Jason D.'s Profile

Went to see EI tonight at the Orpheum, and can't call this latest work of art anything less than a true masterpiece.  After the disappointing "Definite Article" from 2004, EI is back and his seemingly free-associated performance is nothing short of genius.

If Glorious' sandbox is the Bible, and Dress to Kill's world history from the mid 1900's, then this show revolves, much like the earth around the sun, around evolution... with the requisite off-topic ramblings and phyical mannerisms that we've (I've) come to know and love as the trademark of one of the greatest comedians of this generation.

From his recreation of the writing of the ten commandments to being a "hashsassin," Eddie never misses a beat.  There isn't one moment of down time in the entire show (especially in his improvs), and along with the two aforementioned stand-ups from earlier this decade, this completes - in this author's view - a triumvirate of some the best stand-up I've ever seen.

A word of warning to hecklers and those who wish to interact: The "snakes" in San Francisco have a shelf life.  Eddie's moved on... and you should too.  And pay attention... he moves pretty fast, and you don't want to miss anything.  You'll be quizzed on it later.

OK, so...  I AM in the show, and I just read this last round of reviews.  I think the extremity of opinions shared in this forum is best articulated in John F's simple summary:

"...and you have actors constantly coming up to you and forcing the plot on you!

Yep, you sure do.  That's the point!  You can dance with them, ask questions and test their plotlines.... or you can sit there and act offended.  As actors, we'll move on if you suck as an audience member!

If this sounds like a bad time to you, and you rather sit at home on your MAC and write myriad reviews for your cyber friends, then I imagine that this type of this forced live interaction would be the equivalent of forcing Mahmoud Ahmadinejad to sit through the Girls Gone Wild video series.  

You should've done a little diligence beforehand to discover that the show was interactive... because you one-star folks DID waste every penny that you spent, and you took seats away from audience members who could've enhanced the overall experience.  I gather (and have been told repeatedly by audience members that stay to hang out AFTER the show ends) that some of those folks more than got their money's worth.

I'll add one caveat to my review from my experience in the show, and that is where the crowd is small (less than 40-50 guests), it can be a bit overwhelming for the audience initially with such a large cast.

Regarding the drink prices... I'm sorry, but you're not in Wichita, folks.  Drinks are just as much at ANY restaurant on the Pier, or in Union Square, or (gasp) the MARINA!

Finally, regarding the accusation that people involved with the show are posting "fake" reviews... really?  If someone puts their work product into a show (trust me, theater is not that lucrative for the actors and stage managers) because they love it and are putting their time, energy and soul into it... Is their reviewing and promoting it to be considered "FAKE?"  

It's no more "fake" than the socially-awkward basement tekkie coming to an interactive dinner show and then talking shit about it.  You should've known better.

My two cents.  Good talk.

"DiLo"

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I was a cast member in the SF show in 2000 when it was in the Cable Car Theater, the space now occupied by Slide.  Went to "audit" the show last night, and have to say that overall, the show is not nearly as bad as suggested below.

That said, the theme of the entire show is "low-class Italian wedding."  to that end, I think the show delivers.  The food could be a little better; fair observation there.  If you don't like your champage pour, ask for more!  

Further, a complaint about the actors not being mic-ed demonstrates ignorance towards the principals on which the show was written.  If every actor was mic-ed, there'd be complete chaos... there are nearly 20 cast members all interacting with the crowd. The beauty of the show is in this interaction with the cast, and I don't hear anyone discussing that on this forum.  If you go to this show, you should prepare to have a few drinks and mingle... you'll find that the fundamental uniqueness - and fun - of this show is very much there.

This is NOT a bad show.

THAT said, I'm not sure Tony and Tina's Wedding is a show that would appeal to the core Yelp audience.  After all, it's at Pier 39, and I know how much we all frequent there.

The Street School Artist Collective, or SSAC, is creating some of the best original, thought-provoking stage art that San Francisco has seen in years.  With a talented cast of various artists, from writers, actors, and musicians to technicians, and chapters in both SF and LA, the SSAC is poised for a breakout in the near future.  Check their website for upcoming shows; you won't be disappointed!