I never thought Woody Harrelson was that talented or watchable. I never got the appeal, so I was dreading “Bullet for Adolf,” knowing that this was semi-autobiographable. Imagine my surprise when I found myself laughing so hard that I was crying. The new show at New World Stages is high octane, again crass, weird, a little drugged out but funny.
Written by Mr. Harrelson and Frankie Hyman, we have been told that it is factitious to protect the innocent. It’s a throw back to Houston in the early 1980s through videos and a soundtrack that brings back “Flash Dance” and of course “Cheers.”
Zach, played by Brandon Coffey is Harrelson’s alter ego/ younger self. He has come back to Houston to make money in construction to pay for his way to NY. Frankie (Tyler Jacob Rollinson), the younger Mr. Hyman who, after this play, you wonder how many drug induced episodes does it take to make a friend. Zach has brought “his friend” Clint (David Coomber), along who lounges in bathrobe, listens to Judy Garland and has a hysterical laugh that will have you laughing. Could this be a younger Kelsey Grammer? Once they become friends they smoke an abundance of pot, drink beers and try to get into the eager pants of Batina (Shannon Garland), Shareeta (Marsha Stephanie Blake) and Jackie (Shamika Cotton). These men don’t care which girl or guy for that matter as long as they are satisfied.
Add to the mix Dago-Czech (Lee Osorio), Jurgen (Nick Wyman), the boss and Batina’s father.
Betrayal, obsession, lust, friendship and the theft of a gun that may have been used in an attempt to assassinate Hitler make up this thin plot line.
The direction by Harrelson is fun, the actors skilled,
The projections of video montages (by Imaginary Media) are terrific as is the sound design by Brett Jarvis. I found myself chair dancing. Granted, if you are upwards in age this show will not impress but I found myself enjoying the dip into pool of insanity.
Bullet for Adolf: New World Stages, 340 West 50th Street, until Sept. 9th
Posted by Suzanna Bowling
on August 11, 2012. Filed under ENTERTAIMENT,Theatre.
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