Review: Theatre UCF's Silent REELING Recreates Buster Keaton Silliness

We've all heard the saying, "They don't make 'em like they used to." Now, thanks to Theatre UCF's REELING, running through February 28th, they actually do still make 'em like they used to, complete with banana peels, pratfalls, and not a single spoken word. This one-of-a-kind play recreates the zany charms and enthusiastic silliness of the classic silent films of Buster Keaton. Written by Barry Kornhauser, REELING features an original, era-appropriate soundtrack by Michael Koerner that underscores all of the madcap action. While REELING won't make you forget the brilliance of Keaton, Fatty Arbuckle, or Charlie Chaplin, it will make you nostalgic for a time when there was no greater revenge than a pie in the face.

Directed by Christopher Nies, REELING is the love story of "Our Hero" and his "Beloved," which occasionally employs title cards to set the scene, and has an on-stage "Foley Guy" (Austin Davis) providing sound effects and ambient noises. Other than that, there are no sounds or words used to tell the tale. Despite loving Our Hero (Blaine Edwards), Beloved (Nicolette Quintero) declines his marriage proposal to chase her dream of Hollywood stardom.

Like all of Keaton's characters, Our Hero refuses to quit and moves to "The Big City" in pursuit of his lady love. Along the way, he raises the ire of the "Big Man" (Kody Grassett), a wealthy movie director. While trying to find his Beloved, Our Hero stumbles across the movie set for an Egyptian drama, starring the "Diva" (Fo'i Meleah). Our Hero tries his hand at directing picture until the Big Man shows up to have him thrown out.

Needless to say for anyone familiar with movies of the era, but hilarity and hijinks ensue, thanks in no small part to an endless procession of keystone cops, all with their own distinctive silly walk.

As Our Hero, Edwards delivers an exhaustive and very funny performance. On stage almost the entire hour and 30 minutes of the show, he nearly never stops moving, and whether it is with a ladder, a camera and film, or a giant fan, he always finds ways to make getting into trouble enjoyable to watch.

Grassett makes for an entertaining foil as the Big Man. Earnest in his hatred for Our Hero, all he would have to do is put on a cape and twirl his handlebar mustache, and he would fit in perfectly with the early Hollywood villains. Quintero is lovely and delightful as the wide-eyed Beloved, giving the show a needed dose of innocent whimsy.

Along with Meleah, who is both terrifying and amusing as the Diva, Eric Eichenlaub, Mike Nilsson, and Jesse Ramos add to the Egyptian ridiculousness as her co-stars.

Before the show, and occasionally between scenes, highlights of Keaton bits are show on an on-stage screen. Seeing the show's inspiration in black and white before the main-event goes a long way in preparing the audience for the wacky style of humor that they are in for. However, the interstitial scenes are a bit confusing, as it isn't clear until later that they were supposed to have some continuity with the live-action story. A few simple blocking and costume changes could have made this multimedia bit even more effective than it already is.

REELING has all of the silliness of Keaton's films, but is hamstrung by one logistical issue. Unlike on film, which has the benefit of depth and a fixed perspective, in Theatre UCF's Black Box, the audience can clearly see that all of the stunts are perfectly safe. While we always know that Keaton is going to narrowly miss being hit by a train, or will quickly bounce back after getting hit in the head, the air of danger is exciting and entertaining. However, in this smaller space, it is clear that punches miss by nearly a foot, and Our Hero didn't actually step on that banana peel, robbing the slapstick of some of its humor.

A few minor quibbles aside, REELING is a tremendously enjoyable trip back to a time when entertainment was much simpler, and much quieter (despite an unusual amount of ruckus and talking backstage). With captivating performances from the high-energy cast, Theatre UCF's REELING is a family-friendly crowd-pleaser.

To get tickets, visit Theatre UCF's website or call 407-823-1500. Check out the trailer for Theatre UCF's REELING:

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Did the silent silliness of REELING leave you in stitches? Let me know what you thought in the comments below, or by "Liking" and following BWW Orlando on Facebook and Twitter by using the buttons below. You can also chat with me about the show on Twitter @BWWMatt. If you want to follow along with my "366 in 366" articles, you can check out #BWW366in366 on Twitter.

Banner Image: Blaine Edwards, Fo'i Meleah, and Eric Eichenlaub. Photo Credit: Tony Firriolo

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