what: 44 ways to end your sex life by scott woldman
where: redtwist theatre's home space in edgewater
accompaniment: joleen & grace!
drinkability: byob!
show length: 80 minutes, no intermission
out of four: two/four
late night variety show comedies have so many things working both for and against them. with a 10:30pm bill on 44 WAYS it wasn't the easiest time grabbing theatre people who like to be done with their shows, home, and in bed catching up on the latest episode of GIRLS (only me? anyone?) by 10:30pm. it IS easy when you're already out eating & drinking with friends who want to keep the good times rolling at a $10 price tag- they'll be more than likely to join you. thus i found myself with two non-theatre pals at lazos on friday night, onward to edgewater and the good people at redtwist theatre.
the show itself is quite indicative of its title- a quick eighty minute spin through hilarious, hearbreaking, awkward, awful, unique, and seemingly impossible sexual situations that people might find themselves in. with a simple cast of six (four women, two men) we see each of them as a gamut of characters. its always nice to be able to tell that the cast members are not only having fun performing the show they're in- but also having fun with each other. this was certainly a case for both.
44 WAYS is the quintessential definition of late night comedy. its easily accessible, relatable, raunchy, daring, and a little bit all over the place. its fast moving to keep you locked in with the later time frame, and doesn't let you linger too long (save for 1 or two bits) on any sketch bits.
the script could do with a little less negative -isms, i felt the audience cringe, shift, and uncomfortable laugh after a particularly racist bit near the top of the show (again, nothing to the actors fault but perhaps director jason fleece could have cut that from the original script).
if you're looking for a fun live theatre way to keep your evening going on a friday or saturday that doesn't include the lines, madness, and rolling of the dice you experience at iO or second city, get out to redtwist to see 44 WAYS. they close april 5th. tickets are $15, $10 for industry with headshot & resume. enjoy!
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upcoming march shows:
friday march 28th, 7:30pm - jackalope theatre's the killing of michael x
join me, will you?