Review: The Warm-up
Richard Basehart Playhouse, 21028-B Victory Bl., Woodland Hills, 818-704-1845
by Tyrone Willis
Legendary comedian Sammy Shore serves up an autobiographical travelogue at the Richard Basehart Playhouse in “The Warm-Up.” Playing himself and making no bones about it, the audience is treated to an array of anecdotes and observations couched in Sammy’s seasoned perspective and classic stand-up style. The set, designed by Nick Angotti, is Sammy’s modest apartment, populated with photos of practically everybody. Though having an audience is for Sammy a commonplace occurrence, we’re comfortable there, watching him exercise, listen to the answering machine, put away groceries — all the while reminiscing about Elvis, Shecky and his now-famous son Pauly. But we’re always brought back to today. He’s lonely, unhappy with himself, getting older and hating it. More concerned with saying something than saving face, he deals with life after glory before our eyes with brutal honesty. This is more than stand-up on a set.
The show is most entertaining when we’re privy to his oft-lamented lack of work. Except for a garbled answering machine message that left the audience straining to hear what the actor was reacting to, the show is technically flawless. The sound design added lustre to an otherwise basic lighting setup. Costume designer Todd Roehrman provided outrageous combinations that were visually stimulating and entirely consistent with what this guy would have hanging in his closet.
Producer/Artistic director Cynthia Bier knows about details. Upon walking into the theater, one gets the sense that an artist is well supported here — that creative people have the freedom to create because the mundane tasks are truly managed. With all the haphazard productions in L.A., it’s refreshing to see theatre so tightly produced. ♦