Crabapple Trolls
Trolls doesn't quite live up to its comedy clownesque title
Rating: ★★
Company: Comedy Clownesque
Genre: Play - Comedy
Venue: Kids Venue - MTYP Mainstage
Was there a script for Crabapple Trolls? It didn't feel like it. Was it improv? Well, no. So what was it?
This is what we do know: The 45-minute production didn't meet its mark as 'comedy clownesque.' Sure, a clown-like narrator, complete with red nose, goofy granny glasses, and a shimmering bright orange hoop skirt, led the charge explaining the myth of the crabapple trolls.
There were also some expert pratfalls by a dancing baffoon named Butterworth. But cross-talk and hesitation made it feel like the performers were searching for their lines or making it all up as they went along.
Two Crabapple Trolls - with green skin, epic eyebrows, and shabby and shredded threads - spoke in chirps and blurps but meandered on stage. More troll action please.
Cross-talk and hesitation made it feel like the performers were searching for their lines or making it all up as they went along.- Robin Summerfield
Songs and dances - including a brief homage to Michael Jackson's Billy Jean - did hit sweet spots. A live musician, playing guitar and keyboards, tapped into a funky blues vibe and enlivened the entire proceeding.
