… how about a once-in-a-lifetime PERformance…

Mr. P

Sprawlzilla vs. Mainstreet starts out feeling like a public comment period at a government meeting with music… happily, that music goes a long way. The original songs revolve around the concepts of sprawl and big box stores vs. smarter development and locally owned businesses. There are plenty of clever lyrics and fun banter in simple and catchy songs with just the right amount of grittiness. There is even a topical haiku interlude (complete with berets and bongos). It all comes together with enthusiastic delivery, and the whole audience seemed to have a lot of fun with it. Much more fun than a government meeting!

To read the full review (and other reviews!), visit http://www.fresnoundercurrent.net/rogue_reviews

We can be seduced by the promise of perfection. Developers, and many others, profit from this neurotic compulsion in our society. Sprawlzilla does a fine job of bringing the issue to our awareness.

Subtle and discordant lyrics, costuming, props, and emotional affect made Chelsea’s performance dominate for me, ironically through the strength shown by her vulnerability. Any doubt as to the power of everyday people is dispelled when she belts out the refrain, “I am waiting for the day…”

Clever songs send a clear message that deserves attention. Although we laughed and chuckled a lot, the big issue deserves to be taken seriously.

History can quickly be forgotten if it is never retold, and it will be repeated as long as we fail to learn from it. How many of us have “forgotten” the fiasco of “Operation Rezone?” Inclusion of this chapter of Fresno history in the operetta was like an alarm clock going off. It’s time to wake up, and this home-grown presentation may help.

I think I just found a girl cooler than ‘Juno.’

Chelsea is the hit of this show, along with the very clever lyrics, show production, and comedy stylings (I always wanted to say that).

But Chelsea is the coolest girl in the world. One of her duets with her dad actually sounds like the last song in Juno. She’s taken her dad’s musical talents and combined them with the innocence of a child and her innate sarcasm and wit.

This show is another DON’T MISS of the Rogue for me, especially if you live in or grew up in the Central Valley.

Even when slightly preaching, the show makes sure to make fun of itself and it’s hippie-dippie attitudes.

This is one of Blake’s best works yet, and I think I’ve seen almost all of them. Congrats, and thanks for putting in all this hard work for our amusement. I doubt the Rogue is the last time you’re going to see this show performed.

Mr. Practical left me felling like I needed a shower. Exquisitely sleazy, and more power to the twin town criers who do battle with him!

See? Did I not tell you all that our show of shows would be an extravaganza of monumental proportions? Would I lie to you? Alright, don’t answer that one…

Come relive the magic on Saturday, April 5th, when Sprawlzilla vs. Mainstreet takes wing again, along with shows by Poplord and The Trike Shop at Milano Italian restaurant on the Fulton Mall! Check myspace.com/sprawlzilla in the coming days for more info!

Will there be a guest appearance by Mayor Alan “Bubba” Autry, starring as Bubba-delle?