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The Tragical Farce of Jimmy Pine

The Tragical Farce of Jimmy Pine

by Ben Schroth
Camp Death Productions

Festival of Independent Theatres

Directed by Andi Allen
Asst. Director/Stage Manager – Allegra Schmitt
Property Design – Mason Bunkelman
Costumes – Ande Bewley

CAST
David Helms – Jimmy Pine
Robin Clayton – Martirio
Kevin Michael Fuld – Gip
Gerald Taylor – Cricket
Robert Shores – Swing
Steven Shayle Rhodes – Polo


Reviewed Performance: 7/14/2018

Reviewed by Mary L. Clark, Associate Critic for John Garcia's THE COLUMN

“When you wish upon a star, makes no difference who you are . . . “ Jiminy Cricket, Pinocchio

Think original Blade Runner – futuristic, dark, grimy, overrun and overpopulated. People live among robots, no one trusts anyone, and everyone scavenges for the next deal, the next money maker, and next way to survive.

Camp Death Productions’ The Tragical Farce of Jimmy Pine travels to the mid-2000’s, and Yoshiwara’s House of Pleasure. “Putting SYN in sin since 2045”, the prostitutes are synthetics, programmed to do anything for their clients, and I mean anything. One such prostitute, is Jimmy Pine, a young synthetic that wants to be a real boy (Get it? Pine, as in wood, as in . . . ). He’s kept there by Gip, an old hipster loser type that bought Jimmy used. Smiling while enduring a series of clients, Jimmy finds a way out with the help of Cricket, his friend and lover. But the only way to become real is to trade bodies with a . . . real person Yikes! Jimmy’s adventure begins, laughs and lots of sexual encounters abound, and it all ends on a crazy note. Lots of action, funny, and titillating to boot – what more could one want from a sexy sci-fi romp?!

This ensemble casst works well together, even with some unappetizing characters and even more unappealing scenes. A mature audience only should view this play.

David Helms stands out as Jimmy Pine for his innocent characterization and actual appeal. Kevin Michael Fuld portrays a fine, sleazy pimp, and Gerald Taylor has some good moments playing Cricket, the one that finally helps Jimmy get his wish.

A very different production for FIT, the Tragical Farce of Jimmy Pine can shock, arouse, and might make some people uncomfortable, but it is no less a pertinent story of need and desire worthy of being told. Just be forewarned . . . and Walt Disney, close your eyes!

Remaining performances on Saturday, July 21st at 5pm, Saturday, July 28th, Friday, August 3rd, and Saturday, August 4th.

AND – after all weekend performances are over, FIT continues UNDERGROUND!

FIT Underground is a uniquely bohemian space that features a stage with live music and dance by local artists and a concessions stand with light refreshments available at the lake level of the Bath House Cultural Center.
FIT Underground music performances are scheduled to begin at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays, soon after the last FIT theatre show of the evening ends. AND IT’S FREE !!!!!!!

Friday, July 20 • The Lonesome Johnson Boys
FIT Underground Music (10 PM)
Saturday, July 21 • Bonus Show
The Very Good Dance Company at FIT Underground presents Elephant Antonyms
written and choreographed by Colby Calhoun.
FIT Underground Dance (1 PM)
Saturday, July 21 • Funeral Drive
FIT Underground Music (10 PM)
Friday, July 27 • Pool Lights
FIT Underground Music (10 PM)
Saturday, July 28 • Bonus Show
The Very Good Dance Company at FIT Underground presents Elephant Antonyms
written and choreographed by Colby Calhoun.
FIT Underground Dance (7 PM)
Saturday, July 28 • Felix Flores
FIT Underground Music (10 PM)
Friday, August 3 • Elephant Antonyms
FIT Underground Dance (7 PM)
Friday, August 3 • Veteran Children
FIT Underground Music (10 PM)
Saturday, August 4 • Wait, Wait