Bathtub Jen and the Henchman
Jennifer Harder, Charlie Layton, Glen Heroy
This is a musical romp through the dirty, lawless underworld. A bitch, whore, amputee murderess and her hateful, larcenous, Russian mobster husband are in a "love" triangle with a bitter, corrupt Irish policeman.
Some really good music ensues! Between monologues about their dissipated lives and criminal skullduggery, they play musical standards and Black Eyed Peas numbers on trumpet, accordion, ukulele and spoons. A traffic cone is transformed into a megaphone for that "Rudi Vallee" sound.
They are constantly forming and reforming this love triangle, sending the odd man (or woman) off stage in a rage. I wonder, what makes any of them come back? Are they desperately in love? Are they under a contract or threat of death that requires them to complete a concert? They have said they are hiding from the police, but the police are part of the game.
There is some very clever writing in the monologues--good storytelling. For this show to work completely, we need love these despicable people. But there are not many instances where the characters are connecting with the audience, that is when we would love them despite their "evil ways."
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