By Ernest Kearney — As a huge fan of the international art of clowning, right at the top of my “To See” list from the get go of Hollywood Fringe 22 was Japan’s Theatre Group Gumbo production of Are You Loving It?
Unfortunately, I am afraid I have to respond: No.
Arriving with a suitcase full of “Best of Fest” and “Patron’s Pick” awards from numerous other Fringes in both the US of A and Canada I was disappointed to find this razzing of American cultural imperialism rather flat and overall uninspired.
Ryo Nishihara is a loyal Japanese employee of that multinational iconic fast-food chain WacDonalds. He is assisted by Kayo Tamura and Nono Miyasaka. What do we have? Well Nishihara pulling out his intestine, abusive Japanese mothers, dancing poo and a love letter from Jesus.
While Nishihara and company did have the pace and craziness you find in the comic dual of Gamarjobat, there was a fug of listlessness that settled over the whole performance.
Maybe jet-lag, or maybe it’s time the trio retired the show. I don’t know.
What I do know is a SILVER MEDAL.
Are You Loving It?
Played During Hollywood Fringe Festival 2022
WHERE
McCadden Theatre
1157 N. McCadden Place,
Los Angeles, CA 90038
For More Information Go To:
theatregroupgumbo.wixsite.com/japanese/english
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