Pittsburgh Public Theather (PPT) is a great place to see a
play because it feels like you are part of the action with the audience on all three sides of the
stage. I have always loved going to musicals
as in Day 105- My Fair Lady, but
seeing a “one man show” is a new
experience that I tried with PPT’s Buyers & Cellar which runs through June 28th.
This fictional play was inspired by Barbra Streisand’s Malibu estate’s
basement where supposedly she has rooms set up like shops displaying things that
she has collected. She referenced her basement in her book, My Passion for Design which fueled this comedic play (more about the play). The actor is hilarious as a Barbra Streisand star struck
fan hired to work as a clerk in the basement whose only customer is Barbra. It reminded me of the Hoarders TV show but for
the rich and famous with really nice stuff and with Type A personality organization. I could relate to this concept because, I hate to throw anything away. Imagine if you could keep
everything you love and have a place where
you could visit it, but who does that!
The concept is stand alone funny.
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| PPT 2015-16 show line up |
I thought that a “one
man” show would not hold my interest but
this one was full of energy and laughter. The Actor was all over the stage, talking to the audience, reenacting his interactions with Barbra, his roommate,
and others. It felt like there were 4 people in the play. I kept thinking, “ How can this guy remember
all those lines and talk for over an
hour?”
Seeing this show has made me a fan of a “one man show” and
has eliminated my fear of a play without all the “bells and whistles” of a
musical. Give it try!
Spiritual Reflection
(We are not a one man show)
I command you – be strong
and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with
you wherever you go (Joshua 1: 9)
My Passion for Design, http://www.barbrastreisand.com/us/a-passion-for-design-book
About the Play, http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/23/theater/a-playwright-inspired-by-barbra-streisands-home.html?_r=0