An ambitious comedic project: to update Camus using the platform of the 2004 presidential debates, where the great existential question that the nominees consider is the proper manner by which to murder the moderator Jim Lehrer. The show is, if nothing else, at times very funny, and when it transcends sketch comedy, there are moments that border on revelation between laughs. “It’s hard work to get a great moment on the stage,” Bush despairs as he tries over and over to kill Lehrer in the right way, and it’s undeniable that the moments of intersection between Camus and the show’s setting sometimes work and sometimes feel forced. However, the strongest theme of the play, the theatrical nature of political debate and the performative demands of those who would take part, holds the show together. Impressive acting across the board, with a particularly dynamic Guy Massey who moves beyond Bushisms and funny faces to portray a George W. Bush who, increasingly maniacally, tries to fulfill an existential duty he doesn’t understand and (obviously) cant articulate. (Monica Westin)
At the Chopin Theatre, 1543 W. Division, (773)287-1500. This production is now closed.
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