3rd
Annual New York International Fringe Festival  **Awarded
Excellence in Solo Performance**"Reverend Billy" by Bill Talen At the Collective Unconscious Reviewed by David Roberts for for Theatre Reviews Limited "Mickey Responds" Damn. Oops, few consumers know I say ‘damn.' But I do. Anyway, where was I. Right, damn! There's Reverend Billy again and a gaggle of his parishioners poking at me and my buddies. All on cell phones. They just came from that Collective Unconscious place on Ludlow. Wish they'd stay there. Guess he suckered a few more of those Fringies in to his little church at $11.00 a pop. True, there's not much in the store here for that amount, but really! Eleven bucks just to come away feeling guilty? Not my rodent style. Nor Minnie's. And how dare the Rev. call Minnie "Mickey in drag!?" I'm a much better drag. Hee Hee! He's right, ya know. You humans do become what you buy. So buy carefully. The Rev. calls the store, my temporary home, "a gas chamber of false myths." Like the buildings that used to be here were true myths? Wholesome entertainment, huh? I guess they were a cool place for runaway kids to get a good start in the big apple. Doesn't he remember what used to be here before those places were here? And isn't it all consumerism? What's the real difference between paying for a peep show or some cocaine and buying Minnie a new outfit? Little self-righteous me thinks. Whatever it is, "stop shopping" has to be replaced by something. So let him tell me what it is in plain talk. Maybe I'll join him. But I didn't hear a compelling answer tonight and I was there after all. You all saw me, right? Up there on my imaginary cross. But he's not a bad preacher, really (wonder what that hair-do costs?). Minnie, Pluto, Goofy and I like when he gets all wound up like Elmer Gantry used to. That's when he at his best. But trying to sell me as the downfall of humankind. Nah, I don't think so. Maybe crack. Maybe drug dealers shooting kids in Bed-Sty. Or maybe excessive seediness. But a few little furry or feathered creatures in a store bin? I don't think so. I really don't. Just say "no," Rev. Remember your name and say it loud. That's what I have to do before I go to the studio. Honest, it works. Oh, Rev., there is life beyond good teeth and we will survive good graphics. Ask the babies in the strollers that can be pushed around here in welcomed safety by their parents and grandparents. I really don't care if they buy me. Surprised? I just want some peace. Please, leave me alone. Pick on some of those new boutiques right around the corner from your little cathedral. Talk about gentrification. Sure know I can't afford to shop there. But, then, I don't wear much do I. Amen. And amen. Reviewed on Saturday, August 21, 1999 "REVEREND BILLY" IN THE CHURCH OF STOP SHOPPING Written and performed by Bill Talen. Directed by Vera Beren and Vanessa Klimek. Associate director, Maya Gurantz. Dramaturgy by Anthony Inferno. Concept by Sidney Lanier. Presented by the Human Drama Lab at the Collective Unconscious, 145 Ludlow Street between Stanton and Rivington. In August at the New York International Fringe Festival on the following dates: Tuesday the 24th at 7:45 p.m.; Thursday the 26th at 4:00 p.m.; Saturday the 28th at 2:00 p.m. All tickets are $11.00. For information and reservations visit http://www.fringenyc.org |