By Ernest Kearney — Playwright John Patrick Daly has his heart in the right place, and one senses he truly is concerned about the homeless people of L.A. His show explores the realm of the destitute; dwelling on the streets of downtown through the prism of an ambitious blogger who decides living for a week on the seedy streets of the inner city might score him a lot more followers on his podcasts.
Regrettably, for all Daly’s good intentions, New Kid on the Block is a ramble-scramble of styles and moods, which never fall into place. There are points where he seems to want to tickle your funny bone, at others to tug at your heartstrings or touch your humanity, and then at others you kinda suspect the playwright wants to play tiddlywinks with your spleen.
It’s hard to tell, because Daly never chooses.
The result is a piece that’s neither fish nor fowl.
Director Michael McClain fails to bring any focus to the production and having five actors on stage, playing assorted characters, only adds to the farrago.
Daly as the blogger has some brief moments, but these moments can’t go or build anywhere without the solid foundation of a firm concept. Adding to the muddle are the five other cast members playing an assortment of characters with little in the way of definition.
Having his heart in the right place earns Daly a SILVER MEDAL.
♦ ♦ ♦
New Kid on the Block
Played During the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2018
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