Must see theatre: Southern Gothic Novel: The Aberdeen, Mississippi Sex-Slave Incident

March 31, 12:40 AMNY Broadway Theater ExaminerSuzanna Bowling

Great theatre doesn't just happen on Broadway. Sometimes, it happens in what seems like somebody's living room. Such is the case of Southern Gothic Novel: The Aberdeen, Mississippi Sex-Slave Incident. Following along the lines of the ancient tradition of storytelling, Frank Blocker brings this tale to a marvelously flamboyant life. (This should all be read in the most blatant of southern accents) Love struck Viola, falls in love every other day and this time, she has her sights set on  luscious Mark Julius, a handsome stranger who gives her his handkerchief. To her this is what romantic novels refer to as a token of his affection. Viola spends the whole drama in search of Mr. Right as Big Otis, her mama, Mrs. Wong and her real true love Jimmy Townsend appear. Actually Mr. Blocker has 17 characters up his sleeve. My favorite was the June bug who crawls up the wall and swarms through the night sky. Mr. Blocker breaths into each one of these characters a full spectrum of dimensions. Talented doesn't seem enough when describing Frank Blocker as he also wrote this piece which makes you feel as if you entered the twilight zone and come out into Aberdeen. By the time you leave you will know its smells, its quirks and above all its essence. No props, no costumes (unless you count the Hawaiian shirt he wears) but pure theatrical enjoyment. Cheryl King directs this tour de force piece and allows her actor the freedom of self expression. Southern Gothic Novel only plays on Wednesday at the Stage Left Studio Theater 438 West 37th Street, Manhattan; (212) 868-4444. This will be one of the best ways you can spend $25.