Review: Social Media Celebrated in SELF-EASE in Kansas City

A celebration of social media is presented in Self-Ease at the Fishtank Performance Studio in the Crossroads Art District of Kansas City, Mo. From creator Andy Perkins and his creative team of marvelously talented actors comes a hilarious look at technology in today's age of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

"From the beginning there has been one question on the mind of the Self-Ease team: How has technology shaped the way we relate to one another and ourselves?" This statement in the modest handout answers the questions in short skits, movement pieces, clown bits, and songs. According to the cast, many of the comedy pieces are based on actual incidents that they personally endured such as "Siri-ously" and "Google Emergency."

The meetings of the cast and collaborators began in January and by early February; the short original diverse piece on social media was born. Nathan Borvos scripted portions of the production and though they each are structured, they change at each performance. Jae Shanks with sound and graphic designs, Tess Jehle-Ray operating the sound board, and stage manager Sarah Thorman back up the creative team.

"Sexy Selfies" is a hilarious look at selfies combined with yoga and an array of comical characters. "Great Tragic Moments Saved by Technology" (or what happens to Abe Lincoln at the Ford Theatre), and "Google Emergency" are among the short humorous skits that cause the audience to erupt in laughter.

Five performers join Perkins, bringing their own magnificent sense of humor, strengths and abilities to the stage. Nicole Green joins Melissa Fennewald, Ellen Kirk, J. Will Fritz and Borvos to round out the cast. Green is currently starring in The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane at the Coterie Theatre. Fennewald has appeared at The Unicorn Theatre and Heart of America Shakespeare Festival and Kirk appears with the KC Improv Company. Fritz has appeared at the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival, Borvos wrote and performs the original song in the production.

If there is a problem with Self-Ease it is that it ends too soon, leaving the audience yearning for more of the outrageous comedy. Sold out performances have filled the small Fishtank stage, with extra chairs being added to accommodate the audience. With the success of the production it was announced on Saturday February 28 that the should would be extended on the First Friday Art Walk, March 6 at 7 and 9 p.m. Perkins hopes to take the show to the Kansas City Fringe Festival this summer. Purchase tickets online at http://fishtanktheater.blogspot.com/p/tickets.html. Photo courtesy of Self-Ease Facebook page.

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