Past Reviews

Regional Reviews: San Francisco/North Bay


Disastrous
Oasis
Review by Richard Connema | Season Schedule

Also see Richard's review of Help Is on the Way


Exotic dancer Champagne Horowitz Jones Dickerson White and company are at it again at Oasis in Disastrous. We went through her adventures in Shit & Champagne and Champagne White and the Temple of Poon. They're all back, with the wonderful Mathew Martin once again playing the malicious villainess twin sister of Shit & Champagne Trixie Touché and Adam Roy with his "rubberized" face playing all sorts of the parts, including Detective Jack Hammer. This time the almost two hour production is much bolder, especially in one filmed sequence.

D'Arcy Drollinger, who looks a lot like a blonde Raquel Welch from the 1966 film One Million Years B.C, plays the heroine. The consummate artist is the brain behind this sequel, as he produced, directed and stars. He once again gives a fabulous and energetic performance. Our intrepid wise-cracking heroine is fighting the malicious Pharma kingpin Trixie Touché who is hell bent on world financial domination. Disastrous is multi-media, with stunning video projections on a large screen on stage. There's a plane crash, an earthquake, a crocodile attack, killer bees swarming all done beautifully with low tech props. There are also lots of crazy zingers and many are real "groaners" along with some wild fight scenes. It's pure camp.

Matthew Martin gives a pitch perfect performance as Trixie Touché, the malevolent villainess, with his Bette Davis voice. When Trixie and Champagne are on stage bantering with one another, the house rocks with laughter. Adam Roy as Jack Hammer and in other roles shows his comic talents. He does amazing things with his face and jaw that are hilarious, stealing every scene he's in. Steve LeMay give an energy-driven performance as the much badmouthed Sharon. James Arthur is terrific as Champagne's snippy gal pal. Nancy French once again drolly sets the scenes with her placards and her "I don't give a damn" attitude.

Richard Neveu's videos are very professional and add nicely to the plot. Ashley Garlick's costumes are dazzling, sparse, and as viscous as the characters who wear them.

Disastrous has many wigs, low-budget special effects, and a cast that looks like they are having a lot of fun. To put it mildly, it's silly fun.

Disastrous plays at 7pm Thursday through Saturday for the next four weekends, through September 17, 2016. For tickets call 415-795-3180 or visit www.sfoasis.com. Oasis is located at 298 11th Street just off Folsom, San Francisco.