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A Dozen Guns N Rosas
Written and Performed By Josie Dykas and Diane Herrera
Produced by Di-Jo Productions
At Gorilla Tango Theatre
1919 N Milwaukee Ave.
Chicago, IL
Tickets: 773-598-4549 or www.gorillatango.com, $12
Thursdays at 8:00 p.m.
Running time is 50 minutes
Through November 13th
Guns N Rosas Never Gets Going
A Dozen Guns N Rosas, the two-woman show from sketch comedy duo Josie Dykas and Diane Herrera now playing at Gorilla Tango Theatre, purports to be a series of glimpses into the lives of everyday people. The trouble is that the material isn’t all that funny and the characters are not developed enough to interest. Other than that, it’s an okay evening at the theatre.
The two young women take a stab at cultural commentary as well. The most sympathetic character we meet is Rosa, an older Native American sage who runs a boutique filled with one-of-a-kind handmade items and a collection of art that is not for sale – although some of the goods might be given away under the right harmonious conditions. A one-act show could have been easily built around Rosa and her boutique. Rosa has something to say about being gentle to the planet and to each other, but Dykas and Herrera have chosen to limit Rosa and throw in other sketches that are not connected in any way. The result is a hodgepodge of skits that amuse, but never coalesce into a viable show. A Dozen Guns N Rosas is rather like a tricked out dragster that pulls to the starting line, revs loudly, and gives off some smoke, but never actually moves. You may leave the theatre having enjoyed seeing this dragster, but you will not have seen a race.
In fairness, what I overheard from the younger Bucktown audience as I exited the theatre was a bit less critical than my own opinion. On the other hand I didn’t hear them laughing all that much during the performance, so even among those who appreciated the Axl Rose humor more than I, the reaction was tepid. There is a certain cool to the ambience at Gorilla Tango; you can get a drink and take into the theatre – even sit at a table up front if you like – and the show is only $12. If you leave your big expectations behind, you still might enjoy this show.
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Randy Hardwick
randyontheglobe@yahoo.com for comments
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2008
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