The Accidental Pervert has been playing in New York since January 23, 2010. It opened at the Players Theatre in The Village where it was extended three times. On July 15, 2011, it opened at the Thirteenth Street Repertory Theatre where is currently is residing. It is scheduled to play there until April 28, 2012.
All of this has occurred because it is a show that continues to do well at the box office. What makes it a show that continues to draw people in? There are several reasons why.
Written by Andrew Goffman and directed by Charles Messina, The Accidental Pervert is a one man show. It is Goffman's story as he plays the role of a man who tells the the story of how he learned to love pornography and how it ruled his life for a time. This sounds like it should be dark and depressing, but it is not. The antics that Goffman uses to tell the story make it light hearted as we start to see realism creeping in at the same time. These are things we don’t talk about too much, but we know they are there. And they way these things are presented we start to see how they can be a normal part of one’s life without making a person a degenerate. Suddenly, he “grows up” when he meets his future wife. The big turning point comes when he becomes the father of a baby daughter. He decides to “file away” the porn movies that he had inherited from his father who coincidentally also “filed them away” when he had his family years ago. The play has a knack for putting things into perspective so the darkness is removed. And the stories about family are touching at times.
Play goers who were around in the 60’s and 70’s will enjoy the references and props from items of those eras. There are some clever special effects used in the show to highlight some of these references which work very well.
Humor is another reason this show is drawing people. The script is written with many funny lines in it and some of the action that takes place adds to the humor of the moment. Goffman interacts at times with the audience as the theatrical fourth wall is broken, but it is never uncomfortable.
However, the biggest reason for seeing this show is to see Goffman perform the role. He is the accidental pervert with all his failings and successes along the way. As a comedic performer, he has the ability to get people to laugh, but recognize there is a subtle line between the humor and the reality of the situation. That which is funny covers some of the loneliness and lack of direction the character experiences. Goffman has a manner about him that is warm as well as funny making the audience feel like they are on this journey with him. They route for him during the show.
It would be advisable not to bring children to this show because of the subject matter. However, that being said, there are no graphic scenes that might cause an adult to gasp. Some things are left to the imagination which is fine, too.
The show plays on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:00 p.m. at the 13th Street Repertory Company, 50 West 13th Street - between 5th and 6th Avenues. Consult their website for ticket information.
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