Allison's PLAF Diary for Friday, September 11

Performance: Shakesploitation II Iambic Boogaloo (Iron Age Theatre) (Future Performances)

I can sum up Shakesploitation II Iambic Boogaloo with three letters: "WTF." Normally, that would be a bad thing, but in this case, not so much. Although the show opened with terribly unfunny fake movie previews, the three absurd mini farces were rife with hysterics. Let me be clear: Shakesploitation II was in no way "good." But Iron Age Theatre obviously wasn't going for "good." In fact, they were almost certainly going for hilariously bad. And I can tell you with confidence that hilariously bad was achieved in the best possible way.

Shakesploitation II is made up of: "Romeo & Juliet Trapped in the Closet," sort of a combination of Baz Luhrmann's R+J and R. Kelly's hip-hopera; "Cobra Commanders III," a G.I. Joe translation of Richard III; and "Friday the 13th Night," the most disturbing summer-camp version of Twelfth Night you've ever seen. David Yashin was the bright spot of the night with his performances as Romeo (aka R. Kelly) and Zartan. I can't really give him the same kudos for Malvolio, but let's be honest, it's not really his fault. Nobody likes Malvolio. Markus Zanders was also strong in his portrayal of Cobra Commander. Sweaty under the blue polyester mask, but dead on in his characterization of the villain. But back to that Zartan for a second... I'm gonna say it: I could not stop staring at his package. Seriously, how many socks were stuffed in that leotard!? Every time he turned to the side I completely lost it.

Basically, if you're down with the bastardization of the Bard into the not-so-subtle humor of a 13-year-old boy, this is a great show for you. There's no more fitting description of the type of comedy Shakesploitation II delivers. Namely, everyone is a douche, everyone is gay and/or oversexed, and all weapons are phalluses.
Festival Rating: Stupid Funny.