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Theater review: 'Buddha -- A Fantastic Journey' at Bootleg Theater
Photos: Evan Brenner. Credit: Phoebe Sudrow
February 15, 2012 | 3:45 pm
“Buddha — A Fantastic Journey,” Evan Brenner’s one-man show now at Bootleg Theater, borrows the ancient spiritual leader’s own words to trace the progression of his life and philosophy. It’s a tale of renunciation, full of weighty silence and boisterous inner fury, laying out the path to nirvana for suffering mortals.
Textually, the show is no more dramatic than a religious pamphlet — and arguably less boldly imaginative. Histrionics aren’t the Buddhist way. But the production, directed by actor John C. Reilly, is soulfully soothing, thanks to Sheela Bringi and Jaeger Smith’s original live score of classical Indian-style music and Francois-Pierre Couture’s subtle pastel-hued scenic and lighting effects. For 70 lulling minutes, the Bootleg becomes a temple of gentle meditation and beneficent instruction.
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“Buddha — A Fantastic Journey,” Bootleg Theater, 2220 Beverly Blvd., LA. 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, with one Sunday performance at 3 p.m. on March 4. Ends March 4. $30. (800) 838-3006 or www.thebuddhaplay.com. Running time: 1 hour, 10 minutes.
More: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/culturemonster/2012/02/theater-review-buddha-bootleg-theater.html