- OTHER MEDIA
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- beyondchron.org March 27, 2009 (Buzzin' Lee Hartgrave)
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- This Will Eno one-man show is sharply crafted. Thom Pain (Johathan
Bock) is like a sand storm that constantly swirls and whirls around the
Theater as Pain drags us along through the wreckage of his life. This is
a very intricate and difficult play to put over. In lesser talents (Bock)
it could turn out to be a true disaster.
- If you squirm easily as the Star stares into your eyes for moments
that seem like an eternity, then this play would not be for you. You also
most not be afraid of the dark, because there are some moments when we
are all in the dark along with the actor. Uncomfortable yes, but it does
give your mind some time to think over your life – and the wreckage
you might have been lucky enough to avoid in your life.
- Johathan Bock gives a chilling, almost insane performance. It’s
a gripping revelatory tale that brings visualization to the fore. Tom Pain
takes us on quick takes of his life as he transits from sanity to someone
who is possessed by something. One minute he is sweet and kindly and the
next, he is shouting at the audience with obscenities and sometimes physically.
Oh, don’t worry – no one is actually attacked.
- Like a Beckett character, Thom Pain lives in a miserable world. As
the play goes on you sometimes hate the character – but on the other
hand, you also want to reach out and hug Pain. There is something that
is vulnerable about him. When you look into his eyes, you see a cry for
help. But, do you dare? He could snap at any moment. He’s not the
type that you would want to bring home. Think of the things that he tells
us. They come rolling out of his mouth sometimes covered in honey and sometimes
with venom. You might call these outbursts “Twitter Size’ rants.
Here’s one: “It would be wonderful to take you home – then
leave you there and go somewhere else!”
- FA-LASH! -- EXTENDED!
- NOW PLAYING AT THE CUTTING BALL THEATRE (Exit Theatre on Taylor Street)
- RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) –trademarked
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