Musicals in LA
Sunday, February 27, 2011

SkyPilot Theatre's REWIND - Fun Late Night Entertainment

If you're looking for a good late night theatre fix, check out SkyPilot Theatre's Rewind: Netflix Killed the Video Store, 10 original one-acts that will run through March 12. You can opt for either a Friday night or Saturday night edition where you'll see five live flicks each night at 11:00 pm.

I chose the Saturday night slate since it contains the short musical Wandering Willows as its finale (book & music by Jonathan Price, lyrics by Chana Wise, directed and choreographed with a wink by Allison Bibicoff).

In it, Ben Ryan plays Billy, a mild-mannered video clerk with a secret passion for movie musicals. As he daydreams himself into the story of his favorite flick, Wandering Willows, he becomes the leading man he can't be in real life and the fun begins. It's a delightful comedy musical where everyday store patrons sing and dance, and an unexpected love can walk in the front door when you least expect it. Don't be surprised if you walk out the door humming as you go.

Also appearing in Wandering Willows are Lindsey Mixon, Trey Thompson, Erika Whalen, Lauran Mayfield, Brian Wallis and Jeremy Aldridge.

Making up the rest of the evening are four short plays that also take place in a video store, written by SkyPilot's resident team of playwrights. The shows are:

I Wouldn't Mind Seeing This Again
by Adam Hahn, directed by James Sharpe

Death and Popcorn
by Dave Ulrich, directed by Jeff Goode

Relics
by Julianne Homokay, directed by Morry Schorr

Rapture and Lamaze
by Jeff Goode, directed by Julianne Homokay

You'll find a little bit of everything here, ranging from the comic (I Wouldn't Mind Seeing This Again) to the oddly disturbing (Death and Popcorn). Jeff Goode's Rapture and Lamaze is wildly entertaining - standout performances include a crazed, pregnant Lindsey Mixon and hilariously deadpan James Sharpe as the clerk. Relics is a more serious, touching story of two woman, one homeless (Mary Burkin) and one about to be (Shelby Janes) that was a lovely surprise. Burkin's performance is subtle and deeply moving.

Rewind runs through March 12 at The Little Victory Theatre, 3326 W. Victory Blvd. (1 block East of Hollywood Way) in Burbank. For more information call 323-229-2753 or go to SkyPilot's website at www.skypilottheatre.com.

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