boom!

Directed by Kari Goetz
Jobsite Theater
at the David A. Straz Center for Performing Arts
Tampa, FL
March 11, 2010



How would spend the last night on Earth?


Boom! Jobsite Theater strikes again! In what seems to be one successful show after another, the talented troupe of Jobsite Theater presents their latest production, boom!

boom! is a three character play presented in the intimately constructed Shimberg Playhouse at the David A. Straz Center for Performing Arts. The play centers around Jules and Jo as their potential one night stand eerily turns into post-apocalyptic survival. Spending most of his life studying sleep patterns of fish, Jules determines a comet colliding with Earth is imminent. In an attempt to recruit someone to help recreate humanity, Jules posts an ad for a steamy night of passion. Once locked inside Jo discovers this meet up might be longer than one night.

Along with Jules and Jo is Barbara, who keeps us informed during the show and throws switches like the Wizard of Oz himself. Every so often, Barbara momentarily stops the show to fill us in of what is lost in translation. Marine biologist Jules, and journalism student Jo banter back and forth about both of their fates. Jules, insisting that he has saved Jo from death, is only thanked by thousands of attempts to break down the door and leave.

Playing the role of the wrong place, wrong time woman, Geneva Rae (Jo), delivers sharp and crisp dialogue amidst the calamity between her and Jules. Combining physical comedy and complete despair in the same night is no easy task. Kudos. Never missing a beat or flubbing a line, Chris Holcom (Jules) portrays the "fish-whispering" marine biologist. Holcom, takes us for a ride as he solely drags us along for a misinterpreted night of passion that turns into a two to four year stay underground. Oblivious to Jo's wants and needs, Holcom presents the hapless protagonist flawlessly. Rounding out our cast is Summer Bohnenkamp-Jenkins portraying our Marge Simpson-esque narrator Barbara. Chiming in with her well timed anecdotes and clever use of the timpani, Barbara had me laughing every time the lights shined her way.

I sat in my seat enthralled by the perfectly executed juxtaposition of existentialism, impending death and great comic timing. boom! is a riotous, side-splitting look at polar opposites facing a similar plight. With a stage set up much like bomb shelter, I didn't quite know what to expect with the opening scene of pre-coital preparation. Once Jules begins explaining his purpose for contacting Jo that night, I knew I was in for a wild ride.

All in all, boom! is surely not to be missed. I can say without reservation that I have never laughed harder in the theatre. I was almost as if I was watching the Kids in the Hall. I had to stop myself to consider the themes expertly placed under the cloud of hilarity. If you're looking for a wonderful night of entertainment at the theatre, this is it. Please note, this is an show with situations.

boom! plays the Shimberg Playhouse at the David A. Straz Center for Performing Arts through March 28th. In talking with Jobsite's director David Jenkins, I was informed the first weekend was sold out a couple weeks before opening night. This show is sure to sell out it's run, so you better contact the Jobsite sooner rather than later.

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Music - the breakfast room at Staybridge Suites in Columbia, SC (and anberlin)