Marcus Freed (Photo courtesy of the subject)
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
A Hollywood Fringe Production at the Hobgoblin Playhouse
Through June 26
Marcus Freed is a lucky guy. Not many of us would still be among the living after being the victim of a hit-and-run driver in Beverly Hills in 2017, then suffering through a pair of harrowing brain surgeries and a spate of trips to E.R because of complications.
In his solo show, Freed takes the audience on a spirited, often humorous and emotional journey through the small patch of his life that was disrupted by fate, along with its aftermath, in which he pairs up with an unlikely assortment of people, including yoga instructors, psychics, doctors of all sorts, and cops.
As he steps on stage he puts forth a thought for reflection, “There are two words that can plague your life,’ what if.” And for much of the show, he gives a thoughtful response, exploring what it means to have perspective on even the most unfortunate of incidents. Freed has a vibrant gift for imitation, and throughout he skillfully channels a raft of characters. In one really funny moment, he portrays a Jewish doctor who is about to operate on him! He also draws laughs with his take on LAPD officer Finger (yes, Freed claims that was his name), who was hunting for the man who was driving the car that night.
One area where Freed is not so lucky is with the ladies. He tells of his numerous failed wedding proposals, while providing a hilarious take on the people and circumstances that surrounded them. The show is entertaining but there are some problems that need to be worked out. Freed (who is also a rabbi) often speaks in Hebrew, which makes meaning and context inaccessible for those who don’t understand the language. Also, the script would benefit from more focus; there are too many digressions and time shifts for such a short piece.
The Hobgoblin Playhouse, 6440 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. http://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/12051?tab=tickets Thur. June 26 7.pm. Running time: one hour.
