming home. But, of course, that’s exactly what happens. Alice is also on the verge of a breakdown, having just been dumped by her married lover.
After much hysterical sharing, bickering, and girl-bonding, these two women come to realize that all their troubles stem from ‘men’ and that’s when Julie comes up with a plan … to find a man to rape.
Julie believes that by this act she will be taking revenge against every man that has ever dumped a girl, every boss that has ever harassed a woman and, well, you get the idea.
Alice is initially appalled by the idea but, eventually, Julie wears her down and she agrees to go along with the plan. The only problem is where do they find a man to rape?
Enter the Pizza Man, the sweet, vulnerable, happily-married Eddie (the very funny Freddy Giorlando) and “what happens next is comedic chaos at its best.”
Director Jamie Lou hits all the right notes and makes “Pizza Man” a definite “must see.” Lastly, someone should give these two actresses a sit-com fast. They’re that good.
“Pizza Man” opened on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018 at The Loft Space in Hollywood, located at 5426 Flemish Lane, Los Angeles. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and through Feb. 24, 2018.
Tickets are $25.00 for general admission and $35.00 for reserved seating. To Purchase tickets visit thepopuptheater.org or PIZZAMAN.eventbrite.com
