Play Review: "Vampingo"
Review by Kristina Hughes

Thinking of putting on your own one person show? Then check out Vampingo (and the Actors Art Theatre). A great show performed at a charming location...it's a win-win experience!

If you aren't thinking about doing a one person show ~ then chew on this...

6 Reasons to Produce Your Own One Person Show:

• You can cast yourself as the character YOU want to be
• You can learn the power of creating BUZZ by becoming the publicist for the show or collaborating with one. Target media and reviewers that YOU want to see the show
• Utilize your ActorTrack contact database to print labels to send promo postcards and enticing e-mail invitations to friends, family and Industry contacts
• Many, many performers have received great recognition for their one person shows and the characters they have created
• If you write the script, you’ve stretched yourself
• If you produce it, you can experience the business side of things coupled with the creative side

I decided that it would be a nice way to get out of the office and into a theatre. With a flood of film screenings and premieres, it’s been a while since I was able to get out and see a play. I have to admit that this is one of those rare occasions where my interest was peaked by seeing a One Person show.

Typically I am one for dramas with an ensemble cast or anything taking me back to the 80’s (see Rock of Ages). I find comedy sometimes a challenge to get into and having one performer take me through a play is a risky investment in my time.

However I was impressed with the star of Vampingo, Ariana Johns’ frequent email invites, self promotion and her in-person invite at a recent Actors’ Meetup) was the cincher.

The area of Mid-Wishire where Actors Art Theatre is located was a bustle with local art galleries hosting several open houses on the same block. Making our way down the corridor to the Theatre, I inhaled the crisp fall air ready to take in a night that is sometimes rare as business often takes over the delights that are in the various theatre pockets in and around Los Angeles

Upon entering the salon theatre that is Actors Art Theatre guests, I write “guests” because it felt comfy and cozy; as if we were welcomed into someone’s home with the chaises, intimate lighting and elegant surroundings in the waiting area.

We were warmly greeted and then as if host, producer (and chef!) Jolene Adams knew exactly what would be a nice pick-me-up to get my mind working and the blood sugar pumping, a little snack of some tasty treats (seasoned toast, quiche, some fall desserts and a taste of a wonderful chocolate delight with some sparkling apple cider) which gave myself and the others a few minutes to unwind and get acquainted.

After settling in our seats, we were introduced to Alwyn (Ariana Johns) an eccentric dresser with a personality that would entice me to invite her to any cocktail party to keep my guests laughing…and thinking. Alwyn began with a story that seemed too fantastic to read from the page, so with the book down she entered the stage to take us on a journey of her relationships with friends, her boyfriend, those in her mandatory suicidal tendencies meeting and yes those “demons” that make up the colorful mind of Alwyn.

Initially I wondered if Vampingo might be more of a “chick” play and so initially when two male friends accompanied me I wondered what I might be getting them into but as the play progressed I could see that female and male guests alike were following along with Alwyn’s tales.

Vampingo was sprinkled with moments of dialects, impersonations, and music that kept my ears alert. My eyes were delighted with John’s use of space in this apartment/meeting local/ living room and bar and the tech cues kept them in check.

The 60 minutes flew by and I found myself wanting more so it’s safe to cheer that Vampingo proved to be a delight to my senses on this fall evening in LA!

The evening, intimate and thought-provoking was pleasantly received and to encourage you to attend, well-reviewed! If you are looking for a night out, to do research, for motivation and inspiration to write, produce and star in your own one person show…then take a look at Johns' she has a wonderful talent worth emulating.

WHEN TO CATCH THIS SHOW NEXT:

Sorry, the show is now closed.

Actors Art Theatre
6128 Wilshire Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048