The Angriest Video Store Clerk in the World
Thu, 20 Feb 2003, 09:18 amWalter Plinge4 posts in thread
The Angriest Video Store Clerk in the World
Thu, 20 Feb 2003, 09:18 amI donÂ’t usually write reviews, but after attending the opening night of The Angriest Video Store Clerk in the World, I was inspired to do so. I came away very impressed and pleasantly surprised with Vagabond TheatreÂ’s latest offering. Overall it was a slick and very humorous piece of theatre. The Audio Visuals were cleverly used to cover scene changes and were all professionally produced by Simon Oxwell (not to mention, they were very funny!). Technically, the play went very smoothly (thanks to Production Manager, Jo Marsh) and the set and props took advantage of the showÂ’s comic book origins.
Grant WatsonÂ’s script (based on his cult comic book series) was both humorous and clever and his direction seemed tight and imaginative. IÂ’d like to see Grant try his hand at some more directing in the near future as I was very impressed with this his first (correct me if IÂ’m wrong) effort.
Patrick Spicer was fabulous as the Video Store Clerk. Nobody could be as “angry” as Patrick! His acting style could be seen as totally OTT (over the top) but somehow he gets away with it – brilliantly. This young man has star quality especially in the arena of comedy. I have never seen an actor with quite as much energy or focus as Patrick.
From what I was told afterwards, the rest of the cast have had very little acting experience, therefore making their efforts very commendable indeed. (I just love the way Vagabond gives untried performers a go – there should be more of it).
Romi Gordon gave solid performances in her various roles (I especially loved her as the silent daughter). She has a lot of talent, however, she has a tendency to speak a little too quickly making some of her lines sound a bit garbled.
Michael Lamont was hilarious in his three roles (especially as Ed the gay group therapy leader). I think this young man, with a bit more experience, will have a great future as a performer.
I found Holly Matakiewicz quite engaging although she seemed to sometimes be at a loss about what to do onstage when she found herself having long periods with no dialogue. I went to congratulate her on her wonderful American accent after the show, only to find out it is her natural one!
Simon Oxwell gave a convincing performance and he especially should be congratulated as this was his very first time on stage. I think I saw him drop character a couple of times but I really liked his portrayal of the nervous Dave.
The highlight of the show was the slo-mo Kung Fu fight using stage crew and slinkies for hilarious effect (I canÂ’t explain it, youÂ’ll have to see it yourself).
I only have a couple of criticisms: Although I loved the use of the puppets (being an old puppeteer myself), it was difficult to hear what they were saying from behind the screen. More projection, articulation and slowing down of the dialogue would overcome this problem. The only other point was the song: I was at first shocked by the totally off-key singing until it became so bad it was funny. Then I realized (duh) that it was probably deliberate.
If you want a good laugh and to see a real “go” at the big Hollywood Studios (a subject giving me grief at the moment as some of you know) – I thoroughly recommend The Angriest Video Store Clerk at the Blue Room Studio until Sat. week (9.30pm). And at $5/$10 a ticket you can’t go wrong.
Walter PlingeThu, 20 Feb 2003, 09:18 am
I donÂ’t usually write reviews, but after attending the opening night of The Angriest Video Store Clerk in the World, I was inspired to do so. I came away very impressed and pleasantly surprised with Vagabond TheatreÂ’s latest offering. Overall it was a slick and very humorous piece of theatre. The Audio Visuals were cleverly used to cover scene changes and were all professionally produced by Simon Oxwell (not to mention, they were very funny!). Technically, the play went very smoothly (thanks to Production Manager, Jo Marsh) and the set and props took advantage of the showÂ’s comic book origins.
Grant WatsonÂ’s script (based on his cult comic book series) was both humorous and clever and his direction seemed tight and imaginative. IÂ’d like to see Grant try his hand at some more directing in the near future as I was very impressed with this his first (correct me if IÂ’m wrong) effort.
Patrick Spicer was fabulous as the Video Store Clerk. Nobody could be as “angry” as Patrick! His acting style could be seen as totally OTT (over the top) but somehow he gets away with it – brilliantly. This young man has star quality especially in the arena of comedy. I have never seen an actor with quite as much energy or focus as Patrick.
From what I was told afterwards, the rest of the cast have had very little acting experience, therefore making their efforts very commendable indeed. (I just love the way Vagabond gives untried performers a go – there should be more of it).
Romi Gordon gave solid performances in her various roles (I especially loved her as the silent daughter). She has a lot of talent, however, she has a tendency to speak a little too quickly making some of her lines sound a bit garbled.
Michael Lamont was hilarious in his three roles (especially as Ed the gay group therapy leader). I think this young man, with a bit more experience, will have a great future as a performer.
I found Holly Matakiewicz quite engaging although she seemed to sometimes be at a loss about what to do onstage when she found herself having long periods with no dialogue. I went to congratulate her on her wonderful American accent after the show, only to find out it is her natural one!
Simon Oxwell gave a convincing performance and he especially should be congratulated as this was his very first time on stage. I think I saw him drop character a couple of times but I really liked his portrayal of the nervous Dave.
The highlight of the show was the slo-mo Kung Fu fight using stage crew and slinkies for hilarious effect (I canÂ’t explain it, youÂ’ll have to see it yourself).
I only have a couple of criticisms: Although I loved the use of the puppets (being an old puppeteer myself), it was difficult to hear what they were saying from behind the screen. More projection, articulation and slowing down of the dialogue would overcome this problem. The only other point was the song: I was at first shocked by the totally off-key singing until it became so bad it was funny. Then I realized (duh) that it was probably deliberate.
If you want a good laugh and to see a real “go” at the big Hollywood Studios (a subject giving me grief at the moment as some of you know) – I thoroughly recommend The Angriest Video Store Clerk at the Blue Room Studio until Sat. week (9.30pm). And at $5/$10 a ticket you can’t go wrong.
Walter PlingeThu, 20 Feb 2003, 10:10 am
Re: The Angriest Video Store Clerk in the World
After all my hinting, I finally got invited to the opening of a play - and then Angelique beats me to the draw with her review!
Yes, I agree this play is as near as dammit to a comic-book on stage - larger than life characters in a monochrome set, OTT acting and a good dose of magic realism . The "special effects" were particularly hilarious - and difficult to describe.
Patrick Spicer's 'controlled anger' as the clerk was indeed the feature of the show, although I disagree with Angelique when she says that nobody could be that angry. The other driver who tried to force his right of way at a roundabout on my way home certainly was. Still, it doesn't sit well on those supposedly supplying us with services, as John Cleese has amply demonstrated in many ways over the years.
The many references to sci-fi standards were not lost on most of the audience, although I did have to have some pointed out to me afterwards. I couldn't help but feel the writer displayed a lot of personal bias in the comparisons between "Hollywood" and other movies, with lines like 'the world should grow some taste' etc. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but lots of people do love their Hollywood.
All in all, the stage management (well done Cai Christian), the mixed media, the high enery level and the strong message made this a most entertaining experience. It is also timed well so that I managed to get to see "The Stones" round the corner earlier and the two shows compliment each other well.
stinger@iinet.net.au
Yes, I agree this play is as near as dammit to a comic-book on stage - larger than life characters in a monochrome set, OTT acting and a good dose of magic realism . The "special effects" were particularly hilarious - and difficult to describe.
Patrick Spicer's 'controlled anger' as the clerk was indeed the feature of the show, although I disagree with Angelique when she says that nobody could be that angry. The other driver who tried to force his right of way at a roundabout on my way home certainly was. Still, it doesn't sit well on those supposedly supplying us with services, as John Cleese has amply demonstrated in many ways over the years.
The many references to sci-fi standards were not lost on most of the audience, although I did have to have some pointed out to me afterwards. I couldn't help but feel the writer displayed a lot of personal bias in the comparisons between "Hollywood" and other movies, with lines like 'the world should grow some taste' etc. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but lots of people do love their Hollywood.
All in all, the stage management (well done Cai Christian), the mixed media, the high enery level and the strong message made this a most entertaining experience. It is also timed well so that I managed to get to see "The Stones" round the corner earlier and the two shows compliment each other well.
stinger@iinet.net.au
Walter PlingeSat, 15 Mar 2003, 04:11 pm
Clerks generally
Since seeing 'Angriest', I have followed the message and sought out good low profile movies to watch in preference to the blockbuster variety. Lo and behold, in so doing I discovered a 1994 'Festival' film from North America called "Clerks" (Just because they serve you doesn't mean they like you).
It's all about a disaster-prone grocery store clerk called Dante ("I'm not even supposed to be here today") and his anarchistic video-store colleague Randal ("this job would be great if it wasn't for the f---ing customers") and various other wierd and wonderful characters that drift in and out of their lives. Compared to 'Angriest', Randal seems quite happy and well-adjusted, probably because he manages to vent his frustrations on his customers whenever the opportunity arises. Like 'Angriest' though, his main gripe is that "they never rent quality flicks - they always pick the most intellectually devoid movie on the racks".
It is probably just coincidence that the two characters (Randal 1994 and 'Angriest' 2003) are so similar. It just goes to show that it is well nigh impossible to come up with a totally original idea these days. Then again, the use of the term 'clerk' for a shop assistant is an Americanism; perhaps Mr Watson was 'informed' by a viewing of "Clerks" when he was a teenager?
Thou pribbling hasty-witted clack-dish!
stinger@iinet.net.au
It's all about a disaster-prone grocery store clerk called Dante ("I'm not even supposed to be here today") and his anarchistic video-store colleague Randal ("this job would be great if it wasn't for the f---ing customers") and various other wierd and wonderful characters that drift in and out of their lives. Compared to 'Angriest', Randal seems quite happy and well-adjusted, probably because he manages to vent his frustrations on his customers whenever the opportunity arises. Like 'Angriest' though, his main gripe is that "they never rent quality flicks - they always pick the most intellectually devoid movie on the racks".
It is probably just coincidence that the two characters (Randal 1994 and 'Angriest' 2003) are so similar. It just goes to show that it is well nigh impossible to come up with a totally original idea these days. Then again, the use of the term 'clerk' for a shop assistant is an Americanism; perhaps Mr Watson was 'informed' by a viewing of "Clerks" when he was a teenager?
Thou pribbling hasty-witted clack-dish!
stinger@iinet.net.au
Walter PlingeSat, 15 Mar 2003, 10:30 pm
Re: Clerks generally
If my facts are correct (and anyone please correct me on this) Clerks was written/directed by an esteemed gentleman named Kevin Smith.
Mr Smith was referred to in the play as a person that the Angriest Clerk wants to be, to whit:
"You (the Clerk) are an overrated, badly drawn, unfunny, cliche-ridden, derivative, Kevin Smith wannabe piece of @!#$!"
This is obviously a deliberate self-pisstake of Mr Watson's work and shows (perhaps) how he appreciates Mr Smith's works and is offering a homage to him.
Then again it could just be coincidence. Who knows?
Love, El Machine (I still see cartoon characters)
Mr Smith was referred to in the play as a person that the Angriest Clerk wants to be, to whit:
"You (the Clerk) are an overrated, badly drawn, unfunny, cliche-ridden, derivative, Kevin Smith wannabe piece of @!#$!"
This is obviously a deliberate self-pisstake of Mr Watson's work and shows (perhaps) how he appreciates Mr Smith's works and is offering a homage to him.
Then again it could just be coincidence. Who knows?
Love, El Machine (I still see cartoon characters)