REVIEW: TOWNSPERSON #3
Have you ever watched a musical and thought - what’s going on with those townspeople? I know I have. Inspired by the meticulously detailed and rarely seen backstories that ensemble members create, Townsperson # 3 is a genius comedic ode to musical theatre and ensemble cast members that is guaranteed to amaze you.
Izad Etemadi has written a witty, exceptionally brilliant piece about relationships, knowing oneself, yearning and finding love while using “a magical kingdom that cannot be named for legal reasons” as the framing device. Quite frankly, Etemadi’s passionate writing effort should win an award. The script is full of blink and you’ll miss it references to Broadway musicals such as: Hadestown, Wicked, Waitress, Into the Woods, all staged Disney musicals, West Side Story, Annie, The Rocky Horror Show, Les Miserables, Dear Evan Hanson, Next to Normal and Hamilton, just to name a few (I made a list and likely still missed a bunch), but remains accessible to the audience even if you don’t recognize every lyric fashioned into dialogue.
Izad Etemadi as Townsperson #3 and Julia Pulo as Townsperson #7 have an incredible partnership on stage. They never miss a beat with their choreographed movements, improvised moments and audience interactions all while using their skillful, comedic gifts to produce a rousingly funny show. Their sound and lighting operator also excels here with impeccably timed lighting and sound cues. The production is rounded out with creative costumes, an inventive quick-change set and hilarious props all to assist a dynamic duo who are ready for off-Broadway, bare minimum.
In all my years reviewing, it should come as no surprise that musical theatre holds a special place in my heart. Never before have I attended a show so specifically designed to delight and amaze an audience member like me who loves Disney and musical theatre. Etemadi and Pulo have created an exceptional piece of theatre that pays homage and parodies in equal measure all while confirming how important the ensemble members of any production are. Gather your baskets full of dreams and get to [Kingdom Redacted]. This is an absolute must-see and one of the best that the Hamilton Fringe has to offer. Don’t miss it!
