Jeb & Jeremiah: Alive in 2010

There is a problem with indie theater today- not enough show times. They just don't have the money. They go up, they close and if they are lucky enough to have a reviewer attend, it does little good when the review comes out. It gives readers and potential theater patrons about two shows to see before the show is rushed out of the theater. This year's Hollywood Fringe Festival is no exception-

That is why I, here at Old Hollywood Calls, have opted to do a pre-show, completely biased, review of Jeb and Jeremiah: Alive in 2010!!!!

Written by David Janove, with music by Collin Martin, Jeb and Jeremiah's opening could be right out of Singing in the Rain. The world famous silent comedy duo of Jeb (Clay Keller) and Jeremiah (Russell Ford) are on the verge of smashing success and the verge of "talkies."

At the request of their producer Marcy (Annie Chernecky, channeling her best Kate Hepburn) they move forward on their first "talkie," a musical about love. The best friends brain storm, and shortly after they learn that all love doesn't end in pedophilia, something strange happens: TIME TRAVEL!

In the future (our present) we quickly scoot past some off-color jokes to a bevy of strange characters (including, but not limited to): a hyper-sexual Rachel (played with a childlike intensity by the lovely Kate Alden), the elderly Francis (Craig Shields), a chorus of library singers and the least threatening gangsters you've ever met.

In a Wizard of Oz-esque fashion, our characters journey to find their way home (stopping of course, along the way, for a handful of musical numbers).

Ladies and gentleman, this show is funny. Aside from some stand-out one liners written by Janove (who also directs) the cast is on top of their game when it comes to improv and comedic timing. A challenge anyone to watch Russell's comedic idiocy without laughing, especially when paired with Clay's stone faced Jeb.

Vocally, Britt Keller, as young Francis is the stand out. Her solo during the opening number is gorgeous, and I couldn't help but wish for her to sing more in the show. That's not saying the rest of the cast is something to plug your ears for. Their all perfectly capable singers, who thanks to Martin's gorgeous music - are made to sound extraordinary. The songs are yet another high point of the show, ranging from the gorgeous, with "Someone to Sing With" to the wildly comedic "Train to Ohio" (which is young Kimmy Shield's time to shine as a puppy drowning gold-digger).

So what I suppose I'm trying to say here is COME TO THIS DAMN SHOW. It's funny. The cast is talented (and good-looking) and it's an all around good time. Come for the fun that you'll have in the audience and that feel-good feeling when you leave.

The costumes look fantastic (shameless plug! I did them) but the credit has to go to the extremely passionate, dedicated, talented and ballsy David Janove and Collin Martin.

Showtimes: Click here!

Tickets: Click here!

See you in the future/past/theater!