LOSERVILLE
nytheatre.com review by Michael Feldman
August 15, 2003
Being a solo performer myself, I had an extensive
array of artists that I looked up to as I was growing up that included
such greats as John Leguizamo, Deb Margolin, Danny Hoch, and Lily
Tomlin. If I had known back then of Michael Sepesy, the writer and
performer of Loserville, he would undoubtedly have been on that
list as well.Loserville is a collection of fourteen monologues each taking satirical aim at some of our country’s most cherished obsessions, including sports, Christian values, and New Age self-improvement. With chameleon-like versatility, Sepesy completely transforms into each offbeat, quirky character, never becoming a caricature and never commenting on himself. Just simple, seemingly effortless, depictions of each character—this is satire at its finest. His portrayals are as crisp and vivid as his writing. It‘s truly astonishing to watch a three-dimensional person and storyline unfold in a matter of minutes, which is how long each monologue lasts. The script should be a cherished gift for any actor itching for new material to perform or audition with.
At the performance I was at, Sepesy received a round of applause after each monologue was finished, and boy was it deserved. When Loserville isn’t wildly hilarious, it is strikingly poignant, but it's never slow or dull. Through fourteen monologues, the piece never loses steam and always leaves the audience craving more.
Loserville is smartly directed by Nancy Burkinshaw, and I hope that she and Sepesy continue to collaborate in the future, for all our sakes. The only upsetting part of this entire experience for me was when I read that Sepesy is a teacher in Ohio, and not New York where I currently reside. Overall, SEE THIS SHOW. It’s hysterical, powerful, intelligent, significant theatre that will make you think as much as it makes you laugh.
