Watching more like an extended Wiki entry, “Natalie Portman, the Musical!” is complete with fictitious stories, unfortunate mishaps and candid musical numbers. Although the comedy musical has its limited highlights with the occasionally clever script and the upbeat acting, the technical blunders and the repetitive jokes outweigh many gains made by other aspects.
Staged like “The Night Before Christmas,” “Natalie Portman” is sarcastic and inventive. Chiefly thanks to writer Brittany Garms, the play flourishes under several conditions. First, the one-liners that poke fun at the narrator (Malik Aziz) are divine. At one point, Natalie Portman (Tara Pitt) flawlessly points out to Samuel L. Jackson (Aziz) that if they did a musical about him, it would never end, as he has never turned down a role. Whether true or not, the backhanded quip leaves Jackson stunned and the audience laughing. Second, the writing shines when it comes to all things Star Wars. In one scene, Portman is on stage for Episode 1, and the main producer has never seen the original trilogy. Without a doubt, the ensuing interaction is priceless.
However, as the performance continues, it begins to follow a simple formula: insert oblivious or sarcastic character, followed by a sweet, innocent Natalie Portman and a few lowbrow jokes. As well as this may work for the first half of the play; it begins to quickly lose momentum. A variety of long and short skits would have drastically improved the play, in addition to various degrees of subtle humor.
For all of its written successes and failures, “Natalie Portman” features sub-par lighting. If executed properly, the lighting would have been lively and compelling. But the delayed transitions were all too evident in the play’s dynamic. It forced discomfort in the actors, and it considerably slowed the play. The spotlights were the trickiest to manage, making the play sloppy and unprofessional, akin to a high school production.
In terms of the acting, notable mentions include Sam Marra as the love-struck agent and Lindsay Nesmith as the always peppy chorus member. Both portray their characters with a range of comical emotions. For Marra, the spectrum is from manically depressed agent to wildly in-love suitor. But for Nesmith, the joke is that she has only one speed: ultra-perky. As a result, her permanently bubbly disposition becomes both striking and amusing.
Progressing awkwardly, “Natalie Portman, the Musical!” attempts to showcase how clever and hip it is. While the entertainment value is high, it does become tedious as the same jokes are repeated throughout the production. Movie buffs might enjoy the play, but the technical issues will be a glaring concern.
Playing at the Attic Theatre, “Natalie Portman, the Musical!” will continue its run
until September 30. Tickets cost $18, and the theater is located at 5429 Washington Blvd. in
Culver City.
Natalia Evdokimova has been involved with theater throughout her life and has reviewed theatrical productions for local and citywide publications since 2005.