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| Peggy Platt, Michael Oaks, and Lisa Koch in the Womb (Chris Bennion) |
ACT Theatre
Through December 21
Every year at this time, those who know funny know to get
their asses to wherever Ham for the
Holidays will be performed. They know they will grin from beginning to end
and laugh almost constantly. They know that they will leave feeling joy at the
smart, talented crew and the amazingly punny and astute writing. They know
their jaws will hurt.
Every year is different, though there are some reliable old
friends to visit, such as the tiny Sequim Gay Men’s Chorus directed by Kenneth
Dolman, and probably a “play” written by Mama Euomi Spudd to perform with her
daughter Wynotta, who almost surprisingly never quite quits the act.
This year, at the comfortable environs of ACT Theatre, Fear the Bacon not only doesn’t
disappoint, it even raises the bar a notch further in funny. You’ll visit The
Waiting Womb, your local gynecology juice bar and spa! Where Dr. Dan plays the
piano before your appointment and Nurse Julie sings about mammograms and
vaginas. This year, you’ll play a game show (there is invariably a game show)
called “What the Heck’s a Puget?” and watch Euomi’s take on the prequel to the
Passion Play: Saturday Night Jesus!
You’ll get to see more of Lisa Koch’s amazing internet video finds – performances that are so
bad they’re great! See Zsa Zsa Gabor demonstrate (sort of) what made her
famous. Who? Never mind. It’s really hard, sometimes, to recap something and
not feel like you’re giving away spoilers, but a brief description in an
article really, REALLY does not
equate the experience. I’m just hoping that giving you a taste of the hilarity
will convince you that you’ve got to get down there and see it, feel it for
yourself.
The main geniuses behind Ham
are Lisa Koch and Peggy Platt. Lisa,
besides having a sophisticated funnybone, also is an accomplished composer and
musician, and writes all the parody lyrics. Man, I’d like to stand around for a
few days inside her brain to watch it work! Peggy is a well-known comedian and
performer apart from her duo with Lisa, Dos
Fallopia, and does dead-pan better’n anyone.
Their perennial band includes D.J. Gommels, who does a lot of keyboarding along with various characters,
and Michael Oaks, who also inhabits
all kinds of people. Usually directed by Lisa’s brother, David Koch, the reliability of the company means everything falls
into place seamlessly. Comments on opening night were often, “This is opening night? I had no idea!”
This year, an engaging presence is added to their fun. James
Knoll helps fill out some hilarious bits with a mostly silent presence, but
that doesn’t mean he makes a small impact. His Angel in Mama Spudd’s Jesus skit
is something to behold.
Helping everyone look the part with costuming that is
perfect for each character is Candace
Frank. Lights and sets this year are by Robert J. Aguilar, and sound is handled by Lisa, also. I haven’t
mentioned the team of aging superheroes you’ll meet this year, but their
costuming is hilarious.
If you’re a regular, you know you’ve got to get your tickets
because they might sell out. If you’ve never been, it’s time you find out why
people become regulars!
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| Peggy as Mary, and D.J. as Tony "G"....gotta see it to find out who he is! (Chris Bennion) |
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