by Krista Pino
Daily Lobo
Madness has taken over the Vortex Theater.
UNM student Gabrielle Johansen made her off-campus directorial debut with "Methods to Madness" at the Vortex Theatre last weekend.
Most of the play is set in a Hollywood apartment, with seven characters, including 20-something roommates Mercy and Maxine. Mercy is an aspiring superstar, and Maxine is really into her craft and seeking a way to have a career in acting.
Tony Bone, a theater producer who is suspected to be producing pornos, is thrown in for some surreal fun. Johansen said this is something college students can enjoy. She said an unsuspecting Mercy sees Bone as his ticket to stardom.
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"Mercy and Maxine are barely out of college themselves," Johansen said. "They are still finding their way and figuring out what they're going to do with life."
The ways in which they pursue this pushes the bounds of this dark, absurd comedy. Anyone can appreciate the humor in it, but it is a performer's play, Johansen said. She said this play is not recommended for younger children. It is a fairly outrageous piece that pokes fun at the craft of acting. But she said anyone who knows about Hollywood can see the reality in the play.
"There's banana eating and moaning," Johansen said. "And there's a great costume surprise."
She said this is something the Vortex is known for - the theater frequently produces outrageous pieces.
The cast consists mostly of people from the local theater community. Along with Johansen, there is one actress, Jocelyn Tucker, and the assistant director, John Grass who attend UNM.
"Everyone's put in a lot of effort to shape their characters and make the show," Johansen said. "I got a really good bunch of people who are fun to work with and play with but are serious about what they do."
She said when characters aren't aware of how ridiculous they are, great comedy is born. "If you're looking to have a good time for a couple hours for the same price as a movie, you could come out and see the show," Johansen said.
What: "Methods to Madness"
When: Friday and Saturday 8 p.m., Sunday at 6 p.m
Where: Vortex Theatre 2004 ´ Central Ave.
Price: $8 students, $10 general admission
Ticket Info: 247-8600
