The Triangle

Issue date: 2/27/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Dennis DiPasquale

On Feb. 19 Society Hill Playhouse's Red Room presented to an eager crowd - ages 18 and up on black folding chairs at red-clothed bar tables - the opening night of Eric Bogosian's philosophical, comedic, and very clever show entitled "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll." Bogosian's uniquely original act gives a whole 90 minutes to the extraordinary Greg DeCandia, whose credits include Mark/Roger in "RENT's" first national tour, and leads in "Othello," "Jesus Christ Superstar," and "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

Andrew Borthwick-Leslie, current faculty member of the University of Pennsylvania, has a method of direction that is bold and confident, resulting in an especially difficult play which calls for a single actor to take the stage with no relief from other characters - and no intermission. DeCandia's performance is constructed of a dozen monologues, separated by cued music, dimming of the lights and a small but significant costume change.

The set design of "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" consists of a window hidden by Venetian blinds, a recliner chair, a small table, and shelf overflowing with odds and ends that produce DeCandia's different outfits, varied minimally by scarves, hats, glasses or button-up Hawaiian shirts.

DeCandia does an incredible job embodying 12 different individuals; his commitment to character is spot-on, and each personality is made distinct by well-defined vocalizations and body language.

His only aid is the occasional prop - a guitar or Havana cigar - that helps to further illustrate Bogosian's characters.

These men's monologues have to do with universal struggles and personal viewpoints, such as drug addiction, fame, "the relations between men and women; man's vision of the world and future; and the self-delusion, anxiety and hatred endemic to modernity."

Yet the appeal of "Sex, Drugs, Rock & Roll" is that it isn't heavy or oppressive by any means.

Though some serious topics are addressed, DeCandia's characters are pensive, insightful and funny.

Bogosian injects his cultural work of art with hundreds of one-liners - some hilarious, some quirky, some philosophical and all thought provoking.

Each speech is made to address a range of audiences: a rock and roll superstar is interviewed on a talk show about his history of drug use, a nerd with big glasses anxiously darts around a room debasing normalcy, and a homeless harmonica player starts off the show announcing "Here's the situation - I need your money."

Continued...

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