GUNTOPIA REVIEW: THIS ISN’T DISNEYLAND

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By Kathy Carpenter

March 21, 2023 (La Mesa) - The Roustabouts may be small, but their shows pack a powerful punch. With a mission to deliver more than just a theatrical experience, but something that audiences can take home and incorporate into their lives, The Roustabouts bring you the World Premiere of Will Cooper’s gUnTOPIA at the Moxie Theatre. This Twilight Zone-esque production is fresh and awesome, offering a thought-provoking commentary on gun control and social issues in our society.

Originally set to open in March of 2020, the show was closed down due to COVID-19. Now, three years later, the show features four new actors and an updated perspective on the possible reality of our future. Through the lens of humor and familiarity, gUnTOPIA delves into a world where being shot and killed is treated as merely bothersome by society, while cursing is seen as a greater outrage to family values. What if walking around armed was normal, and not being armed was considered a disgrace?

Phi Johnson, founder of The Roustabouts, directs and portrays Harry Nelson, the husband and father in the show. San Diego theatre-goers will likely recognize Johnson's performances, but newcomers are in for a treat. Katie Karel, making her Roustabouts debut, plays Mary, Harry's wife and delivers a standout performance. Walter Murray plays detective Rheingold, providing some comic relief for the audience. Elena Bertacchi portrays 12-year-old June/Alice, delivering a challenging dual role with skill. Eben Rosenzweig, a relatively new actor, demonstrates a natural talent for drama.

Set in the suburb of gUnTOPIA, the play takes place in the Nelsons' living room, a seemingly normal home. The costumes designed by Pamela Stompoly-Ericson are noteworthy, standing out even though they would normally blend in. The play runs for ninety minutes without an intermission.

Cooper's script offers a glimpse into a 1950s innocent lifestyle with a twist of guns being an everyday acceptance. While the show is quite funny, is it? In conclusion plays like this are interpreted individually, everyone has their own ideas. What's yours? 

Showings of gUnTOPIA will be followed by talkbacks with different gun topics.Please check website for more information.

gUnTOPIA

The Roustabouts

March 16 - April 2, 2023

Moxie Theatre

1286 University Ave. San Diego

www.theroustabouts.org

 


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