Theater Online - New York Theater Reviews

Whether true or not, playwrights of the ridiculous from Eugene Ionesco to Charles Ludlam claim Punch and Judy puppet shows as a major dramatic influence. Writer/director John Clancy has given us the real thing: FATBOY , a hilarious and life-sized puppet show, a smart domestic satire that throws its light even on our foreign affairs.

The play opens with the title character, a voracious Fatboy , point-perfectly portrayed by Del Pentecost, wanting his pancakes. He's hungry enough to eat a chair! Wife Fudgie (the very funny Nancy Walsh) booms there is no food, no money and they are at each others' throats. When Fatboy does go out to get money, the tenant ( a fabulous Matt Oberg) comes about the room-to-let to a"professional". He is an assassin but also able to service Fudgie in other ways. Meanwhile, bloodied but with money in hand, Fatboy returns. He has robbed and murdered , delivering death, as he says, like a postman.

The second act must be one of the funniest court room scenes ever, in which Fatboy's gluttonous, rapacious and bullying deeds are clearly seen as winning ways and honor, truth and justice, those democratic watchwords, are insider jokes. (Our own platitudinous administration comes to a cynical mind.) Fatboy is too large for puny laws; he has become the Uber-eater. As heir apparent to Alfred Jarry's hero, Ubu, he wants to be king.

During the entr'acte, Fudgie and Fatboy tell a tale of their early days with puppets of their younger selves. Fatboy is surprised, even hurt, to be represented by so chubby a doll. Is this self awareness, potentially regret“

Don't be ridiculous! What ensues in the third act is political intrigue, betrayal, a world without pancakes or any food left, and total destruction so no one will be left to tell.

Supporting cast members David Calvitto, playing two parts and Jody Lambert, playing four parts and the piano, complete a truly strong comedic cast. Kelly Hanson's clever sets and back drops literally suggest a Punch and Judy portable stage.

Looking for an intelligent, imaginative AND entertaining evening at the theater? This is it!