This production is a LOUD, in-your-face hodgepodge of history, hegemony and wacky interpretation. Did I say LOUD?
Nine actors on a small stage chanting slogans in stereo can be abrasive, especially for folks in the first three rows. The show features boundless energy, several funny lines, creative costumes and some fine acting. In particular, Derek Hake was a commanding presence onstage; his acting and physical work were compelling.
The plot involves the Queen of England convincing a sorry bunch of loafers that Virginia is the place they ought to be, so they split and the revolution in America is born. An RV somehow drives its way into the story, and a battle re-enactment plot is hatched to save a dying small town.
There are several Fringe veteran actors in this play by John Ray, including Michael Burnham, Paul Morris and Daniel Britt; Cheryl Couch directs. All this talent does not really gel, and the show seemed to be simply a noisy early draft.
There is projector screen in the back of the stage that started out advancing the plot. However, midway through the show, it simply stopped working and was lit up for no reason. With all the yelling onstage, it really didn’t matter after all.
REVOLTING CIRCUMSTANCES by The Burying Beetles (Cincinnati) will be performed at 8:30 May 30, 7 p.m. June 3, 7 p.m. June 5 and 3:45 p.m. June 7 at Elementz (1100 Race St., Over-the-Rhine).
This article appears in May 28 – Jun 3, 2014.
