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Reviews for VAMPINGO! ...a comedy with bite
Written & Performed by Ariana Johns
Directed & Co-written by Jolene Adams
Play Review: "Vampingo" at Actors Art Theatre
by Kristina Hughes ActorNation Magazine
Check out Vampingo (and the Actors Art Theatre). A great show performed at a charming location...it's a win-win experience! Upon entering the salon theatre that is Actors Art Theatre, guests, I write “guests” because it felt comfy and cozy; as if we were welcomed into someone’s home with the chaises, intimate lighting and elegant surroundings in the waiting area. We were warmly greeted and then as if host, producer (and chef!) Jolene Adams knew exactly what would be a nice pick-me-up to get my mind working and the blood sugar pumping, a little snack of some tasty treats which gave myself and the others a few minutes to unwind and get acquainted. After settling in our seats, we were introduced to Alwyn (Ariana Johns) an eccentric dresser with a personality that would entice me to invite her to any cocktail party to keep my guests laughing…and thinking. Alwyn began with a story that seemed too fantastic to read from the page, so with the book down she entered the stage to take us on a journey of her relationships with friends, her boyfriend, those in her mandatory suicidal tendencies meeting and yes those “demons” that make up the colorful mind of Alwyn. Initially I wondered if Vampingo might be more of a “chick” play and so when two male friends accompanied me, I wondered what I might be getting them into, but as the play progressed I could see that female and male guests alike were following along with Alwyn’s tales.
Vampingo was sprinkled with moments of dialects, impersonations, and music that kept my ears alert. My eyes were delighted with Johns' use of space in this apartment/meeting local/ living room and bar and the tech cues kept them in check.
The 60 minutes flew by and I found myself wanting more so it’s safe to cheer that Vampingo proved to be a delight to my senses on this fall evening in LA! The evening, intimate and thought-provoking, was pleasantly received and to encourage you to attend, well-reviewed! If you are looking for a night out, to do research, for motivation and inspiration to write, produce and star in your own one person show…then take a look at Johns. She has a wonderful talent worth emulating.
Some Industry Feedback:
Ariana Johns gives a profoundly moving, inspiring performance. Her versatility is dazzling. A tour de force!
--Stephanie Klapper, C.S.A., Stephanie Klapper Casting
Bravo, Totally Amazing--we were Fully Entertained.
--Stephen H. Snyder, J.S. Snyder Casting
& Melanie Sharp, Sharp Talent
From The NYC Fringe Festival:
Bless the fringe! Ariana Johns' Vampingo...a comedy with bite offers a unique perspective on where a broken heart will lead us. Fantasy-filled and mystical, this play remains childlike as it explores mature themes. It's uniquely Fringe.
--Mary Hilton, newbienyc.com
Reader Reviews From Los Angeles Times, calendarlive.com
April 17, 2007
Chris Carver, Los Angeles, CA
What a delightful night of theater!! Ariana Johns gives a tour de force performance making us laugh uproariously one moment and then forcing us to examine the dark reaches of human existence the next. A wonderfully deep and engaging journey that you will want to take over again! See this while you can.
April 5, 2007
Terry Ray Los Angeles, CA
Fresh and Funny! Writer/Actress Ariana Johns is a delight. This is hands down the best vampire flamingo show you'll see this year!
April 5, 2007
Greg Mullavey Marina del Rey, CA
I thought this show was wonderful in so many ways. The blurb doesn't describe it at all. It's painfully funny, and beautifully layered, with fantasy vs. reality, but also it deals with very deep issues while still making us laugh. Ms. Johns is radiant and an extraordinary actress with a luminous presence that drew me right in.
Written & Performed by Ariana Johns
Directed & Co-written by Jolene Adams
Play Review: "Vampingo" at Actors Art Theatre
by Kristina Hughes ActorNation Magazine
Check out Vampingo (and the Actors Art Theatre). A great show performed at a charming location...it's a win-win experience! Upon entering the salon theatre that is Actors Art Theatre, guests, I write “guests” because it felt comfy and cozy; as if we were welcomed into someone’s home with the chaises, intimate lighting and elegant surroundings in the waiting area. We were warmly greeted and then as if host, producer (and chef!) Jolene Adams knew exactly what would be a nice pick-me-up to get my mind working and the blood sugar pumping, a little snack of some tasty treats which gave myself and the others a few minutes to unwind and get acquainted. After settling in our seats, we were introduced to Alwyn (Ariana Johns) an eccentric dresser with a personality that would entice me to invite her to any cocktail party to keep my guests laughing…and thinking. Alwyn began with a story that seemed too fantastic to read from the page, so with the book down she entered the stage to take us on a journey of her relationships with friends, her boyfriend, those in her mandatory suicidal tendencies meeting and yes those “demons” that make up the colorful mind of Alwyn. Initially I wondered if Vampingo might be more of a “chick” play and so when two male friends accompanied me, I wondered what I might be getting them into, but as the play progressed I could see that female and male guests alike were following along with Alwyn’s tales.
Vampingo was sprinkled with moments of dialects, impersonations, and music that kept my ears alert. My eyes were delighted with Johns' use of space in this apartment/meeting local/ living room and bar and the tech cues kept them in check.
The 60 minutes flew by and I found myself wanting more so it’s safe to cheer that Vampingo proved to be a delight to my senses on this fall evening in LA! The evening, intimate and thought-provoking, was pleasantly received and to encourage you to attend, well-reviewed! If you are looking for a night out, to do research, for motivation and inspiration to write, produce and star in your own one person show…then take a look at Johns. She has a wonderful talent worth emulating.
Some Industry Feedback:
Ariana Johns gives a profoundly moving, inspiring performance. Her versatility is dazzling. A tour de force!
--Stephanie Klapper, C.S.A., Stephanie Klapper Casting
Bravo, Totally Amazing--we were Fully Entertained.
--Stephen H. Snyder, J.S. Snyder Casting
& Melanie Sharp, Sharp Talent
From The NYC Fringe Festival:
Bless the fringe! Ariana Johns' Vampingo...a comedy with bite offers a unique perspective on where a broken heart will lead us. Fantasy-filled and mystical, this play remains childlike as it explores mature themes. It's uniquely Fringe.
--Mary Hilton, newbienyc.com
Reader Reviews From Los Angeles Times, calendarlive.com
April 17, 2007
Chris Carver, Los Angeles, CA
What a delightful night of theater!! Ariana Johns gives a tour de force performance making us laugh uproariously one moment and then forcing us to examine the dark reaches of human existence the next. A wonderfully deep and engaging journey that you will want to take over again! See this while you can.
April 5, 2007
Terry Ray Los Angeles, CA
Fresh and Funny! Writer/Actress Ariana Johns is a delight. This is hands down the best vampire flamingo show you'll see this year!
April 5, 2007
Greg Mullavey Marina del Rey, CA
I thought this show was wonderful in so many ways. The blurb doesn't describe it at all. It's painfully funny, and beautifully layered, with fantasy vs. reality, but also it deals with very deep issues while still making us laugh. Ms. Johns is radiant and an extraordinary actress with a luminous presence that drew me right in.