Who knew that my favorite
US playwright, Stephen Adly Guirgis, wrote slapstick
comedy! Well, in “Den of Thieves” he certainly succeeds. Here is a hapless crew
of safecracking robbers, out to grab a fortune on a caper that their leader says only a bunch of stupid
idiots could mess up! Well, guess what! As their
plan implodes the play develops into a delightful existential dialogue about
the meaning of life. This colloquy will not only have you laughing but also
makes a lot of sense. What is your life worth, eh? Think about it, they all do,
and not to be a spoiler there’s a happy ending for all – even the one who
deserves to die. In the classic mold of caper films of the past, this
play begs to be made into a movie.
Kudos to the
wonderfully over-the-top performers: Alison Quinn is touching as depressed
Maggie; Frank Gallegos is bombastic as altruistic Paul; Kevin Hermann is
mercurial as loony Flaco; Paulina Gamiz is coquettish as zoftik Boochie; Eric
Geller is hilarious as sadistic Sal; Chris Lanehart is petulant as sentimental
Little Tuna, and Chris D’Annunzio is imperious as the suavely Machiavellian Big
Tuna.
Directed by
Eric Augusztiny at a pace and energy that matches Guirgis’ swift changes of
mood. Minimalist set
and lighting by Nicholas Acciani and Andrew Dunn. Believable 1990’s costumes by Jessica J’aime.
Produced for 2Cents Theatre Group by Kristen Boulé & Roxanna Kaye.
At
Hudson Guild Theatre, 6539 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood. Tickets at (323)
960-5770 or online at www.2centstheatre.com
or www.plays411.com/denofthieves.
Photos by
Daniel J. Sliwa.
Also reviewed
in the February issue of NOT BORN YESTERDAY.
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