Have you ever wanted to rob a bank?
Didn't think so, but have you ever wondered what goes on in the minds of those who rob banks? The latest production at the Vortex has just what you're looking for.
"High Life" is about four guys who plan to rob a bank, more like an ATM machine, and quarrel so much that -- well, I won't spoil the ending for you.
The cast is perfectly assembled. The play features Vic Browder as Dick, the leader of the pack and the instigator of the crime, Miguel Martinez as Bug, a 30-something vato loco, Jeremy Joynt as Donnie, a sickly, gentle thief who could die at any minute and Malcolm Sharbutt as Billy, the good-looking wanton druggie.
The guys' chemistry on stage is very natural, they joke and argue like buddies. It's so good; it can hardly be described as just acting.
Browder is like one of the guys, but I can't help but wonder if this convict is in the closet. Martinez's Bug is almost a stereotype of a typical old-school Albuquerque gangsta with his mannerisms, his bandanna's, Cheech & Chong-like mustache, wife-beaters and top-buttoned flannel shirt.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Billy's monologue to a bank teller is a stand-out performance. Sharbutt plays it so suave, yet helpless that any girl in the audience couldn't help but wish they were the teller so they could save him. And Joynt's portrayal of Donnie is almost flawless, his stutter is completely believable, almost Tourette's like.
"High Life's" design is also something to speak of. The set is simple, but realistic enough to believe that they just took a chunk out of a junkie's apartment. The car was almost perfect, the closest I've seen to getting a real car in a black box.
The lighting is basic, lots of washes, only changing when the guys shoot up, plus the neon Miller High Life sign is a hilariously appropriate. Even the sound was great -- something rare for the Vortex lately -- especially the sound of the heart beat in the first act when the guys were laced. Coupled with the dimming lights, it gave a real feeling of the death and passing time that is being high for these characters. All together the technical side was flawless, a big nod to director Aaron Worley.
"High Life," one of the best productions I've seen at the Vortex, couldn't get much better even on or off Broadway.
"High Life" runs through Feb. 2, at the Vortex Theatre. The show begins at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 6 p.m. Sunday and the box office opens a half hour before the show each night. Tickets are $10 for general admission, $8 for senior citizens and students and $7 on Sundays. For reservations, call 247-8600.
