Armadillo Acres: The epitome of what we percieve to be a “Trailer Park.” But our perception usually stops at the mailboxes, and never explores the inhabitants. SpeakEasy’s “The Great American Trailer Park Musical” does just that, and in a surprising, hilarious and pleasing way.
Three trailers, one housing the band, decorate the stage. Palm trees, pink flamingos and, at some points, no “fourth wall” invite the audience into the private world of Betty, Lin and Pickles who act as narrators and tour guides, while leading this Boston power-house cast of actors.
“Hilarity ensues” is a serious understatement for this show. Un-expectations abound, continuously taking the audience by surprise. This show is, by far, the most enjoyable time I’ve had at the theatre in quite a while.
With songs like “Flushed Down The Pipes,” “The Buck Stops Here,” and “Road Kill,” and the disco tune reminiscent of “It’s Raining Men,” “Storms A-Brewin,” you know you’re in for a good time. And you are. David Nehls (Music/Lyrics) and Betsy Kelso (Book) have created a world that is most likely not too far from reality in some parts, and normally reserved for over-blown parodies and mullet humor. While there’s plenty of mullets in the show, these characters are so proud to be who they are and to be living this life, and come across wonderfully with real problems, emotions and hilarious solutions.
Need another reason to consider seeing this show? Check out the cast: Kerry A. Dowling as Betty (and a few others,) Mary Callanan plays Lin (short for Linoleum, because her parents named her after the place she was conceived, the kitchen floor,) Leigh Barrett and David Benoit play Jeannie and Norbert Garstecki, an agoraphobic and toll collector respectively, along with Santina Umbach as Pickles, Caitlin Crosbie Doonan as new to the trailer park Pippi, and Emerson Alum Grant MacDermott as the permanent marker sniffing ex-boyfriend of Pippi, on a rampage to get her back.
“The Great American Trailer Park Musical” plays through May 30th at the Calderwood Pavillion at the Boston Center for the Arts.
For more information:
SpeakEasyStage.com
617-933-8600
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