POP! SHORTIES -- LIVELY DEAD METAPHOR

Renee Augesen and George Hampe. Photo:  Kevin Berne

BOY WAS I SURPRISED AT THE A.C.T. THEATER  

This is the best "Dark Comedy" that I have ever seen. If ever there was a stark and explosive evening of smiling -- this play is the most outrageously entertaining show that you will ever see. I can't get it out of my mind. 

The play begins with Dean Trask (George Hampe) - a Veteran Gun Sniper who has just returned from the sound of haunting guns. His troubles began at home when Dean goes to an interview with a government job counselor (Oliver Denny). Soldier Dean has plenty of problems. His wife is pregnant and his father is losing his mind and his mother (the adorable Sharon Lockwood) is distressed - but she manages somehow to keep the family going. 

The Handsome Dean Trask keeps calm, but he is steaming inside. Actually, he could charm the leaves off the trees, even though he is a trained sniper, who is a determined killer. But something holds him back from firing too fast. You see, he has to plan carefully, about what he is about to do. There are several people that Dean would like to knock off. Especially Helen Denny (Rene Augesen). Denny constantly smiles at everyone - even though she is really tough as nails under those pasted wet red lips. 

Deans Father goes through the wringer with dementia. Tom Bloom (the Dad) spurts out more three letter words that you can fit into a mailbox. His constant shocking words like "F...you" - is one of many. Actor Tom Bloom is the Star of all Stars in this play. Wow! Even the many older women in the audience were bent over with laughter. 

And the beautiful politician Helen Denny, reminds of the aggressive and uptight Republican who thinks that she is a reincarnation of God. Just don't let her have a weapon. 

THE WONDERFUL SPECIALIZED ACTORS ARE: Renee Augesen, Tom Bloom, Rebekah Brockman, Anthony Fusco, George Hampe and Sharon Lockwood 

FANTASTIC STAGE MANAGEMENT IS BY: Kimberley Mark Webb, Megan Q. Sada (Assistant Stage Manager and Amy Beckwith, Stage Management Fellow

GEORGE F. WALKER -- IS ON MY A-LIST! 

The Superb Direction is by Irene Lewis. 

NOW PLAYING AT THE A.C.T THEATER ON GEARY STREET 

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! (highest rating) - trademarked- 

(((LEE HARTGRAVE HAS CONTRIBUTED MANY ITEMS TO THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE DATEBOOK AND HE ALSO PRODUCED AND HOSTED A LONG RUNNING ARTS SEGMENT ON PBS - KQED)))