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Masthead
A CurtainUp Review
Artfuckers
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Good work is a matter of taste, timing and testicles. —
Max
Darling, everyone's selling themselves. It's hot, it's now.—Bella
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Nicole LaLiberte and Asher Grodman in Artfuckers
(Photo: Carol Rosegg) |
The production as a whole feels like a hipper version of Melrose Place with a few well-placed references to ArtForum. It's a fun world to eavesdrop on and, if nothing else, it reminds us that we really can't feel sorry for someone with more money than God (hence the public's enduring fascination with down-and-out celebrities).
Bella (Nicole LaLiberte), a socialite, is currently involved both with Owen (Will Janowitz), the hottest new dowtown artist, and his best friend, the hottest new DJ, Trevor IV (Asher Grodman). Both Owen and Trevor know this but try to avoid the knowledge, as both are in love with Bella. Bella, of course, could care less about either of them. Her sister Maggie (Jessica Kaye) is a PR maven who is trying to make a name for herself, primarily by working with her fashion designer friend Max (Tuomas Hiltunen) on his debut show and collection.
When Owen suffers a collapse at his most recent gallery show, his friends rally to help him. The play takes a faux-confessional tone as the characters pretend to be in rehab. The matter of who's sleeping with Bella aside, everything wraps up nicely by the end, with no real breakthrough moments for any of the characters. They haven't changed, and most likely will never change.
Mostly the play is like the world it portrays—pretty but ultimately shallow. While choosing the right shoes to be photographed in may be a matter of life and death for some people, it isn't for most. However, it's a vicarious thrill.
Despite their characters' pandering to the God of Cool, the cast is quite good. The standout is Will Janowitz as Owen (best known for his turn on The Sopranos). He plays the most sincere of the characters—he genuinely only wants to be a good artist (not rich and famous), and this simple sincerity shines through in Janowitz's portrayal.
Maruti Evan's lighting design is the other star of the show, cool in all senses of the word. The production elements as a whole are all quite good, as is Eduardo Muchado's direction, which keeps the play from becoming an exercise in celebrity worship. However, despite the cast and production, the play itself is merely a glimpse into another life. It offers no new insights.
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Artfuckers Written by Michael Domitrovich Directed by Eduardo Machado With Nicole LaLiberte, Will Janowitz, Asher Grodman, Jessica Kaye, and Tuomas Hiltunen Scenic & Lighting Design: Maruti Evans Costume Design: Margaret Moy Sound Design: Ken Hypes Running Time: Two hours, with one ten-minute intermission DR2 Theatre, 103 East 15th Street; 212-239-6200 From 2/08/08; opening 2/19/08; closing 3/16/08. Tuesday to Friday at 8 pm, Saturday at 5 pm and 9 pm, Sunday at 3 pm Tickets $25-65 Reviewed by Jenny Sandman based on February 27th performance |
Try onlineseats.com for great seats to
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Wicked
Jersey Boys
The Little Mermaid
Lion King
Shrek The Musical
The Playbill Broadway YearBook
Leonard Maltin's 2007 Movie Guide