Review: The Head
Actors Workout Studio, 4735 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, (818) 506-3903
Review by Wenzel Jones
At last, a one-man show for people who hate one-man shows. North Hollywood breathes a sigh of relief.
The Head—written by Bob Nickman and Martin Olson, performed by Bob Nickman—is running Saturday nights at 10:30 at the Actors Workout Studio in North Hollywood. Can you count the number of red flags in that last sentence? Let’s see: There’s that written-performed-by thing, there’s the late curtain, there’s . . . well, you get the picture. Ignore these warnings. Go, go, and again I say, go see this play.
Mr. Nickman is a performer of considerable charm. He assays a dozen (more or less) different characters, almost all of whom are interesting for their foibles and flaws. This parade of personalities is tied together by visitations throughout of a disembodied head, a puckish creation that lends both structure and a running commentary to the evening. You may be pleased to know that even though this is a one-man show, you will not have to witness any of the following: Mr. Nickman portraying an actor at an audition; Mr. Nickman in drag; Mr. Nickman naked.
The writing is lively, funny, trenchant, and self-referential. Each character is clearly defined and, since they are not all people you would want to spend too much time around, I’m pleased to be able to tell you that you won’t have to. The pacing ensures that your interest never flags. I did see a one-man show that left me feeling I had seen just exactly enough.
This is a show performed with a minimum of clutter in a small but quite delightful space. The seats are comfortable and the air is conditioned. The costume budget looks to have been about $47. Gentlemen may wish to note the extraordinary versatility of a pair of khaki chinos and make their next wardrobe purchase accordingly.
The show has been extended through Saturday, September 24—all performances are Saturdays at 10:30 p.m.—and tickets are $10. ♦