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Theater Reviews
Walking The Walken Walk
Fernand B. Macam, Socal.com Writer

If you've grown weary of sitting through nearly three hours of swishy swashbuckling pirates, cannibalistic zombies, or gigantic alien robots that transform themselves into your family station wagon, then you might want to catch the current theater production of "All About Walken". It provides the perfect alternative to the current crop of so-called "summer blockbusters".

Christopher Walken's icy stare, pause-laden speech, and idiosyncratic mannerisms are the inspiration for this quirky show. Part fantasy, part improv, this retrospective romp through Walken's career succeeds in providing enormously funny and side-splitting entertainment.

 

Highlights include parodies of Walken films such as The Deer Hunter and The Dead Zone, as well as a bit of spoken word, all with that unique Walken flair. You can't go wrong with ridiculously absurd impersonations, bad wigs, and that trademarked Walken shuffle.  Hilarity will ensue.

 

"All About Walken" is currently playing at the Paul G. Gleason Theater on Hollywood Boulevard. The theater is nestled between shops hawking clear stiletto heels, feather boas, and brightly colored lingerie which seems appropriate for a show with actors bustling with so much frenetic vibrant energy, and of course a little bit of naughtiness.

Patrick O’Sullivan, the director and producer of the show, acts as your guide with as much sinister delight as the Emcee from Cabaret. O’Sullivan’s passion for Walken is clear, reveling with subtle manic glee as he leads the audience through the various skits and vignettes about all things Walken.



Even if you aren't too familiar with Christopher Walken's work, one can appreciate the amazing performances by the cast. Their comic timing and impersonations are superb. The winner for most eerily dead-on impersonation goes to Michael Bayouyth. If Walken were dead you would swear he was channeling his spirit.


Not to be outdone by their male counterparts are the women in the cast. Lily Holleman’s piercing blue eyes perfectly capture Walken's vacant gaze and enhances her over the top Walken impersonation while Amy Kelly delights the audience with her take on Jennifer Tilly that would have the actress herself thinking, “Damn, she plays me better than I play me!”

 

The most entertaining part of the show takes place midway through the show with their interactive "Choose Your Own Walken". Here the audience is asked for movie suggestions and the cast performs impromptu scenes starring of course, Christopher Walken. It is in these unscripted moments where the casts wit, charm, and talent truly shine through.

 

This show is definitely one to check out whether you are a Walken aficionado or not.  The only drawback is that the show clocks in at around 60 minutes and leaves you desperately wanting more. The immensity of their performances all culminate into a hilarious final ending number that is well worth the price of admission. So save your movie money and instead buy a ticket to this show. You can always wait for those lame summer blockbusters to come out on DVD.

“All About Walken” is currently playing at the Paul G. Gleason Theater at Hollywood Blvd, 6520 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028.

 

June 4 to July 9, 2007. Mondays at 8pm. Admission: $15.

 

For Reservations: (310) 663-4050.


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