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Peer Reviews

The Lesser Tragedy of Pammon: A Comedy
by Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble

Reviewed by Sherry Deatrick

Entire contents are copyright © 2008 Sherry Deatrick. All rights reserved.

"Stay with us, Pammon!"

Pammon, a lesser-known son of King Priam, has trouble keeping up with the witty patter of the chorus in Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble's latest group creation. This meta-theater production is a gift to devotees of drama. But if you know nothing about theater's origins, you might feel as lost as Pammon. Hint: If you want to prepare for this show, read Aristotle's Poetics, or at least check out a theater history textbook from your local library.

Once again claiming the title of the thinking person's favorite troupe, the Le Petomane members have outdone themselves using the barest of sets (none, really) and simple costumes. The chorus, or Bards of Troy, wear orange "togas" and carry primitive, yet post-modern, masks on long sticks. You might think this would muffle the actors' voices, but it doesn't, thanks to their clear diction.

The plot plays second fiddle to comedy in this lesser tragedy, and although I can't say the audience experiences catharsis, the show is certainly entertaining. Ironically, the chorus calls upon the muse of comedy, Thalia (they even looked up how to pronounce her name!), to please "piss off" so there would be no "cheap laughs" in the show. On the first Saturday show, the audience (which included many esteemed local thespians) roared with laughter.

Pammon (Tony Dingman) is a hapless messenger carrying news of his brother Hector's death in the Trojan War (or simply "the War') to his father, King Priam (Gregory Maupin). Pammon is not a fleet-footed messenger of the Hermes variety, however, and the news he brings is already old.

Along comes Paris (Kyle Ware), and the sibling rivalry begins. Helen (Heather Burns) barely remembers Pammon as he reminds her of the wedding gift he presented. His sister, Cassandra (Abigail Bailey Maupin), delivers her unbelieved prophecies operatically in a scene that is perhaps a bit too long.

As always, the cast is excellent – probably because they've worked together so closely for a few years now so that improvisation doesn't throw them off when someone muffs a line. Movement is just as important as dialog to this troupe, and they make every movement count. Kristie Rolape adds a new twist to Aphrodite that should not be missed.

The clever sound effects range from Star Trek fight music (last heard in All Hail Hurricane Gordo at last year's Humana festival) to 70's funk music.

While some of the laughs are indeed cheap (e.g, references to The Wizard of Oz, Star Wars, and Lord of the Rings), and the plot is neither historically accurate nor plausible (but who cares?), Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble doesn't disappoint. This show has all the makings of a nationally recognized production, with some polishing. Did I mention it's a musical?

Insider's tip: The best seats are next to the sound engineer because you will have a good view of both stages. Be sure to sit with your back against the wall, and wear warm socks. There's a bit of a draft. And I'm not talking about the beer.

The Lesser Tragedy of Pammon: A Comedy
Written, Directed, and Constructed by Le Petomane Theatre Ensemble
The Rudyard Kipling
422 W. Oak St.
Louisville, KY
(502) 609-2520
www.lepetomane.org

November 13-15, 17, 21-23, 2008
Tickets: $8-20

Featuring Heather Burns, Tony Dingman, Abigail Bailey Maupin, Gregory Maupin, Kristie Rolape, and Kyle Ware.

Posted Nov. 17, 2008