REVIEW: Crashing the Party

Call me a cynic, but I’m typically very hard to impress when it comes to dramatic performances of any kind unless they’re set to music.  That’s just the kind of girl I am.  With that out of the way, Crashing the Party at the Mixed Blood Theater is definitely the best play I’ve ever seen.  The show is funny and fresh.  I usually watch plays stone-faced, almost challenging them to make me laugh.  I suppose that’s because I can always see the punch lines coming a mile away.  Crashing the Party is a truly entertaining story with more than a few twists and turns.

The 85-minute, one-act show kept things moving with fast-paced dialogue and a spattering of slapstick that had me laughing out loud.  As a fan of Arrested Development, I was primed to like this play, which focuses on a hilariously dysfunctional, privileged family facing trouble with Dad’s company and unmotivated kids that are living in their own reality.  Crashing the Party also features a “hot cop” and a version of “Kitty.”  That’s about where the Arrested Development similarities end, leaving lots of room for clever comedic moments.  The acting was fantastic.  The set, effects and production quality were impressive for a small theater such as Mixed Blood.  The crowd loved this show, and I can see why.  This production has received much acclaim already, and I agree – it’s a must see!

If money is tight, with Mixed Blood’s Radical Hospitality Program, you don’t even have to pay for a ticket!  I’ve written about this before, but it’s always worth pointing out.  The show we saw was nearly sold out, however, so get there early if you plan on obtaining free tickets.