2010:  Our Hideous Future:  The Musical!  is the second collaboration between the Unreliable Narrator Theater Group and The Pluto Tapes.  You can catch this production’s last weekend run this Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 26, 27, 28 at 8 pm at the Boston Playwrights’ Theatre located at 949 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215.

Friday’s (August 27, 2010 at 8 pm) performance features a canned food drive to benefit the Greater Boston Food Bank, and that night’s ticket sales benefit Equality Now! What a great way to give.

Led by Somervillen writer, director and performer Carl Danielson, “the Unreliable Narrator Theater Group’s mission is strange, homemade theatre.” Founded in 2008, they’ve staged political sketches, comedy, music and performance art. Since 2009, Unreliable Narrator has released a monthly podcast series blending comedy, music, and storytelling. The series can be found at http://www.unreliable-narrator.com.

We’ve seen them in the ‘Ville, most recently at Johnny D’s in their March production of Un-Vaudeville.

The Pluto Tapes is a 21st century one-man band and the stage name for Boston-area musician, producer, and Musical Director Andy Hicks. 2010: Our Hideous Future: The Musical! is his first full-length musical and it shows off his wide range of wit and skills in a number of genres. He’s also clearly a great Musical Director, as the cast delivered well.

above photo: Tim Hoover as “The Efficienator.” Tim showed off his bionic character with sharp moves, fluid changes, and musical skills. He’s dramatically lit with a green glow in front of a large hanging motherboard-like set. His costume looks straight out of Michael Jackson’s Thriller. Here, he’s showing off his popstar attitude as he rocks the (computer) keys.

above photo: Here’s John Deschene as “Nadpeeler,” deeply pondering which fight genre to engage in with Kamela Dolinova as the leading lady, “Kate Brick.” He’s wearing a black dress zoot suit with a godfather hat and his gloved hands sport three extra fingers. Kate is showing off her combat readiness with a martial arts battle pose, sort-of. She’s functionally dressed in a red leotard, black pants and boots. After the Nadpeeler chooses his weapons, the ensuing Matrix fake-fight scene is hilarious.
John Deschene is a charismatic actor (and director) to watch and follow, with a rich voice, impeccable timing, fabulously clear diction, great projection, compelling moves and a large repertoire of facial and vocal expressions. Kamela was really enjoyable also!

above photo: Here’s Julia Lunetta playing the dominatrix “MC,” and Emily Taradash as “Dehnise Compuservé.” The MC has strawberry red hair and a suitably future-like shirt, pants and sneakers. She’s sitting on her bare throne and pointing a silver weapon at Dehnise, who’s saucily wagging her fingers near her ears back at the MC. Dehnise sports a turquoise blue wig and is sexily dressed in shorts, glitter stockings and high heels. Julia Lunetta’s voice has a lovely, dark quality. Emily Taradash is also an up-and-comer to watch- she revealed quite a large dynamic range as she played this suddenly-shrewd sex doll.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Students (with ID) and seniors pay $12. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the box office at 866.811.4111.

The exceedingly steep ramp at the door is a real shame, because everyone loves a laugh, and the experience of this witty, techno-studded dystopian wackyness inside is a laff-a-minute.  I’m so glad this group also has a web presence.  May all future productions be in thoroughly accessible venues.

All Photos credit:  photographer Christine Banna