BLINDED

This show is a real dichotomy—it’s a really fun evening of theatre, in a very cool venue, but with nothing great in the creative arena, (writing, directing, acting.)  But none of that last part seemed to hinder our enjoyment.  And my friend Lisa went nuts for Blinded.

So, here’s the deal, in order of our experience there.  I had never been to the BrickHouse Theatre before, nor ever even heard of it(!,) but I now love this little theatre! First of all, it’s adorable. The actual theatre space is right to the side of where we enter the edifice, which is so different from the norm.  It feels so country-esque.

And it’s located in a good area for eating.  I suggest getting there early, and going out for either a meal in a real restaurant on the corner, or a snack in the many fast food places on the next block. Or even go to a happening-looking bar right next door!

Here’s more good news–as Lisa pointed-out, these were the most comfortable theatre seats ever!  And it has good air-conditioning in there, which is really important to me, especially in the summer.  So we were happy from the get-go.

We got even happier when the play began because the star, Chris Muto, is so good-looking!  I never choose to sit in the front row, (unless I would be seeing Hugh Jackman,) but, because those seats had the most air-conditioning coming their way, I chose that location this time.  And when Chris took his shirt off at one point, I was sooo glad I did!!!  What a hottie!  (I know that may be shallow, but looks are a big part of an actor’s career, yea or nay, so in this case, I’m allowed to be a bit superficial.)

The cute little set is easy enough, and accommodates two very different settings well.  This is a great spot for a show!

As much as I enjoyed the comedy, I do have to admit that the whole opening night presentation was a bit clumsy, in every aspect, although none of that took away from the fun. The performance part of that might have been due to the small space and first night jitters.

But the story, (which I’m not telling you here because you’ll catch on pretty quickly, and it’s always better to just let it unfold,) is a little goony and more than a bit muddled. And there are so many holes—about three quarters of the way in, all of a sudden, the scenario is about having a baby, a stolen necklace, and religion, none of which are the case earlier. The baby part isn’t even mentioned at all before that point, so that seems a tad odd. And then the show just ends sort-of abruptly.

But that means that the play is a short one, even with an intermission, which I always appreciate.

And there’s more good news in the positive column. In addition to Chris, the casting of the other three characters was good, as well. They all fit their roles perfectly. I don’t really want to critique their acting, because it all does work.  And Lisa ate it up!  She raved about it all the way home.  I noticed that she (and the rest of the audience) laughed throughout the show. And, actually, so did I.

So, I say go see Write Act Repertory’s production of Blinded.  And, if you’re a looks-appreciator like moi, I suggest that you definitely sit up front!

Blinded running through August 13, 2017
BrickHouse Theatre 10950 Peach Grove Street, North Hollywood  800-838-3006
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2993431