Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
Valentine's night in New York. It's freezing outside. Two strangers meet on the subway station at 3:00 am. Robbie (Jenni Chiramonte) a formal dental assistant, comes on carrying an oxygen tank, which she borrowed from the dental office just for fun, while
Galen (Newton Mayenge) is visibly frustrated, talking back to the speaker who announces the train approaching, that never stops. Both of them are alone, dealing with obvious heartbreaks.
The space is perfectly arranged; the bench, the floor signs, the trashcan full of trash, the garbage all around and the movie posters, with hilarious facial drawings on them. No doubt, we are in a NYC subway station. Robbie is relaxed, super charming, curiously asking personal questions which annoys Galen at first, but her charm overtakes him and by having nothing to do, they strike a fun, comic, and entertaining conversation. Two strangers, who may never see each other again, openly reveal their secreta in a most natural, sincere way. But a slight twist takes them in a different direction by the end.
The chemistry between the two actors is beautiful to watch. Their characters are clear, deeply explored and mastered. Acting skills combined with compassion and humor produce some exceptional performances. The writing by Matt Morillo is intriguing, engaging, clever and emotional, giving actors great material to explore and many laughs to all of us in the audience.
Under Katie Oliver's skillful direction and appropriate lighting design and sound design by Miles Berman, soothing music score 'Sweet Air Medley' by Jenni Chiaramonte adds perfectly to the KADM production of Sweet Air, a show you want to see. The other creatives are, Rebecca Schoenberg (Stage management), Matt Kamimura (still photos), Philip Sokoloff (Press Representative) and Kiff Scholl (Graphic design), AFK design
www.kiffscholl.com
From the Program Notes, 'Given that Sweet Air takes place in a subway station, the play's title might be considered ironic. Sweet air is also the street name for nitrous oxide (laughing gas), sometimes used recreationally. But sweet air may ultimately be what two strangers who encounter each other at 3 am on a freezing morning after Valentine's Day will find as dawn finally approaches and a new day will begin.'
During the Fringe Festival, the show can be seen at Broadwater Theatre (Black Box), at 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90038, with additional performances on Sunday, June 22 at 11:00 p.m., and Friday, June 27 at 7:00 p.m. Suggested for audiences 15 to Adult. Estimated time is one hour. Admission is $ 20. http://hollywoodfringe.org/projects/11792