The Perfect Wave
The Perfect Wave promised us Babes, Boards, and Beach Bums and that is exactly what it gave us. It planted its tongue firmly in the cheek of its genre and gave itself a woody... you know? One of those wood paneled station wagon? With surf boards on top and unruly teens hanging out of it? One of those.
This beach inspired romp gives everything you want it to: Evil Real Estate Magnet? Check. Unwanted pregnancy? Check. Knife Fight/Surf Competition? Check. It also has amazing music by Tony Mendoza and Tom Vale (who's cameo in the song "Love is A Simple Machine," like a pulley or lever, brought down the house). Under the direction of Rebecca Sohn (making her directing debut as a 16 year member of the Annoyance) the cast really shines. Sam Weiner is a G.D. scene stealer, Conner O'Malley is freakin' hilarious, and Emily Candini, mark our words, is going to be a star. Joanna Buese (beautiful voice), Gina Nicewonger (understudy of the gods), Forest Hynes (SNAX!), Adam Rubin (Karate Guy!), and Andrew Peyton (his break down after being dumped is one of the highlights) all have really silly moments.
We're torn for fave song. It could be the boys skydiving trio or the girls harmonic trio about virginity. We're also torn for fave scene: a radio interview with DJ Blond Dog and Mr. France Germany or maybe it's when the New Girl and Kip Hardburn fall in and out of love in 30 seconds. Yes, there is a beach bonfire. Yes, there is a surf montage. Yes, there is a Mystery Surfer... and we loved every second of it ... and that 2 sparkly bed sheets can become the perfect tube and that 3 orchids and some raffia can transform The Annoyance stage in to a Tiki Bar. Super Boss. Not in the least bogus.
The Perfect Wave runs every Thursday at 8pm till July 31st at the Annoyance Theater. If you are smart you will see it and maybe make a night of it. See The Perfect Wave at 8pm and stay for Messing with a Friend right after at 10:30pm. You should see every show at The Annoyance -- Chicagoland, Bodyslam, Space Future -- but see the Perfect Wave because "Summer is NOT a Fad" and guitar music and improvised dancing and clown-horning around are all f-ing sweet.
