Love The Body Positive

Reviewed by Vanessa Cate
Underground Theatre
Through June 25

Disclaimer: Johnna Adams’ Love The Body Positive is not for everyone. Even entering the theater takes a certain level of commitment. As the show’s guidelines state, “Bring a clothing bag or duffel/tote bag, a beach towel (for placing on the seat) and please shower before arriving.” Why, you may ask? Well, because “the theater will be a cellphone-free and clothes-free zone for the hour. Imagine that!”

Amy Arrow and Brian Knudson play a couple that has been dating for six months. She brings him to a remote beach with something important to tell him. Turns out, much to his surprise, she’s a “body naturalist,” or nudist. Though he reacts with shock and hostility at first, he gradually opens his mind to the idea, and the two confide in each other about their insecurities.

The script is simple, and not terribly well acted or directed. In spite of that, the experience is worthwhile, if only for the obvious reason that everyone in the room is naked. And as uncomfortable as that may sound, it turns out to be a liberating (or at the very least interesting) experience.

The opening act by Marty Ross was probably the highlight of the evening. I personally can’t think of a situation that more warrants a stand-up act to warm up the audience and release their nervous energy than this one. And Ross was a hoot.

Following the play, the actors indulged in an over-extended talk with the audience about the wonders of nudism. And to conclude, Cat Cela performed an acoustic tribute to Prince and Bowie while Arrow, clad only in glitter, danced. Though the ending felt out of place after the marathon lecture, and the musical rendition was modest, there was something undeniably beautiful about watching someone passionately dance, sparkling and in the nude, to ‘Space Oddity’.

Underground Theatre 1312-1314 N. Wilton Place, Hollywood; https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/3575 Running time: Approximately one hour with no intermission.