Gam3rs: The Play

Theatre Asylum
Closed

Courtesy: Steve Smolinski

Imagine every gamer tech-nerd stereotype and put them into a fast-paced, hour-long play. The only thing missing from Brian Archer’s one-man show Gam3rs (co-written with Walter G. Meyer) is Doritos.

Steve, an MIT drop-out tech support guy, sits in his cubicle surrounded by Buffy, comic book heroes, action figures and bottles of Mountain dew, answering inane calls as he’s trying to lead an army of 10,000 in the largest MMORPG (that’s a massive multiplayer online role-playing game for the uninitiated) raid against the Elvin region who have taken their relic. You guys, he’s about to make gaming history but no one understands – his daft co-worker Bob, the overbearing boss Ms. Krakower, his mom who keeps pestering him to re-apply to MIT, and his girlfriend Jenny (who surprises him for their two-year anniversary – but hey, at least he has a girlfriend).

Steve’s genius plan for the World of Warcraft-esque game is to launch a surprise attack on a Tuesday afternoon when all the elves (that is, players) would be at work or at school, however his demanding boss wouldn’t let him take the day off. Thus he juggles between customer calls (like explaining to customers what the CD/DVD drive is), calls to fellow gamers on his cell, make excuses to Ms. Krakower and throw together/steal an anniversary present all while leading his army of knights, gnomes, and dwarves into battle.

Archer manages to take all the negative stereotypes of an obsessive gamer more concerned with his online persona than his actual real life and turn them into an endearing performance. Because this raid is so important to him, we can’t help but laugh at the constant real-life interruptions he must surpass in order to prevail. The script packs in so many gamer, tech, comic book, web, and fandom references ranging from typical MMORPG fare to South Park, Star Trek, and even Shakespeare that anyone is bound to get at least one reference. However, this show is definitely geared towards a niche audience. If you’ve ever play World of Warcraft or any other MMORPG then you’ll definitely appreciate this show. If the name Leeroy Jenkins means nothing to you, then most jokes may go over your head. –Ashley Steed

 Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/1921

Simon Coronel: Glitches In Reality

Theatre Asylum
Closed

RECOMMENDED:

Australian illusionist Simon Coronel had a dream where he was given an Escher impossible cube and reveled in the sensation of holding something impossible; thus his aim is to create something impossible for us to behold.

He says there are different types of reactions when it comes to magic: those who try to figure it out, and those who want to be amazed. Pulling someone on stage from the “amazed” category, he shows the rest of us how he does a simple “is this your card?” trick. Even in the breaking down of the trick, the simplicity and execution of it is still amazing, as is the skill required to pull it off.

There’s a variety of elements to the performance – simple sleight-of-hand-tricks, jokes, stories, an act done in Mandarin and even a website trick where he has us pull out our smartphones for a “holy crap” moment. Coronel is an understated performer – his unassuming charisma is exactly what makes him so engaging as a performer and illusionist. This cerebral show makes us rethink the art of illusion while simultaneously keeping us in awe.

Although he removes the overdone spectacle of magic, it is apparent he’s going for a softer, yet still theatrical approach. If he truly wants to create glitches in reality, this area still needs more nuanced work. The transitions need more fluidity, as the lights down/lights up between sets are slightly awkward and slow things down. The various acts, however, piece together nicely, showcasing not only his theme of the seemingly impossible but also his range as a performer.

Coronel’s strengths (next to his sleight-of-hand) are his wit and controlled demeanor. He shows us that magic isn’t about trickery – it is about skill, control and execution. Whether you’re the type to be amazed or the type trying to figure out the illusion, you’ll find Simon Coronel a refreshingly entertaining and gripping magician to watch.—Ashley Steed

Theatre Asylum, 6320 Santa Monica Blvd., https://hff14.org/1914

These reviews are offered via a partnership between L.A. Weekly and Stage Raw. To maximize coverage of the Hollywood Fringe Festival, the two publications are sharing reviews and funding responsibilities. Stage Raw is an Emerge Project of the Pasadena Arts Council, with other funding coming from a combination of advertising and individual donors.  For the L.A. Weekly, please visit www.laweekly.com