Gab Bonesso

Sometimes I believe that it can be detrimental to be too gushing with praise. Like, if I were to describe something as, I don’t know, “the best play ever” then you may think to yourself, “really? best play ever? Bonesso must be manic again.” and completely dismiss my statement. However, if I were to describe something as, “the coolest, hippest, smartest, freshest, most innovative, thrilling, scary, fun, funny, dark play that has been written in the last 30 years” then maybe, just maybe, you’ll listen to my ass.

Well, it’s true. I had the pleasure of seeing Bricolage’s Neighborhood 3: Requisition of Doom last Friday night, and OMG!!! Literally, OMG!!!! It was so good that I’m incapable of using non-tweener terms! OMG!!!!

The play is basically about the fine line between reality and fantasy. It’s about a neighborhood where the parents are starting to become concerned with their children’s obsession with the latest video game called “Neighborhood 3: Requisition Doom”. In the game, the players are running through neighborhoods killing zombies. In the final stage of the game, the players enter a final house where they are to kill the final zombies. However, every time a player gets to the final house, the house in the game becomes their actual house and the zombies who they are supposed to kill look exactly like their parents. So throughout the play, as an audience member, you have no idea whether you are watching kids who are playing a game or kids who are about to kill their parents. It’s so dark and creepy and awesome and intense and scary. OMG! Seriously, I’m going to say it… I have to say if I am being honest… Neighborhood 3: Requisition Doom is the best play I have ever seen. Period. I have never seen a play so relevant while still being unbelievably engaging and fun. The writing was witty and fresh and fluid. The whole show moved so beautifully. I have to commend Playwright – Jennifer Haley, Director – Matt M. Morrow, Artistic Director – Jeffrey Carpenter and Sound Designer – Dave Bjornson for their precision and attention to detail. Together they told an amazing story. Kudos to the actors: Bjorn Ahlstedt (son type), Tony Bingham (father type), Tami Dixon (mother type) and Jacqui Farkas (daugter type) on each of their performances. Personally, I thought Tami Dixon stole the show. Her ability to achieve such different levels as a performer is a treat for anyone to watch. Honestly, she had such moments of brilliance onstage that I said to myself, “Holy shit. She’s better than fucking Glenn Close or Annette Benning or anyone famous! How does she live in Pittsburgh?!!!” To which I say now, “thank God she lives in Pittsburgh. How lucky for Pittsburgh?!!!” and I mean it. You don’t see acting like that just anywhere. If Tami Dixon were to teach a Master Class in acting then you would find Gab Bonesso in the front freaking row! Do not miss this show! It runs every Friday and Saturday in November starting at 9PM (there is a happy hour from 8:30PM-9Pm in the lobby). Tickets cost $15 (in advance) and $20 (at the door). Call: 412. 381.6999 for reservations. You will regret missing this show. Reserve your tickets NOW.

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