THEATER REVIEW: "Marrying George Clooney" Delivers Big Bang for Entertainment Buck

No doubt the three modern, mature women of Marrying George Clooney: Confessions from a Midlife Crisis (MGC) are familiar with Coco Chanel's timeless sartorial advice, "Before you leave home, look at yourself in the mirror and take one thing off." It seems to me that this poignant and funny confessional comedy is presently in the process of checking itself out in the mirror. Still in its infancy, the spanking-new work displays an abundance of energy, ideas and inspiration. But it would, no doubt, benefit from more focus and refinement. Luckily, that's what nonprofit theater organizations like CAP 21, host of MGC's world premiere, are for.

As Colleen Zenk, the thrice-Emmy-nommed star of the production, observes, "this entire run is like previews." She confirms that the creative team is experimenting (and the work itself evolving) with every performance.  Individual audience members are integral to the process. In a very real sense, Marrying George Clooney offers the average theater-goer the rare opportunity to simultaneously enhance and enjoy an original, new work.

But will Marrying George Clooney make you laugh? Although I'm not a member of what some have decided is the target audience--women over 50--I laughed out loud dozens of times. It also works on a satisfyingly sentimental level:  after the show, you may want to phone your Mom. Finally, in and among moments of hilarity and epiphany, there are enough sharp observations and snack-size revelations to allow for a few missteps along the way. Not every gag works, but almost before you notice, it's onto the next set-up.

For the unbelievably low price of admission ($18.00), I definitely recommend MGC as a culturally rewarding alternative to a night at the cinema. And,  it's certainly preferable to the warmed-over potboilers in residence at the bulk of Manhattan's other Off and Off-Off Broadway venues.  Of course, it almost goes without saying that the show is a must-see for AS THE WORLD TURNS and Collen Zenk fans--Zenk is at her vampy, cunning and disarming best.

Here's the S.A.S.S. (Short Attention Soap Summary)

WHAT IS IT: CAP21 Theatre Company presents the world premiere of Marrying George Clooney: Confessions From a Midlife Crisis, a new play by Amy Ferris, Ken Ferris and Krista Lyons. Directed by Frank Ventura.  Wednesday through Sunday, through March 24th, at CAP21's Black Box Theater at 18 West 18th Street in Manhattan.

WHY SOAP FANS WILL LOVE IT: It's about three women wide-awake at 3 AM trading prescription drugs online, revealing their passions, and Googling old boyfriends, while stressing over mama drama. It stars Colleen Zenk, who has been nominated three times for an Emmy for the role of Barbara Ryan in AS THE WORLD TURNS. Plus, Zenk also opens and closes THE THIRD ANNUAL INDIE SOAP AWARDS, airing this Sunday, March 18, at 9PM ET at www.sfntv.com.

BOTTOM LINE: For about the same price as seeing a movie in Manhattan (some NYC theaters are up to $15.00 now!) you can be intimately entertained--both tickled and touched--by the co-founder of the Collaborative Arts Project 21, a.k.a. CAP21 (Eliza Ventura); an actress who played "Frenchie" in the original Broadway production of Grease (Meghan Duffy) and a soap opera icon (Zenk). Unbelievable. And you will have the chance to participate in the creative process, as well. Opportunities like this are one of the big reasons we love New York.

VERDICT: The funny and poignant Marrying George Clooney is still a bit of a work in progress, and for that the audience is blessed with very low ticket prices and very high creative energy. Go see it! Purchase tickets here or phone (866) 811-4111 Only eight shows left.