“Bear Force One” has taken off at Annoyance Theatre and although the situation may be hairy, the stakes are anything but high. This spoof of the Harrison Ford thriller offers some great characters and some pretty titillating moments if you are into hairy gay men, otherwise known as a “bear,” for those of you not into homo subculture. What it does not offer is a sense of urgency that encourages the viewer to engage. Sure Catholic terrorists take the plane in order to stop the first gay president from corrupting the hearts and minds of our country, but for the most part the actors are more concerned with getting a laugh than playing the stakes for real. Tim Paul, the conceiver and head writer on this project, is a major exception. He is witty and convincing, especially when delivering his major speeches. He sincerely connects to the absurd material. There is a fine art to high camp and total commitment is essential. “Bear Force One” feels muddy and noncommittal. (William Scott)
At the Annoyance Theatre, 4840 W. Broadway, (773)561-4665. This production is now closed.
Let’s See Together: A Review of "Choir Boy" at Steppenwolf Theatre Among other compelling reasons to see "Choir Boy" is the power and musicianship on songs sung by the young men who play the students in the choir at the Black, Christian Charles R. Drew School for Boys.
