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Mix
of nostalgia, laughs spark opening night of ‘Bunkbed
Brothers’ |
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By JULIE McHALE
- TimeOut Theater Critic
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October 19,
2009 |
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A
reunion of two brothers in their old shared bedroom is a mix
of nostalgia and hilarity.
"Bunkbed Brothers," penned
by Pat Hazell and Matt Goldman, two prestigious comedy
writers, has been around in some form for more than 20 years.
Tweaked to accommodate our illustrious
pair of comics, John McGivern and Christopher Tarjan, this
comedy rocked the stage and the audience on opening night at
Vogel Hall in the Marcus Center.
A room pretty much preserved over the
years since these siblings’ departure, it reeks with
"stuff" that represents their childhood together.
(God help the props manager!) Everything from old clothes,
games, trophies, books, collections, nerf balls, Frisbees,
even an old typewriter. Mark and Tom are polar opposites. Mark
is a writer, and Tom has a bagel business, which happens to be
failing at the moment, as he tries to invent a way to inject
cream cheese into this staple commodity.
As happens in many family reunions,
adults become children again and re-enact the roles they
played when growing up. Their father, played by Richard
Halverson, enters occasionally to nag them to get ready or
make less noise or not to mess with the new wallpaper, but
this is the bunkbed brothers’ show, and what a show it is.
If this event doesn’t evoke laughter, nothing will.
They tease, share, trade insults,
throw objects, reminisce, and show their affection for each
other, albeit clumsily, as men often do with each other. We
grow to like them amid their pranks and goofiness.
Both McGivern and Tarjan are known
quantities in these climes, having recently shared the stage
in "The Odd Couple," "Shear Madness," and
"The Mystery of Irma Vepp," all unforgettable
productions. The chemistry between them is strong, which makes
the brother thing work.
Scenic Designer Scott J. Kimmins and
Technical Director Dan McLaughlin both deserve mention for
their creation of a very believable messy room and special
effects surprises. Directed by Pat Hazell, who also wrote
"The Wonder Bread Years," which played here several
years ago, this show is just one of his many accomplishments,
one of which includes writing for the Jerry Seinfeld Show.
Kudos to Jason Fassl and George Smith
for their contributions with lighting and sound, but a
standing ovation to McGivern and Tarjan, who always lift our
spirits with their healing gift of laughter. The show runs
through November 15.
Call (414) 273-7121 for times and
tickets. Group rates are available.
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