ARTISTIC VISION POPS WITH EXPLOSIVE DIALOGUE.Byline: Julio Martinez Correspondent Coinciding with vice presidential candidate Joseph Lieberman's recent anti-Tinseltown political rhetoric and the Federal Trade Commission's condemnatory report that ``Hollywood has systematically marketed violent, adult-oriented films, music and video games to children,'' the folks at North Hollywood-based El Portal Center El Portal Center is a regional 385,000 square foot indoor mall located in the north Rio Grande bank in downtown Laredo, Texas[1]. It was previously known as the River Drive Mall until 2003 when Morgan Stern Realty bought it and renovated it. for Arts could not have planned a more appropriate time to offer the American premiere of British writer Ben Elton's searing sear 1 v. seared, sear·ing, sears v.tr. 1. To char, scorch, or burn the surface of with or as if with a hot instrument. See Synonyms at burn1. 2. black comedy, ``Popcorn.'' Winner of London's 1998 Laurence Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, the play sets up a decidedly deadly pas de deux pas de deux (French; “step for two”) Dance for two performers. A characteristic part of classical ballet, it includes an adagio, or slow dance, by the ballerina and her partner; solo variations by the male dancer and then the ballerina; and a coda, or between vainglorious gore meister film director Bruce Delamitri (Maxwell Caulfield) and grungy grun·gy adj. grun·gi·er, grun·gi·est Slang In a dirty, rundown, or inferior condition: grungy old jeans. [Origin unknown. but media-wise young serial killer Wayne Hudson (David Faustino). The action, set in the upscale Beverly Hills home of Delamitri, focuses on the misadventures of the thoroughly selnvolved director on the day of and the morning after his triumphant Oscar win. Just as he is about to reap his post-victory carnal rewards with luscious Playmate centerfold cen·ter·fold n. 1. A magazine center spread, especially a foldout of an oversize photograph or feature. 2. a. The subject of a photograph used as a centerfold, often a nude model. b. Brooke Daniels (Maria Cina), Delamitri finds himself staring eye level ot a huge pistol held by diminutive but lethal Hudson, who is accompanied by his equally armed lady friend, Scout (Jill Marie Simon). The pair, who have received nationwide notoriety as the Mall Killers, have come up with a master plan to escape culpability culpability (See: culpable) for their string of 57 murders. They want Delamitri to go on nationwide TV to admit the director's ultra-violent films are responsible for their psychopathic psy·cho·path·ic adj. 1. Of, relating to, or characterized by psychopathy. 2. Relating to or affected with an antisocial personality disorder that is usually characterized by aggressive, perverted, criminal, or amoral behavior. behavior. The proceedings evolve into a kind of philosophical joust joust: see tournament. between imperious Delamitri and red-neck Hudson about who is ultimately responsible for the social savagery that is hyped by the news media and the entertainment industry. Pointing out the lack of imposed justice in the O.J. Simpson and Lorena Bobbitt cases, Hudson proclaims, ``No one is to blame in this country.'' Delamitri is just as determined that the guilt lies within a morality-deprived society that his films entertain but do not incite To arouse; urge; provoke; encourage; spur on; goad; stir up; instigate; set in motion; as in to incite a riot. Also, generally, in Criminal Law to instigate, persuade, or move another to commit a crime; in this sense nearly synonymous with abet. . Not all the agenda-driven dialogue rings true. The conversational interplay between the two often sounds like an exchange of pat slogans, as in Hudson's condemnation of class structure, ``Half of America is living only for the entertainment of the other half.'' But the playwright's moralistic statement is devastatingly realized by a first-rate ensemble under the fluid, insightful direction of Jeremiah Morris. And there is no denying the riveting power of the play's lethal conclusion. The intense hilarity that imbues the production is mainly due to the brilliant performance of Faustino in a decided about-face from his role as the much put upon Bud Bundy in the long-running Fox series ``Married ... With Children.'' His Hudson is an inherently bright, vulgar, fun-loving reactionary whose life has been totally shaped and validated by violence. It is truly comical to watch his street-level media skills as he takes over the direction of a TV news conference. Faustino is supported immeasurably by Simon's adroit outing as Hudson's simple-minded but adoring lady love, Scout. The pair create an infectious aura of worshipful wor·ship·ful adj. 1. Given to or expressive of worship; reverent or adoring. 2. Chiefly British Used as a respectful form of address. disciples who are truly honored to be in the presence of their idol, yet are totally prepared to annihilate an·ni·hi·late v. an·ni·hi·lat·ed, an·ni·hi·lat·ing, an·ni·hi·lates v.tr. 1. a. To destroy completely: The naval force was annihilated during the attack. him and anybody else without a second thought. Caulfield (``The Colby's,'' Comedy Central's ``Strip Mall'') is properly aloof and imperious as the filmmaker who is prepared to let people die rather than admit his gory action flicks could influence anybody's personality or behavior. He is particularly effective when Delamitri tricks Hudson into debating him on live television. A real find in this production is the sensual yet comical outing of Cina as the sex symbol who is determined to be respected as an actress. Also deserving mention are Julie Cobb's (``Charles in Charge'') effective turn as the director's monumentally materialistic wife and Rosemary Morgan's believable portrayal as his sarcastic, industry brat daughter. The El Portal Center for the Arts, which has endured many slings and arrows in its debut season, should be lauded for its brave vision in bringing this cutting-edge stage work to Los Angeles. It gives positive evidence that artistic vision is alive and well in the San Fernando Valley San Fernando Valley Valley, southern California, U.S. Northwest of central Los Angeles, the valley is bounded by the San Gabriel, Santa Susana, and Santa Monica mountains and the Simi Hills. . ``POPCORN'' Where: El Portal Center for the Arts, 5269 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood. When: 7 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 and 7 p.m. Sunday; through Oct. 1. Tickets: $25 to $42. Call (818) 508-4200. Our Rating: Three stars |
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