		Wrestling An Alligator
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Viva Vivi Wrestling an Alligator Young War Zeppelin Beach Improv		Play: Wrestling an Alligator Reviewer: An audience member Reviewer Email: Rating: None What I found most exhilarating about this play is that next to the satirical plotósleazy businessman gets whatís coming to himóthereís this character, Jenkins, assistant to the businessman, who speaks in free-wheeling free associations, making a dizzying array of references to highbrow literature and low-brow products. (And I do mean lowbrowóas in Preparation H). The effect for me was a play that moves daringly close to the territory of language poetry, and left me wonderingóand what more can we ask?óabout the relationship between jobs and words, what we do and what we say. Maybe the supposedly sturdy language of punctuality and answering phones and taking memos is the soul-stealing culprit of a corporate mentality, after all. And maybe the assistantís mad meanderings (which a doctoral candidate would have a heyday with, by the way, sorting out what line came from what novel, what phrase from what film. . . )ómaybe the pile-up of references arenít so mad after all. Iíd lo! ve to think about "Wrestling an Alligator" more, but sadly, Iím late for work. . Play: wrestling an aligator Reviewer: daisy Reviewer Email: Rating: 5 Stars The perfect fringe festival performance--funny, strange, surreal, and completely unpredictable. The cast was wonderfully vibrant, especially Jenkins. Fantastic! Play: Wrestling An Alligator Reviewer: Audience member Reviewer Email: What I found most exhilarating about this play is that next to the satirical plotósleazy businessman gets whatís coming to himóthereís this character, Jenkins, assistant to the businessman, who speaks in free-wheeling free associations, making a dizzying array of references to highbrow literature and low-brow products. (And I do mean lowbrowóas in Preparation H). The effect for me was a play that moves daringly close to the territory of language poetry, and left me wonderingóand what more can we ask?óabout the relationship between jobs and words, what we do and what we say. Maybe the supposedly sturdy language of punctuality and answering phones and taking memos is the soul-stealing culprit of a corporate mentality, after all. And maybe the assistantís mad meanderings (which a doctoral candidate would have a heyday with, by the way, sorting out what line came from what novel, what phrase from what film. . . )ómaybe the pile-up of references arenít so mad after all. Iíd lo! ve to think about "Wrestling an Alligator" more, but sadly, Iím late for work. . . Play: Wrestling an Alligator Reviewer: sandy w Reviewer Email: ginger_altoids@hotmail.com Rating: 4 Stars The show is smart, witty with a surprise or two. There are associations galore. I am sure I only caught half. I am still in the midst of trying to remember which film included the Christopher Walken bit. The actors were wonderful. I have taken 1 star away because I felt there might be too much information to process in such a short amount of time. I think someone with attention deficit disorder may find this play a challenge. I believe I spotted a few in the audience. It may not be for everyone but if you enjoy spotting layered references, if you appreciate humor that isnít 'dumbed-down' for the audience's sake, although there is some slapstick, it does plays off beautifully from the dark places we are taken to in this business world, then you will love Wrestling. Play: Wrestling an Alligator Reviewer: Nick Strange Reviewer Email: Lots of engergy. An intersting premise: a company makes it's money by forcing clients to violate a contract and then suing them for damages. But much of what goes on feels pointless and the show itself felt over long before the material ran out. While Mary Samson and Larkin Boero both had their moments (and, perhaps, could have had more under a different director), Stefin Collins didn't deliver one honest line reading. Perhaps he should consider suing his acting teachers for breach of contract. Play: Wrestling an Alligator Reviewer: Orson Harris Reviewer Email: Rating: None Eesh. I really didn't understand what the playwright was going for, and what was left didn't interest me at all. I'd like my hour back, please. Play: wrestling an alligator Reviewer: jes'fine Reviewer Email: Rating: 1 Star There's a minus sign in front of that one star rating. I've stayed out of writting negative reviews but this was just terrible. Stay away from this show! I haven't a clue as to who wrote the positive reviews. There was not a single moment in the entire eternity of this enterminable 60 minute "show" that I enjoyed being there. 15 minutes in I couldn't figure out what the point of doing this show was nor did I any longer care. The Buddah in me cries out for compassion for someone who would allegedly unknowingly and unwittenly be the cause of so much pain and suffering ........but the Charles Bronson in me screams out , "Screw that crap , off the bastard before he 'creates' again."...I probably should have cooled off before writting this but........As a friend of my wife's was told by her church choir master , "I believe the Lord has other plans for you." Or at have someone evaluate what you are doing before attempting this again. Please , for our sake. Play: Wrestling with Alligators Reviewer: JustAGuy Reviewer Email: Rating: 1 Star I went to this play reading the blurb on the sffringe site and on reading the reviews. Let me just say I wonder if I saw the same plays that the reviewers saw? The story was flat, dull, very uninspiring and unsurprising, and the acting seemed pretty weak. I just wonder how this play got good reviews, and wonder how it was accepted into the fringe. Play: Wrestling an Alligator Reviewer: Reviewer Email: khollenbeck@sheppardmullin.com Rating: 5 Stars Wrestling an Alligator is a comical satire seamlessly performed by its four stars who serve its story line well. The dialogue flows from the heart of each character in a natural, spontaneous manner to create the impression that rehearsal was not only unnecessary, but inconceivable. Placed in the play's center is a self-interested Businessman who prides himself on surviving the numerous pitfalls of conducting business with individuals as self-centered as himself in a volatile atmosphere fueled by fierce rivalry, ruthless aggression and intense competition. Souvenirs from such battles decorate his office and serve to remind him of his need to keep his attention unrelentingly focused in order to not overlook even the slimmest, most remote opportunity to gain an advantage in a deal. Because that philosophy serves him well, he encourages others to take notice of it. And notice it the Client does, as previously, he took advantage of her in an unscrupulous and deceptive business transaction. The Client, thus, suffers the inconvenience of negotiating from the weaker position, but she plays her hand shrewdly and proves to be ever bit his match. She captivates him with her poise and engaging manner to the point that he trusts her without so much of a glimpse of her carefully guarded cards. Next is Jenkins, his assistant. She also keeps her intentions from view, albeit with the opposite technique employed by the Client. Jenkins uses apprehension and ambiguity to create an illusion of uncertainty, thereby, effectively throwing off-balance he who would disapprove. But once the guise has served her purpose, she promptly discards it and confidently slips into composure.Last but not least is the Temp. Although the Temp is only briefly on stage, he is integral to the plot; it is the Temp's energetic displays of physical strength and prowess that goad the Businessman into revealing his weakness &SHY; taking unfair economic advantage of those with less power than himself. The Temp's antics, which include a taunting tone, impenitent demeanor and a capacity to aim below the belt on occasion, result in some of the most hilarious interactions of the play, and were definitely the cause of my stomach aching from uproarious laughter. No better praise exists. On a scale of 1-5 stars, this is 10 stars and counting. Play: Wrestling an Aligator Reviewer: Jordan Wilson Reviewer Email: mindheart2004@yahoo.com Rating: 3 Stars The acting in this play was phenomenal! The storyline however, was a bit lacking. Play: Wrestling An Alligator Reviewer: Mz Jane Reviewer Email: Rating: 5 Stars Funny, fresh, fraught with energy, and quick on the draw, Wrestling An Alligator is an absolute delight. Five minutes into the production the audience has been transported across the reality border and into Office as it really is. And who are the piranhas having for breakfast this morning? Play: Wrestling An Alligator Reviewer: Blake Edwards Reviewer Email: Rating: 4 Stars My eye and imagination was caught first by the simple by fascinating set pieces. The audience was a buzz trying to figure out how integral they might be to the show we were to be treated with. And what a delight the show was. All the actors seemed energized and worked well as an ensemble. There were quick wits and sharp biting teeth in this piece. I've experienced the corporate world before, but never like this, with the twists and turns. This show is definately well worth a look.