Review: Unique and Hilarious JAMES FRANCO AND ME At Epic Theatre Company

James Franco and Me is an idea that could only have come from the brain of Kevin Broccoli. Set in a hospital waiting room as the protagonist waits for his father to die, this play becomes a kind of meta commentary on life, celebrity, loss, failure and friendship. Featuring 13 different actors as James Franco with each production unrehearsed, there's almost a sinister 'what if it all goes wrong' feeling that the audience has. That also adds to the drama in a completely unexpected way, especially when the viewer gets wrapped up in the performances and then reminds herself that these two people, on this night, have never done this before, and it seems seamless. One of the things that still gives me chills is the thought that when you're viewing a live production, the performers and the audience are sharing a moment that no one else will ever get to experience. Broccoli has blown that up into 13 moments, and it's hard to not feel a little frustrated to have missed out on 12 of those.

This is a two-person show, Epic Theatre Company's Artistic Director Kevin Broccoli playing himself, and a series of people (men and women) playing James Franco. There are no sets except two chairs, because Kevin has determined "That's how James Franco would want it", and the different scenes revolve around various Franco projects, his feelings about them, Kevin's feelings about them, all with the pall of a dying father slightly overshadowing them. The most interesting thing, is that despite the fact that an actor who is obviously not James Franco is portraying him, the conversations feel 100% true for what two people who are not good at dealing with difficult things would talk about in a moment such as this.

There are moments that are side-splittingly hilarious, and others that are genuinely touching. When James gifts Kevin a copy of his collection of short stories (the movie cover version, which has Franco's face on it), and then graciously autographs it, the audience was hooting with laughter; and when Kevin starts to come to grips with the notion of his father actually being dead, things became very quiet. Despite this being an unrehearsed performance, it felt incredibly natural and like these actors had practiced it a thousand times, which was impressive.

Liz Mcloughlin was a fantastic Franco who, without imitating him, or looking anything like him, was still 100% convincing. Her comic timing was spot-on, and her reactions to Kevin's dismissals of things that James Franco (probably) holds dear, were absolutely hilarious.

Not wanting to give away too much, I'll just say that this is a unique experiences that is well-worth seeking out. Kevin Broccoli is a fantastic storyteller who marries the tragic, absurd and hilarious so well that it's a privilege to experience.

James Franco and Me: November 6th @ 3pm, November 6th @ 7pm, November 11th @ 8pm, November 12th @ 8pm, November 13th @ 3pm, November 13th @ 7pm, November 18th @ 8pm, November 19th @ 8pm, November 20th @ 3pm, November 20th @ 7pm, November 26th @ 8pm, November 27th @ 3pm, November 27th @ 7pm

All Performances at the Artists Exchange, 50 Rolfe Square, Cranston RI.

Tickets $20 General Admission, $15 Seniors. All Student Tickets are Free as part of Epic's "Free Student Tickets" Program

Tickets can only be purchased at the door. Reservations can be made by e-mailing EpicTheatreCompanyRI@gmail.com

Poster by Elena Semenkova

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