BWW Reviews: The Halfwits' Last Hurrah -Hysterically Hilarious in its Hollywood Fringe Festival Opener

The Halfwits' Last Hurrah/by Jamie Franta & Don Colliver/ directed by David Anthony Anis/ The Lillian Theatre/thru June 26, 2015

Too damn funny! Like an old-time travelling medicine show featuring unique attractions; Four Clowns effectively produces this hour-long performance making it simply whiz by with lots of clever double entendres, talented specialty acts; and, most importantly, ample amounts of heart.

David Anthony Anis directs his proficient cast at a smooth and steady clip with the performers allowing just enough time for the laughs (of which there's plenty) before continuing on. How generous of co-writers Jamie Franta and Don Colliver to spread the abundance of laughs and good bits around to their entire cast. Each one of the talented troupe achieves their moment to shine in their deserved spotlights.

Pre-show starts with Benji Kaufman as a Stage Hand sweeping off the stage. Kaufman comes alive as he notices the audience paying some attention to him. Kaufman begins flirting with both a woman and a man, then shows off his agile dance moves to impress.

The ringleader Butterbeans Arbuckle (a very commanding Colliver) interrupts Kaufman's showing off to get his actual show started. Arbuckle explains how he's "saved" all these lost souls, half-wits as he calls them, and trained them to perform in his travelling company.

Jennifer Carroll and Dave Honigman nail all their moments onstage as the gymnastic twins Helga and Fritz Inderforf. Every line of theirs' a laugh line and/or a sexual double entendre. Every choreographed lift or throw or dance step skillfully executed. (Some real technical acrobatic training evident!) A brother and sister act that would easily fit right in Cabaret (Wink! Wink!). Bravo Carroll and Honigman!

Elizabeth Godley represents the heart of The Halfwits' Last Hurrah as Butterbeans' mute assistant Nimrod. Godley exhibits all the innocence and guile of an untouched soul. Nimrod copies every ringmaster move that Butterbeans makes. When Nimrod finally gets the chance to use her megaphone, indecipherable dolphin-speak hysterically comes out of Godley. Godley and Colliver's physical timing together impeccable! The knives-throwing act in the malfunctioning lighting simply priceless and will bring tears to your eyes for opposite emotions!

Physical timing of the entire cast all spot-on in handling Matt Franta's fight choreography and Siri Tveter's dance choreography.

Co-writer Jamie Franta charms in her striptease number as Burlesque Blonde. Charlotte Chanler (with a stunning operatic soprano) duets as her character Pruella Tickledick with her cute male puppet. (Her lips don't move as him!) Helene Udy as Madame LaMerde struts around on stilts comically spinning plates. Julia Davis, as a new-to-drinking Liquor Vendor, essays a very fun drunk with lucky timing (She saves the day.)

Jolene Kim has fun as the mustachioed Real McCoy who tries to take over Butterbeans' show. Tyler Bremer and Jamarr Love aptly play her clueless Stooge-like (as in Three Stooges) henchmen. Their stage fighting very fun to watch.

Able musical assist provided by pianist Wayne H. Holland, III.

A very good time had by all at this Hollywood Fringe Festival opener!

www.fourclowns.org

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