HOLLYWOOD FRINGE: FUNERAL SHOW - The Broadwater (Studio)

Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck

A funeral for a father who is still alive, but dead for the playwright and performer Elena Martinez, is cleverly approached and the life of one that is still alive is celebrated with good humor, painting a clear picture who her father is. This unique show is a compelling black comedy, about the bygone days, good times in memory of a life still being lived.

Premiering at Hollywood Fringe, in the show FUNERAL SHOW  Elena brings over a decade of experience in improv and sketch comedy to the stage, underlined by a childhood of classical piano training. In the subject, 'How Do We Mourn Those Who Haven't Died?' the audience members are chosen as the family members of the deceased and given a little cue card with a word or two, what they are supposed say when Elena calls upon them.   In trying to find some nicknames for him and in memory of his love for the music and sailing, she plays his favorite songs on the piano with humor. She also successfully changes her father's image and imitates his behavior with enjoyment.

Directed By Natasha Mercado, who beside directing is a performer herself, and visionary of the "Soft Clown"-a performance style she pioneered that combines unapologetic vulnerability, absurdism, and emotional depth. Her innovative approach has made her a sought-after teacher, which is wonderfully expressed in this comedy. With sold-out workshops across the country, The Comedy Bureau named her work one of the "Best Things in Comedy," and Cirque du Soleil's David Shiner praised her as "fearless and completely out of [her] mind."

The collaboration between Elena and Natasha in this dark comedy about family and grief is a creative hilarious show from the moment it starts. All the seats were filled and the audience enjoyed participating and laughed out loud. Elena shares her talent freely and joyfully. A fun and successful show!                                                                                                         

Premiering at Hollywood Fringe Funeral Show takes the little Studio space at the Broadwater theatre on 1078 Lillian Way, Los Angeles, CA 90038.

Performances are Tuesday, June 17^th @ 9:30pm; Monday, June 23 ^rd @ 5:00pm; Thursday, June 26 ^th @ 8:00pm; and Sunday, June 29th @12:30pm.   with a running time of 60 minutes.

Ticket Price is $15.00 (promo code SoftClown for $10 tickets)

Ticketing Link is   https://www.hollywoodfringe.org/projects/11710?tab=details