Review: UPSTAGED - Extraordinarily Entertaining

The current production of UPSTAGED at the Back Pack is absolutely one of the most creative, surprising and entertaining pieces of theatre I've seen in years.

Using simple objects: paper, tape, furniture rollers, a table, a couple of chairs and some elastic the four performers create a world of fantasy and reality that is unmatched in its cleverness. Pete Betcher, Katie Kohler, Jason Morley and Jeremiah Rosenberger purely entertain the audience for 1 hour and 23 minutes, surprising us at every turn without speaking a single word. The production uses innovative technology to enhance the performance; a live video feed that captures the action on stage from above and is projected on the proscenium above the stage is perhaps the most brilliant part of the spectacle apart from the actors themselves. There are six separate stories that are told with different objects, all with outstanding music choices played in the background and all without a word. The scenes include The Magic Box, Soul Mates (a digital short), Hat Tricks, How to Wear Your Backpack and the perspective shifting Jetlag. My personal favorite was Table Topsy Turvy, possible the most head spinning of the scenes, a table, paper and tape is used to depict everything from a meal to evolution. Every moment is entertaining for every age. There were several children in the theatre and they giggled and applauded along with the adults, rapt until the end.

I genuinely wish I could describe the performance more fully, but to do that would spoil it. UPSTAGED is something that must be experienced and I urge you to attend this one of a kind evening of pure entertainment. I walked out of the building after the show with a smile on my face and a glow in my heart, I know you will too. This is an experience not to be missed.

UPSTAGED
The Back Pack, 2400 E. Cesar Chavez

May 4-6, 11-13, and 18-20 @ 7:30

Running Time: 1 hour 23 minutes with no intermission

Tickets: $15, thebkpk.com/tickets

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