After mistakenly landing in Memphis, Tenn., eccentric aliens are compelled to travel to Las Vegas, Nev., the origin of grandiose shows. Looking to learn the ways of earthly entertainment, the extraterrestrials embark on an educational journey. The Actors’ Gang “Atomic Holiday Free Fall” captures the holiday spirit and intertwines it with masterful Cirque du Soleil-type performances that are simultaneously bizarre and heart-wrenching.
Ranging from comical to emotional, the various acts provide oodles of gratifying amusement. As the debaucherous Santa Clause (Pierre Adeli) chases the scantily-clad Vegas show girls, the extraterrestrials successfully attempt to dance the Cannes Cannes in tandem. A clear result of Stefan Haves’ Cirque du Soleil influence, two fluid dancers enter the stage, showcasing their heart-torn love affair through their contemporary dance style. Afterward, a recently divorced government employee, Meredith Tittle (Kasey Wilson), reveals why she is qualified to be one of Beyonce’s single ladies. Eclectic in its collection of acts, “Atomic Holiday” presents an encompassing synopsis of the kinds of headlining shows available in both Graceland and Sin City.
Accompanying the diverse performances is a talented band of musicians. The guitarist (Jeff Paris) strums some mean riffs on his electric, while the background singers (Karen Blake and Valerie Pinkston) hit their enchanting high notes. Not playing any original compositions, the band rocks out to cross-generational favorites like Styx’s “Renegade” and Beyonce’s “All My Single Ladies.” Because of these well-known songs, the show becomes more interactive and less formal. Instead of lifelessly sitting in their seats, the audience becomes part of the play, tapping their feet and mouthing the words. Welcomed and highly encouraged to sing along, the audience does not engage in a sterile interaction between viewer and performer, which as a result, breathes fresh air into this theatrical production.
Although “Atomic Holiday” loosely begins with a story, it has no conclusive ending. Admitting to that fault, the band’s conductor concedes that point at play’s end and invites the audience to a dance party on the stage. A brilliant ending to “Atomic Holiday,” a dance party further underscores the play’s goal: The point of the production was to gain satisfaction from entertainment. In fact, “Atomic Holiday” did that without adding a stereotypical archetype into the story. Instead, the extraterrestrials accomplished their mission without forcing the audience to see some irrelevant deeper meaning.
Light and festive, “Atomic Holiday Free Fall” delivers top-notch entertainment. Even though it’s missing an ending, the play should become a winter classic, rehashed every holiday season by The Actor’s Gang.
Located at 9070 Venice Blvd., the Ivy Substation will host “Atomic Holiday Free Fall” until Dec. 23. Tickets cost $35, and the show lasts approximately one hour.
Natalia Evdokimova has been involved with theater throughout her life and has reviewed
theatrical productions for local and citywide publications since 2005.