Review: Intimate Indoors Shares BUYER AND CELLAR and THE SKIVVIES

Two weekends ago, the Serenbe Playhouse brought BUYER AND CELLAR to Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams in Buckhead for its new Intimate Indoors series. The series strives to maintain The Playhouse's goal to be "site specific" and reach the audience living in metro Atlanta. An upscale furniture boutique, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams provided a classy but comfortable setting to engage in the evening's performances on Friday, May 20.

In one area of the store beside the stairs to the available seating, a small raised platform with a couple clear chairs acted as the basic stage. Attendees had the luxury of choosing their comfy spot, whether on a couch, ottoman, leather bench or even the plush-looking bed. Grays, tans and primarily whites dominated the color scheme, alluding to a calm, fresh environment with a trendy, urban vibe.

Nick Cearley, playing the role of Alex More in BUYER AND CELLAR, singlehandedly captured the essence of each impersonated character of which Alex recounts experiences with, including the distinctive voice and personality of Barbra Streisand, in this one-man show. Despite a stream of endless monologue, Cearley created a mood that felt as natural as a bunch of different actors playing the characters. He accomplished this through his telling facial expressions, clear articulation and accurate inflections. In parts of the show, his delivery and the references made elicited robust laughter nearly every other line.

Though a tight space to work with in comparison to a traditional stage, Cearley kept viewers' looks of intrigue and attention by maneuvering in and out of the floor space, even at various points kneeling down in the center of the room on an ottoman, offering audience members popcorn and laying in the bed. His storytelling abilities as Alex made 90 minutes fly by. Colored lights and sound effects, such as doors shutting or bells ringing, contributed to setting the scenes as well.

Following BUYER AND CELLAR was a one-night-only show by THE SKIVVIES, a duo comprised of incredibly talented musicians Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley. Wearing just their skivvies, the arrangements they sang and played were innovative and clever. Bringing special guests up on stage to perform with them, many of the simplified modern songs gave a new basic, acoustic perspective to overplayed radio hits or forgotten favorites. THE SKIVVIES were totally in sync with Intimate Indoors; the performance felt like having a casual concert in the living room with friends.

The smooth blend of Molina and Cearley's voices paired with their hilariously and intentionally awkward remarks and conversation throughout lightened the atmosphere. Their original pieces and mash-ups became more and more engaging with a fun energy and beautiful harmonies. A unique series of patriotic, America-themed songs ended on the comical note of, "United Strips of America." THE SKIVVIES are a must-see for a lively, unique musical experience.

For information regarding the next Intimate Indoors show in September, visit http://www.serenbeplayhouse.com/shows-events/special-events/intimate-indoors.

Photo Credit: Maggie Harney

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