Monday, May 6, 2013

Becoming Liv Ullmann, New Ground Theatre Festival, Cleveland Play House


If you’re looking for a tasty theatrical bonbon this weekend, try popping in on Becoming Liv Ullmann this Friday, May 10. It's part of this year's New Ground Theatre Festival at the Cleveland Play House, showcasing new work from nationally recognized artists.

Written and performed by Crystal Finn, the star of the recently extended Rich Girl, also at CPH, this is a two (or three) person show that keeps the laughs coming.

Crystal plays herself as she tries to get back into her boyfriend’s life by channeling the Swedish (Norwegian?) movie star. Lots of the humor is developed from Crystal’s utterly incompetent research into who Liv Ullman really is, mirroring her own lack of self-awareness.

Using a laptop computer, a suitcase full of costumes and props and other presentation aids, Finn turns bafflement into an art form. With audience participation!

Even though it ends on an off note (literally, a song that could easily be cut), this is a 60-minute joy ride through a young woman’s curious approach to life. Or is that Liv?

Becoming Liv Ullmann
May 10, 10 PM. "The Helen" Lab Theatre, PlayhouseSquare, 1407 Euclid Ave., 216-241-6000

No comments: