Review: Puppetry Of The Penis

A Review

Privates On Parade

By R. J. Donovan

Combine Crocodile Dundee with "Animal House" and you're got an approximation of "Puppetry of the Penis," now on display at The Copley Theatre.

For about an hour, two Ozzy gentlemen stand on stage, stark naked except for jogging shoes, and manipulate their genitalia into seemingly artistic "installations" (their term, not mine).

Aided and abetted by a giant video screen center stage (which expands the naughty bits to the size of a balloon in the Macy's parade), size really doesn't matter. Although to do what they do, no guy appearing in this show can be short-changed, if you know what I mean.

The idea for this experience was born in an Australian pub. That's not hard to believe, as drinking would pretty much have to be the lube that keeps the inhibitions down along with the pants.

In keeping with the spirit of the show's genesis, a steady flow of liquor at the performance would help maintain the illusion that you're seeing something other than two guys yanking on themselves. In that same light, it appeared that a good deal of the opening night crowd had tossed back a few before arriving (including the gaggle of ladies in the balcony out for the night on a Bachelorette Party Spree).

The evening starts with a high intensity warm-up / ice breaker by comedian Julie Goldman, who's bristling with, in her words, lesbian rage. Then Simon Morley and Dan Lewry take to the stage, dressed in flowing capes. (The show was actually created by Morley in 1996.)

A brief introduction follows, and once the capes are tossed to the wind, the initial shock value carries things in the beginning. And while it is eye-opening to see a penis, testicles and scrotum tugged and twisted into a variety of shapes from a Hamburger and a Wrist Watch to a Pelican and the Loch Ness Monster, after a while it peters out. Like they used to say in the days of out of town try-outs, it's kind of got no second act..

The tone is less Theatre and more Side Show. "Step right up and see the bearded lady, the two headed alligator and the guy with his dick in a knot."

Some of the installations are visually funny. Some look downright painful. And others are, pardon the expression, really stretching it.

Be aware there's audience participation, although it's all fairly innocent (not to worry, no one is expected to drop trou and attempt the origami that dares not speak its name). Even when one of the guys leaps into the audience, it's not an "in your face" type of thing.

Billed as adult, non-sexual entertainment, this ain't "Oklahoma," kids. And while it has been wildly popular wherever it's played around the world (from Melbourne to off-Broadway), it's absolutely not for every audience. Fun sure, but for the entire family, no.

Which brings us back to where we came in.

If you enjoy frat house humor, you'll be right at home. If you like comedy clubs where few blue stones are left unthrown, you'll be just fine. And if you knock back a couple of Vodka Stingers before you arrive, you'll be rolling in the aisles.

Either way, "Puppetry of the Penis" is a handful.

“Puppetry Of The Penis” is at The Copley Theatre, 225 Clarendon Street in Boston. For information, call 617-617-931-2787.

-- OnStage Boston

3/1/03

			A Review Privates On Parade By R. J. Donovan Combine Crocodile Dundee with "Animal House" and you're got an approximation of "Puppetry of the Penis," now on display at The Copley Theatre. For about an hour, two Ozzy gentlemen stand on stage, stark naked except for jogging shoes, and manipulate their genitalia into seemingly artistic "installations" (their term, not mine). Aided and abetted by a giant video screen center stage (which expands the naughty bits to the size of a balloon in the Macy's parade), size really doesn't matter. Although to do what they do, no guy appearing in this show can be short-changed, if you know what I mean. The idea for this experience was born in an Australian pub. That's not hard to believe, as drinking would pretty much have to be the lube that keeps the inhibitions down along with the pants. In keeping with the spirit of the show's genesis, a steady flow of liquor at the performance would help maintain the illusion that you're seeing something other than two guys yanking on themselves. In that same light, it appeared that a good deal of the opening night crowd had tossed back a few before arriving (including the gaggle of ladies in the balcony out for the night on a Bachelorette Party Spree). The evening starts with a high intensity warm-up / ice breaker by comedian Julie Goldman, who's bristling with, in her words, lesbian rage. Then Simon Morley and Dan Lewry take to the stage, dressed in flowing capes. (The show was actually created by Morley in 1996.) A brief introduction follows, and once the capes are tossed to the wind, the initial shock value carries things in the beginning. And while it is eye-opening to see a penis, testicles and scrotum tugged and twisted into a variety of shapes from a Hamburger and a Wrist Watch to a Pelican and the Loch Ness Monster, after a while it peters out. Like they used to say in the days of out of town try-outs, it's kind of got no second act.. The tone is less Theatre and more Side Show. "Step right up and see the bearded lady, the two headed alligator and the guy with his dick in a knot." Some of the installations are visually funny. Some look downright painful. And others are, pardon the expression, really stretching it. Be aware there's audience participation, although it's all fairly innocent (not to worry, no one is expected to drop trou and attempt the origami that dares not speak its name). Even when one of the guys leaps into the audience, it's not an "in your face" type of thing. Billed as adult, non-sexual entertainment, this ain't "Oklahoma," kids. And while it has been wildly popular wherever it's played around the world (from Melbourne to off-Broadway), it's absolutely not for every audience. Fun sure, but for the entire family, no. Which brings us back to where we came in. If you enjoy frat house humor, you'll be right at home. If you like comedy clubs where few blue stones are left unthrown, you'll be just fine. And if you knock back a couple of Vodka Stingers before you arrive, you'll be rolling in the aisles. Either way, "Puppetry of the Penis" is a handful. “Puppetry Of The Penis” is at The Copley Theatre, 225 Clarendon Street in Boston. For information, call 617-617-931-2787. -- OnStage Boston 3/1/03

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