Not everyone can write a play. Even fewer can write a musical. From those that are written, the pool of productions that are worth their weight kittens is moreso a pond than a pool. Ellen Warkentine and Andrew Pedroza (aka LN&AND) dove deep into the depths of creative innovation and have found inspiration in one of the most accessible resources in our society—the internet. “I Can Has Cheezburger” and “LOLcats” are websites showing animals (predominantly cats) with clever captions stamped on the pictures. That’s it. Cats. Captions. Ok, and Cheezburgers. These internet galleries are often accessed for little pick me ups and moments of laughter to share with your friends that have not met the LOLcats, but what LN&AND did is create a full-length, rock opera of finicky felines.
The Garage Theatre, in their 10th anniversary season, has opened their latest production with LOLpera, “an epik opera about teh internets.” Jessica Variz directs this world premiere, and it’s only scheduled to run through the last weekend of October, so go buy your tickets online now (click here) and then read on.
Ellen Warkentine, who you may recognize from the original production of Four Clowns from the 2010 Hollywood Fringe Festival, and Andrew Pedroza, who could lead an entire country with voice alone (which he essentially did as Peron in CSULB’s Evita), wholly (LOLly?) embody the essence of theatre. What is readily available to millions of people, created by those people, and enjoyed by the same people, has been given cohesive life by this pair of performers. The hundreds, maybe even thousands, or tens of thousands, of people that have captioned LOLcats photos probably just thought they were being clever in that one instance. Through an inquisitive eye, LN&AND have revealed a never-ending story in these “kittehs.”
The year is 2084 and if George LOLwell existed, he may have written this book. Fortunately for us, “the entire libretto has been made from LOLcat images,” shares Warkentine. Astro Cat (Michael Burdge) embarks on a hero’s journey for the Kittehs’ Holy Grail—the cheezburger. Precious Cat (Sayaki Miyatani) just wants a hug from Astro Cat. Gutter Cat (Dinah Steward) wants a revolution. LOLrus (Anthony Pedroza) wants a…Wait. Back up. Before any of these cats (and the walrus), there was Ceiling Cat, and He watches you do everything—yes, everything—even that. And if there’s a Ceiling Cat (Steve Sornbutnark), there’s a fallen Basement Cat (Angel Correa).
Even if you went online and searched for any of these ceLOLbrities, it wouldn’t do you any good. Variz’s direction of Warkentine’s and Pedroza’s genius libretto completely takes you by surprise in their magnificent compilation. Is this a perfect production? No. Will it be one of the most memorable productions ever? Quite possibly. Is this the best production open right now? Abso-&$*#&-lutely. With a rock opera based on internet images, a few challenges arise, including musical ability and, well, the internet images. Although it is helpful to have the pertinent photos/captions displayed, it’s possible you could miss a few action bits while marveling at the itteh bitteh kitteh committeh. (The plus side to this? You can always go see it again, and this show you may just want to. And again. And again.) In regards to music, LN&AND are amazing artists alone and their grasp for musicality and theatre is wonderful. However, a kitteh or two may not have the range for what is in the score, but it may not be noticeable to an untrained ear. On the other paw, Dinah Steward is absolutely cat-tastic as Gutter Cat; not just her voice (which is commanding and beautiful), but also her entire presence on stage is completely amazing.
Overall, if you happen to miss LOLpera, you should make an offering to Ceiling Cat in hopes of an extension or a revival. Ellen Warkentine (and her onstage band), Andrew Pedroza, and Jessica Variz (with her litter of designers and performers) have created a hilarious evening at the theatre with found lyrics and a celestial vision. If you can’t purchase tickets online (because they may very well be sold out by the time you get down here), get to The Garage early. They offer a handful of first-come, first-serve platform seats at the door (cash only) before each performance.
If by chance you’ve missed the message along the way: Go see LOLpera.
Rating: 5 out of 5…paws? 9 out of 9 lives.
LOLpera by Ellen Warkentine and Andrew Pedroza, directed by Jessica Variz at The Garage Theatre.
September 30 - October 29, 2011
Thursday, Friday, Saturday nights @ 8pm
Buy Tickets @ www.thegaragetheatre.org
Or by phone 1.866.811.4111
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