Reviewed by Amalisha HuEck
In trying to find life with purpose, and getting some light into their world, a group of seekers accidentally discover the community, where a ‘great’ leader J (Juan Monsalvez) is promising to get them the experience of the ‘great metamorphosis’, and find their highest self where only light exists. They are instructed not to be limited, to open their mind, trust and nourish their Soul by believing in the ‘Here and Now’. Focus and meditation are the ways, so they meditate on a breakfast chime, because that specific day – is the actual day to get into their eternal self and achieve great metamorphosis.
Moving Arts Theater proudly presents the World Premiere of multi-award-winning playwright and screenwriter Amy Dellagiarino, Hello, My Name Is… ‘A darkly satirical comedy about losing your way on the journey to find yourself.’ The play was originally going to be produced in 2020, but it got postponed because of the pandemic. Dellagiarino, who has had many productions of her plays produced all over the U.S. says, ‘‘Our world is getting darker. Things feel helpless. Pointless. Out of our control. We are reaching for connection, to have something to fight for. To make it all worth it.’
Created and developed under Dana Schwartz’s supervision as part of Moving Arts’ MadLAB, play development program; the play is passionately directed as a one-act by an award-winning director Darin Anthony, who also serves as Artistic Director for Moving Arts Theatre. This intriguing and dark satire has many funny moments in discovering the ‘truth’, and the misleading promises.
Under one hour and thirty minutes the cast of five has a blast with their characters and digs into themselves to find the most practical way to connect with their role. Reagan (Rebecca Larsen) is under the influence of power by their leader the most and trusts fully his guidance. Kiki (Roni Paige), as the most suspicious one, is bravely and hilariously digging into the ‘truth’, with her full embodiment. Micah (Brendon Bales) and Chase (Bradley J. Bazzille), stand by their choices of who and what they are. Comedy suits them all very well.
Costumes are put together by Keelyn McDermott; set and light design by Justin Huen; sound design by Warren Davis; and props by Dana Schwartz.
Produced by Laura Buckles and Joe Camareno, “Hello, My Name Is …” runs from November 8th through December 14th at Moving Arts Theater, 3191 Casitas Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90039 on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays at 8 PM & Sundays at 4 PM.
Tickets range from $10 to $33 and can be purchased at https://movingarts.ludus.com/index.php