Review: THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED) - THE Textbook Example of Non-Stop, Side-Splitting Hilarity
By: Gil Kaan Feb. 15, 2016
THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)/by Adam Long, Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor/directed by Jerry Kernion/ Falcon Theatre/thru March 6, 2016
In THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED), the history of the United States (from its discovery in 1492 up to present day) receives an incredibly well-scripted, hysterically reenactment in just under two hours of simply inspired theatre. Even those not familiar with historical events will have to howl at their re-creation of the Lewis and Clark expedition, as well as, the parallels of presidents Lincoln and Kennedy. Simply hi.lar.i.ous!!!
Jerry Kernion quite ably directs his very talented cast of three at a swift pace with just seconds enough for all the audience laughter to subside before the next funny bit follows- and they do keep coming! THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (ABRIDGED)'s so cleverly written by Adam Long, Reed Martin & Austin Tichenor, utilizing lots of historical (and some fictional) details with plenty of 2015 personalities name-dropped (Trump, Palin, Cosby, Revenant). Anagrams (George Washington, Spiro Agnew) and puns (Lucy in Disguise with Diamond) abound - some corny, some novel, but all laugh-inducing. The gifted actor/comedian/singers Matthew Patrick Davis, Thomas Hobson and Kevin Symons riff, react, bounce off each other in fine tuned, well-oiled precision; each brilliantly portraying interlocking historical and made-up characters. Davis, Hobson and Symons each have their individual moments to shine when they're not stepping back for their castmate to take centerstage. They work like they've been performing together for years! All three have strong vocals as evident in their harmonizing Andrew Sisters number. Hobson wails a spot-on Ray Charles in his spoof of "America the Beautiful." Davis also plays the accordion and slide flute, amongst other sound effect instruments. Symon's 'extra' talent - his balloon animal making - just slays!
Symons makes a wonderful film noir detective Spade Diamond, as well as a theatre-loving Lincoln. Davis and Hobson absolutely nail their vaudeville routine of Lewis and Clark.
Kudos to set designer Erin Walley for her series of clever year-graffiti-ed wooden doors opening to reveal flag designs, lyrics, maps, signs and emerging characters. Props to props designer John M. McElveney for his larger-than-life Lincoln puppet with balloon face - a too funny sightgag!
What a wonderful way to learn US history!!!
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