The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language has five definitions for “entropy” [ěn′ trә-pē]. Four of the five could aptly be applied to Bill Robens’ play of the same name currently bouncing off the walls at Theatre of Note.
Myself now, I think I’ll go with #2 and #5.
#2 – “A measure of the disorder or randomness in a closed system.”
#5 – “Inevitable and steady deterioration of a system or society.”
Now some plays are too multifaceted to give a decent short synopsis of. ♦
And some plays are just too stupid to give a short synopsis of. ♥
But some plays offer up the opportunity for a synopsis that’s just right:
“The Three Stooges meet The Right Stuff in a graphic novel by Gary Larson.”
Yep, that about covers Bill Robens’ Entropy.
Now kudos to the artists credited in the program with those unique skills we see all too seldom on stage:
Jen Albert “Fight Choreography,” Andrew Leman “Puppet Design,” Fred Manchento “Model Spaceship Construction,” and – here’s my personal favorite – Misty Lee “Magic Consultant.”
Happily all of their good efforts are to be partaken of in producer John Money’s undertaking which splashes down somewhere between the hilarious and the histrionic.
A strong cast earns their laughs, especially David Wilcox, Brad C. Light, Alexandra Mikhailovna and Sputnik. (Easily his best work since 1999’s October Sky.)
Christopher William Johnson directs with a wicked intensity and devilishly clever flamboyance.
Truth be told, on opening night while I didn’t witness the blind given sight or the lame walk, I did see an entire audience laugh themselves sick.
And that ain’t bad.
“Whiny Danish guy gets a visit from his old man’s ghost….” ♦
“Jewish Afro-American slaves during the Civil War…. What the – ?!? Are you serious?!!?? ♥
* * *
ENTROPY
Written by Bill Robens
Directed by Christopher William Johnson
Produced for NOTE by John Money
at Theatre of NOTE
1517 N Cahuenga Blvd
Hollywood, CA 90028
Previews April 17 & 18 @ 8PM
Opens Friday, April 24 @ 8pm
Performances thur May 30, 2015
Friday, Saturday @ 8PM
Sunday @ 7PM
Tickets: $25 Seniors/Sudents $20
For tickets or information: www.theatreofnote.com
