Spalding Gray, a founding member of the New York based, avant-garde theatre company The Wooster Group committed suicide in 2004, but it’s probably not important for the audience to know this before they see Josh Lefkowitz’s solo show at CenterStage. It’s probably just as unnecessary for the audience to know that Spalding Gray was most famous for his monologue performances in which he narrated his life story while sitting behind a table. If, however, the audience were privy to the information that Spalding Gray is Josh Lefkowitz’s self-proclaimed “last great hero,” then Lefkowitz’s show Help Wanted might be exactly what they would expect: a self confessional monologue delivered from behind a table.
During his show, the complete title of which is “Help Wanted: A Personal Search for Meaningful Employment at the start of the 21st Century,” writer-performer Lefkowitz describes himself as like Spalding Gray, a monologist - someone who performs monologues or delivers long speeches. Located in the intimate cabaret space at the back of the Head Theatre Help Wanted, Lefkowitz’s first play, is as much a stylistic tribute to Spalding Gray’s monology as it is a personal journey through the post-college years.
Help Wanted was previously featured as part of CenterStage’s First Look workshop series in 2004. The show - part theatre, part spoken-word poetry, part performance art - draws from the writer’s recent personal experiences as a young artist fresh out of college armed with nothing more than a BFA in acting. Lefkowitz narrates the story of his search for, as the title states, “meaningful employment” while at the same time letting the audience into some of the most personal and emotional issues of his life. Admittedly self indulgent in places Help Wanted manages to avoid some of the clichéd post-college angst that some might expect. Lefkowitz skillfully navigates his monologue through the all too predictable ordeal of questioning his sexuality into areas of unintentional racism and desires for suburban living. Peppered with moments of genuine honesty, the text is at its best when Lefkowitz deals with the things that are really important to him; Nintendo games, meat shopping, Geena Davis, toothpicks and parking attendants.
Help Wanted is a funny show. I can say that because I laughed. Even before Lefkowitz casually ambles on stage - which is nothing more than a small raised platform, table, chair and jug of water - the audience is made aware of this young writer-performer’s tongue-in-check humor in his self recorded cell-phone and pager announcement. At times one might want Lefkowitz to grab a microphone and perform his script like a stand up comedian. If this were they case, however, something of the soul of this delicate piece would surely be lost. Lefkowitz’s often wryly observed humor is made all the more potent by his moments of poignant self-reflection, serving to remind the audience that what they are engaging with is not someone talking about reality but reality itself talking.
Striped of any theatrical bells and whistles Help Wanted is a piece of naked theatre. Lefkowitz has nowhere to hide and nothing with which to cover any mistakes. the The first few minutes of the performance may feel a little false and forced, as if Lefkowitz is trying to play himself as a character. Nevertheless, the audience are quickly engrossed in the performer’s honesty and sincerity. Throughout the monologue Lefkowitz displays his passion for the work of Spalding Gray, even admitting that this production is a tribute to the master monologist. Lefkowitz also acknowledges his mentor, playwright and fellow monologist Eric Bogosian whose influence can clearly be seen in some of Lefkowitz’s characterizations and comic timing.
A self proclaimed artistic love-child of Gray and Bogosian, Lefkowitz demonstrates both a dedicated knowledge of the solo show genre and the artistic ability to put this knowledge into practice. Undistracted by any theatrical lighting or sound effects the audience is introduced to an honest and witty performance that is both cleverly written and engagingly delivered.
This production, coordinated by Towson Theatre Department graduate Dan Rehbehn, runs Thursday through Saturdays until February 18th. At $15 for cabaret-style table seating this show is a satisfying night out.
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