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The Exit Interview

Relviewed by Lovell Estell III
Buzzworks Theatre Company at The Lounge
Through Nov. 15

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Dick Fig (Davey Johnson), the oddball catalyst at the heart of William Missouri Down’s existential comedy, is a Brechtian scholar (indeed, much of the zany goings on in this play is a tribute to Brecht’s theatrical themes and vision), who just wants to get through his exit interview with Eunice (CatieLeOrisa), without the pain of meaningless small talk. But he still gets plenty of it.

He’s a man who detests the air-headed, the irrational, and most of all, the religious, which puts him at odds with Eunice, and the two opposite poles provide the framework and propel much of the philosophical discussions that arise within this 90 minute show.

Dick’s interview segues into a number of comical vignettes that skewer everything sacrosanct in pop culture, including Oprah, Fox News, religious belief and idiotic commercials, augmented by a bevy of cheerleaders, an outrageously funny priest, and an on campus shooter, among others.

Director Sirena Irwin’s cast of eight perform well in a number of roles, and notwithstanding the feeling that this over-the top, boundary-bending show hangs around a bit too long, it’s surely funny and thought-provoking.

Buzzworks Theatre Company at the Lounge Theatre 1, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Hlywd.; Fri.-Sat., 8 pm.; Sun., 2 pm.; through Nov. 15. (323) 960-7712. Running time: ninety minutes without intermission.