Thespian Thoughts – Bob’s Holiday Office Party – Review by Sandro Monetti

Bob’s Holiday Office Party
Fresh and funny and masterfully directed by Justin Tanner; who knows the power of a well timed joke.
– Theatre Review By Sandro Monetti

Almost as much of a Christmas tradition as mistletoe and tinsel, comedy play Bob’s Holiday Office Party is back for its 18th year of festive laughs in Los Angeles.

But this annual treat is just as fresh and funny as the first time thanks to an energetic and engaging cast, an updated script and masterful direction by Justin Tanner, who knows the power of a well timed joke.

The action takes place in a small Iowa town where, each Christmas, insurance salesman Bob Finhead (Rob Elk, the show’s co-writer) throws open his office for a party with his oddball friends and eccentric customers.

But this could be the last party as Bob is considering selling up to a filthy rich tycoon who has offered to buy his business and thereby finance his dream of a move to the big city.

As the increasingly tipsy guests discuss everything from Obamacare to UFOs and the Tea Party, Bob must decide if he can really give up this gang of crazy pals after all.

Imagine It’s A Wonderful Life with a six-pack of beer and you’ve pretty much got the set up of this enduring and enjoyable show.

BOB’S HOLIDAY OFFICE PARTY
Written by Joe Keyes and Rob Elk.
Directed by Justin Tanner.

Wed – Sat at 8pm, Sun at 7pm until December 22 2013.

At Pico Playhouse, 10508 W. Pico Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90064

Tickets: Wed & Thur $20, Fri, Sat, Sun $25. Reservations 800-838-3006 or online from Brown Paper Tickets

CAST
David Bauman, Cody Chappel, Liz Davies, Melissa Denton, Rob Elk, Mark Fite, Maile Flanagan, Michael Helpin, Andrea Hutchman, Joe Keyes, Johanna McKay, Linda Miller, Colleen Wainwright.

Produced by – Rob Elk, Joe Keyes, Charlie Loventhal and Julian McMahon. (Nip/Tuck and Charmed star Julian McMahon will moderate a talk back with the cast after the Sat Dec 14 performance)

CREDITS
Production Stage Manager – Jennifer Bendik
Lighting Design – Steve Pope
Original Set Design – Gary Guidinger
Set Construction – Sets to Go
Assistant to the Producers and Hat Sewer – Kriss Meier
Show and Pre-show music courtesy of – Eddie G
Publicity – Philip Sokoloff

Thespian Thoughts is a theatre review article on Actors Entertainment, a channel on the Actors Podcast Network, a Pepper Jay Production.