Stupid Kids
By Matt Falber • Posted: February 22nd, 2008
Prepare yourself. Stupid Kids is not your average theatre-going experience. Though it is not a musical, it masterfully combines music, dance, and drama to tell the story of four high school kids in the suburbs who lust after a sense of belonging. Kimberly (Kelly Schumann) and her friend John “Neechee” (Ryan Spahn) are gay, and outcasts on top of that — until they meet cool kids, Judy (Tessa Thompson) and Jim (Michael Grant Terry). Jim is new at Joe McCarthy High School and plays at being a rebel, though all he really wants is to be popular and be with Judy. Judy is a cheerleader who’s broke up with the coolest kid in school to be with Jim. The two ooze sexuality and it ensnares Neeche and Kimberly’s affections. As Neeche and Kimberly struggle to keep Judy and Jim in their lives, Judy and Jim struggle to be accepted by the school’s ruling gang. The script touches some heavy emotions and the actors are spot on in bringing each and every instance whether comical or heart-wrenching to life — particularly Michael Grant Terry whose character is so believable. The thing that is truly remarkable about the production however is that it really isn’t L.A. theatre as usual. Everything comes together so cohesively from Marvin Tunney’s choreography, to Kurt Boetcher’s set, to Tim Swiss’s lighting design. The scenes often become like living paintings — the palette of colors selected with the utmost care. Despite the small stage, you always feel like you are seeing a completely different setting rather than the suggestion of one. From its characters, to its story, to its execution, Stupid Kids is a completely wonderful and artistic experience — definitely recommended.
Stupid Kids plays at the Celebration Theatre, 7051-B Santa Monica Blvd; Thurs.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; thru March 23. 323-957-1884 or www.celebrationtheatre.com.
Rating:
5 of 5 stars
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Tags:Celebration Theatre, Kelly Schumann, Michael Grant Terry, Michael Matthews, Ryan Spahn, Stupid Kids, Tessa Thompson.
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Matt Falber is the Editor-in-Chief of Real Gay L.A. Matt was formerly an editorial assistant at Frontiers Magazine. He served as a regular contributing writer for Frontiers for two years and also wrote for IN Los Angeles, its sister publication. Matt has a flare for the arts and when we don't have him chained to his desk, he can be seen singing and acting in various L.A. venues.
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Loved it! I was instantly back in high school!