In Search of Cruise Control

Gangland Productions—John Hirsch Theatre at the MTC Mainstage

This is the most difficult review I have had to write this entire Fringe. Fortunately it was not because the show was bad. I really liked this show. Why I say this review is hard to write is due to a huge bomb shell of a plot twist that is dropped on the audience. I will get to that later.

James Gangl’s razor sharp wit was compelling to watch. He is a powerhouse story teller who couldn’t give a flying you know what about what anyone thinks. He is in your face and unapologetic and I couldn’t help but get drawn into his stories. It felt like we were all at a family barbecue hearing the cool young hip brother talk to us about what’s going on after having a few beers. This feeling was sustained throughout the show without becoming sloppy or annoying. While the show is highly polished and runs very cleanly the best moments were when he broke script to engage with the audience. Whether it be a weird sneeze or misplaced reaction, Gangl breaks to immediately address it but seamlessly goes back to his story as if the break had been apart of the show all along.

Now on to the bombshell. With out giving the twist away, this show’s ending was very tough to hear. It becomes a very serious look at how we cope after terrible things that have happened to us. What was most interesting to me was that while dwelling in this darkness Gangl chooses to not let us sit there. He inserts small funny quips to keep the audience completely out of the dark and to keep us from leaving in a very sad state. The actor even allows the audience to reinterpret the show by providing a breakneck speed run through of all major plot points allowing myself to reflect on the information with new eyes.

This play may be triggering for some. The advertising is misleading as the entire show is not fun and games. That being said it is a show and story that needs to be seen. I will be recommending this play and hope others take a chance on an engaging and thought provoking piece of dark comedy.

Kaitlyn Kriss