Pep, Messi, and Me and The Fun-er-al: Or an Ode to Christopher Durang – Royal Family Production

Royal Family Productions is offering a quick fix for theater addicts. They are presenting Lunchtime Theatre – short performances during the day. Thus, one can stop by 145 West 45th Street, view an original work or works with talented actors, and return invigorated to the mundane world.

 Now they are presenting two original works – Pep, Messi, and Me and The Fun-er-al: Or an Ode to Christopher Durang. Both were written by Chris Henry. Her underlying concern is the future of American theater. She frames his answers to this question in a comedic format. The Fun-er-al is a tribute to Christopher Durang, promising comedy in Durang’s outrageous and absurd style. Chris Henry achieves her goal. Writers like Chris Henry ensure the future of American theater.

Pep, Messi, and Me introduces Lily, a theater worker who encounters Pep Guardiola and Lionel Messi, her soccer idols. She struggles to raise production funds. Pep and Lionel Messi are at the lowest points of their careers. Lily, portrayed by Kelly Deadmon, feels that the audience for theater should be like those of soccer games – passionate, with singing and cheering. Coach Pep Guardiola appears. Victor Verhaeghe is the coach whose legendary team is falling apart. Emilo Picayo is Mesi at the nadir of his career. Adrian Miranda serves as the announce,r periodically providing the audience with updates on events in the soccer world. The playwright adds modern dance to the mix. Maddy McLean interprets her role through dance. McLean enabled me to understand soccer’s dynamics. The actors make this fantastic tale realistic through their skillful interpretations.

The Fun-er-al: Or an Ode to Christopher Durang tells the plot developed by a producer to save the American theater. Kim Lindsay Gutman is Gwen, the flashy and flamboyant producer. Ephraim Birney plays Ted, the woebegone assistant who is dragged into her plan. The angel is portrayed by Maddy McLean. The actors work together to make an outrageous plan believable.

The stark stage adds to the production, allowing the action to move forward without distraction. Royal Family has chosen to invest in people, not costumes or props. These productions show that that was the correct decision. Before the productions began, we were was more of a workshop. The performances were based on eight days of rehearsal. This is not apparent. The actors worked together seamlessly in both productions. There was no stuttering or missteps.

The Royal Family is testing the waters with these productions. Depending upon audience reaction they may do more or fuller productions. This sample indicates that they should go ahead at full speed. The price of $15 for one play or $25 for both provides a quick, inexpensive fix for theater addicts.