"Gogol Project" at Bootleg Theater, Los Angeles

The ambitiousness of this company is evident and this technically complex show is further proof of their desire to create theater that is both audience-friendly and provocative. Kitty Felde's blending of three short stories by Gogol into a tapestry of Russian absurdism is brought to life with puppets, multi-media and a very complementary score by Ego Plum -- absolutely the ideal musical collaborator for this company's vision. There's no shortage of whimsy but there's also a dark undercurrent of potential violence behind each of Gogol's allegorical tales about power, position and the thin line between social order and madness. The production drops the viewer into this world and let's one catch up as the characters become more familiar and engaging, with the final refrain, "I choose crazy," stating the most logical of all coping mechanisms for an undeniably harsh existence. Still, it's the creativity of the puppet design and performance that keeps the proceedings from getting too grim, and the company's committment is never in doubt. Rogue Artists Ensemble is becoming one of L.A.'s most intriguing companies to follow and one can only hope that more folks will have an opportunity to see them in action. Their productions are a reminder of how exhilarating creative play in the theater can be. Abandon literal-mindedness at the door and you'll have a great time.-->