Theatre Review – Tarantino Live
Article by Ray Schillaci
Once in a while I stray off the beaten path of movies and take a chance with something off beat in the world of theatre. Thank God I did last week, stepping into the cabaret setting of the Bourbon Room and landing smack dab into the world of Tarantino Live: Fox Force Five & the Tyranny of Evil Men. The title sums up the writer/director’s theme throughout his films. A funny, violent musical mashup of his greatest hits with an incredibly talented cast. This is the best time to be had with a theatre experience since The Rocky Horror Show.
The setting is an absolutely fabulous immersive experience including Jack Rabbit Slim’s and the Titty Twister as seen in From Dusk Till Dawn. The ensemble is electrifying with their energy and talent. Every song deserves the rousing applause received. The choreography is infectious and the musicians are as tight as a steel drum. But, the added bonus is that this is pure Tarantino; the music he loves to put in his movies, his characters brought to life on stage. The ones we’ve come to love and some dead on impersonations of at least one of his most memorable characters.
The dynamic cast comes from the world of music, film, TV and Broadway. All of them playing various roles and electrifying the stage the moment they set foot on it. The cast includes Grammy-nominated guitarist/singer/songwriter Zane Carney, Janel Parrish from Pretty Little Liars fame, Lindsey Gort (Lucifer and Titans), Tracie Thoms who starred in Tarantino’s Death Proof and Rent, Alice Lee (Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist), Dionne Gibson (Amazon’s The Wilds), Mark Hood (The Voice), James Byous (Netflix’s Westside), James Carpinello (Broadway’s Rock of Ages, CBS’s The Good Wife), Rogelio Douglas Jr. (Whiplash, Ray Donovan and Broadway’s In The Heights), lead singer of the indie band Vista Kicks, Derek Thomas along with Wilkie Ferguson steering the ensemble as Clarence the bandleader.
Arriving late to the show is not an option unless you are willing to miss Jackie Brown stepping on stage and reenacting Tarantino’s iconic opening dialogue from Reservoir Dogs discussing the meaning of Madonna’s Like a Virgin. Funny as hell, and no sooner than the laughs come we are treated to the opening number from Pulp Fiction, “Misirlou” by Dick Dale and His Del-Tones. That single moment sets the entire tone of this tome to Tarantino’s portrayal of strong and fierce women and the evil that men do, aided by inventive set pieces and a big screen flashing some memorable images from the writer/director’s movies and some surprising ones at the end of the show that are not to be missed.
Yes, it helps to be a fan of Tarantino movies. But, even if you like just a few of them, you cannot help but enjoy the music provided and some wonderfully entertaining scenes recreated from Reservoir Dogs, Pulp Fiction, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, Inglourious Basterds, Django Unchained and even his obscure Death Proof from Grindhouse. What’s missing? I believe, The Hateful Eight. But, that would make sense since that is the one film where Tarantino used an original score by one of his favorite composers, Ennio Morricone.
The advantage this presentation at the Bourbon Room has over other venues in the past is the inclusion of Once Upon a Time…in Hollywood. And, if you’re wondering if you will see Tarantino’s moniker involving bare feet you will not be disappointed. This is a show that practically demands multiple viewings. I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to order your food and drinks before the show starts or during the brief intermission so as not to possibly miss one of your favorite moments (as my wife did – missing Vincent Vega and Mia Wallace taking to the dance floor at Jack Rabbit Slims).
The whole bloody affair is a fantastic journey from the writer/director’s mindset and a great homage to his artistry. Tarantino Live: Fox Force Five & The Tyranny of Evil Men features the greatest music from Tarantino films: “Son of a Preacher Man”, “Bang Bang”, “Stuck in the Middle With You” and many more with performances that are guaranteed to rock your world. Tickets sell fast Thursday through Sunday from $49 – $79 and as far as I’m concerned, the venue is perfect with every seat in the house being a good one. The show is scheduled to end its run at the end of September, so grab your seats fast and prepare yourself for one of the most raucous and wild pieces of entertainment you may ever come across.
Official Website: https://tarantinolive.com/
Visit Ray’s blog at themonsterinmyhead.com
