Hubby Mark called the show a “space opera”—a term I hadn’t heard, but I looked it up and it does seem apt: "Space opera is a subgenre of science fiction that emphasizes space warfare, melodramatic adventure, interplanetary battles, chivalric romance, and risk-taking.” Wikipedia. I’m thinking, a little Plan 9 from Outer Space?
This fantastical universe is created with almost no “set” per se, but with elaborate, species-defying costumes (Katy Kettles) and makeup (Sadonna Croff) sound effects (Clint Hoagland), original theme music by Jon Herrmann, and many video inserts (Paul Schmidt). The plot is silly but fun, with a few possibly serious implications about the murderous nature of the human species. (We do not make good pets; I loved Nick Lemmer’s lecture at the zoo.)
Storm is outstanding as our heroine, as is her new husband Richard Kopitsch, as the evil President YaWi, among other characters. Tobin Bates shines with a brave yet cuddly persona as General Dan’h Madrin. Erica Beck is formidable as Mikah Minoch. Daniel Bonner makes a valiant counter-hero, Adon-Ra; Jillian Tosolt charms as a sarcastic, multi-function robot friend/accessory LC-4. Charlsie Kussmaul glitters as J’an Jah. Nick Lemmer and Leo Poroshin coexist as two-headed Zimlek —and Leo gets the costume-I-want-to-rent-for-Halloween award as thuggish Commander G’bril.
The fight/battle part of the title is a big part of the show, well rendered throughout under the direction of LCC’s John Lennox. The final battle between Storm and her real-life husband is particularly impressive. I hope their home life is somewhat less violent — but the fact that they survive for another performance is heartening.
Though the costumes and sci-fi may appeal to kids, there is enough snarky sarcasm and references to how/if the last humans will mate/or not … that makes it a little PG.
Fight Girl Battle World plays tomorrow (Sunday) at 2 and next Saturday at 8 and Sunday the 24th at 2. The Robin Theatre was quite full — so reservations are recommended, though tickets are available at the door while they last.
Robin Theatre, 1105 S. Washington
http://www.ixiontheatre.com/tickets.html