The Renegade Theatre in Hollywood, California never disappoints. It is not the largest venue in town and there is no big orchestra pit to fill the room with beautiful sound. But what it may lack in physical size it more than makes up for in ingenuity and star level talent. This proves true once again with its latest offering, “Autobahn.”
Autobahn is described as a “Short-play cycle by Neil LaBute.” Neil LaBute is a very well regarded film director, screen writer and playwright. He was raised in Spokane, Washington and studied theatre at Brigham Young University. He produced a number plays some of which pushed the envelope to the point of being closed after the first performance. “Autobahn” is edgy but not in my view offensive. Much of it is frankly hilarious, but as the great comedian Larry Hankin once told me “all comedy is based in anger” and that seems supported in Autobahn.
The whole production is comprised of about a half dozen short one act plays each set in the front seat of an automobile. The opening act is essentially an extended monologue but delivered flawlessly and with riveting power. Yes it is replete with humor but concurrently disturbing as it portrays a young woman just released from a mental health institution that does not seem to have gained much mental health.
One of the most hilarious acts “All Apologies” stars Matt Gsell as a man in very big trouble for having used some very salty language directed at his wife while in a food store. He falls all over himself trying to extricate himself from the trouble his run away mouth has caused him. It is a true masterpiece executed splendidly by this young emerging actor.
Another of my favorites was the long and hilarious verbal dance between the cuckold husband and his morally challenged wife played by Chadbourne Hamblin and Natasha St. Clair – Johnson respectively. The audience is treated to film acting at its best on stage at the Renegade Theatre. The tortured face of Chad as he can’t escape the painful news from his wife about her recent business trip and some of the extracurricular activates that she engaged in is at the pinnacle of stage craft. And Natasha’s eloquent but warped attempt to spin her adulterous activities as an insignificant dalliance is pure brilliance even if disturbing.
This production is double cast so you will be treated to one of two groups of some of the best actors in Hollywood. Allen Williams directs both casts with great effect. It is unlike any other production I have seen at the Renegade or anywhere else for that matter. Go with the idea of being entertained and you will not be disappointed.
AUTOBAHN runs from October 27th through November 20th 2011 at the Renegade Theatre, 1514 N. Gardner Street (just off Sunset), Los Angeles, CA 90046. The shows are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturdays from 8 p.m. and Sundays 6 and 9 p.m. Sundays October 30th and November 13th are dark.
Tickets may be purchased at the door or to assure seating in advance at Plays 411 at this website: https://www.plays411.net/newsite/boxoffice/cart.asp?show_id=2920&skin_show_id=&orgin=guest
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