Men are From Mars Women are from Venus Live! is not all that it seems to be at the New World Stages Theatre on 340 West and 50th street.
I enter to a view of flamenco-pink, body-painted banners that are illuminated in blue silhouette lighting on stage. An even playing field of a male-female duo cast is expected, but the audience is greeted by talented theatre artists, Peter Story, who takes everyone in the New World Stages Theatre by surprise.
Peter Story is an award-winning actor and playwright who has made appearances on television shows such as Ugly Betty and The Tonight Show, and has traveled across the United States with the creative cast of Mindy Cooper’s (director) thriving show. With over two-hundred successful performances under his belt, Peter Story now brings this interactive comedy to New York City.
Mr. Story immediately befriends the audience and draws attention with a series of hilarious tales from memory lane; he recalls the time when he first began dating his wife Megan with stories such as opera date night, a reflection on the “domestic cold wars” that occur between spouses, and other entertaining observations on the ten year mark of relationships. The demonstration of men and women’s emotional states is presented through the lens of Peter Story’s real life relationship. This immediately put the audience at ease; a clever technique that allows free comedic reign.
Throughout the show, Megan is unexpectedly mocked and somewhat pointed to as overly emotional. However, despite glimmers of this show’s one sided humor, Peter Story’s performance is nothing less than phenomenal. His exuberance in detailing the multi-tasking nature of women and, as Story refers to as “logical” demeanor of men, is thrilling! Peter Story truly delivers this aspect from the heart of John Gray’s bestselling-book, Men are from Mars-Women Are from Venus.
Mr. Story’s blunt yet personable charisma propels the show forward with non-stop momentum. Men are from Mars-Women Are from Venus Live! keeps its audience on the edge of tears. If the tears are from laughter or insult, you will have to decide for yourself, this show is one you won’t want to miss.
This is a guest blog by singer and actor Alexa C. Politis. You can contact her here and check out her music here: www.youtube.com/alexapolitis.
