With the production name Smelling Good Productions and show title The Annual Chumsville South North Tavern Inn Open Mic Night I did not quite know what to expect from a William L Boyd / Connor Dariol comedy festival show.
These men are talented. They can sing, act, improvise, make fast costume changes, relate respectfully to an audience and inspire laughs.
It did resemble a university showcase, that is not necessarily a negative thing, it means this show was low budget, yet loaded with creativity.
This show was designed to include many theatre genres, we saw everything from mime to musical with standup, slapstick , drama, and dance.
It was fast paced, very clever, especially the characters making a ‘quick’ return to update us on their current status and remind us of what went before. Very impressive.
I noticed these two actors did everything with regard to production. Directing, writing, producing, musical directors, everything but tech ( Jason Ng) and poster design (Mark Lazaro).
The scenes where lighting was used on the bare black stage were most impressive, more could have been done to create a theatrical space.
Some of the timing could have been improved, certain things that may have been picked up with an outside director, dramaturg or observer.
Perhaps with their next show Dariol and Boyd could use a director or dramaturg to lift their production to the next level- if that is something this company wants to do.
For now it seems they are happy making people laugh and putting as many ideas/characters as they can into one piece of comedy theatre.
Well done.

• Elizabeth Semmel