Los Angeles Times review of "Kidnapped by Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift"

Theater review: 'Kidnapped by Craigslist' at the Elephant

November 18, 2010 | 8:00 pm:

Those who are easily shocked or have weak stomachs should give “Kidnapped by Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift” a wide berth. However, those who like their humor deliciously low may find this production very much to their bad taste.

It’s appropriate that this show has been mounted in the Elephant’s Asylum space. Based on actual Craigslist postings, it ranges from the naughty to the downright lunatic.

That makes for a playfully scary evening, as reflected in Lori Evans Taylor’s staging, a combination of carnival sideshow and B horror movie. Actors in the alternating cast enter Adam Haas Hunter’s cobweb-strewn set through an upright coffin, as a white-faced barker (exotic John Charles Meyer) sets the stage for the various monologues.

This production by TheSpyAnts is a sequel to “Kidnapped by Craigslist,” which played locally in late 2007 to considerable acclaim. Written by Katie Goan and co-created by Goan and Nitra Gutierrez, this is one high concept with staying power. Considering the endless spew of source material from the fabled list, one can imagine a series of future productions, further permutations on the same twisted themes.

From a sociological standpoint, “Kidnapped” is fascinating, a series of snapshots showing the fetishes and peccadilloes of a society in which the notions of shame and restraint have been tossed to the swirling winds. Although we suspect some offerings were penned by hoaxers who are just punking us, it's also hilariously funny, with an able cast that merrily escorts us to the dark side. Be warned, however: After seeing this show, your face may be forever frozen between a guffaw –- and a pained wince.

-- F. Kathleen Foley

“Kidnapped by Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift,” the Asylum Lab at the Elephant Complex, 6322 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Dark Nov. 26 and 27. Ends Dec. 18. $20. (323) 860-8786. www.TheSpyAnts.com. Running time: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

Photo: Eric Bunton. Credit: Baron Norris

"Kidnapped by Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift" is EXTENDING through December 18th!

TheSpyAnts Theatre Company presents

"Kidnapped by Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift"

written by Katie Goan,

created by Katie Goan and Nitra Gutierrez

and directed by Lori Evans Taylor

at The Elephant Lab.

“…hilariously funny, with an able cast …this is one high concept with staying power.”

- LA Times

“… a crack ensemble in an unrelentingly frenetic fusillade… weird and wacky assortment of cranks, kinks and jaw-dropping confessions of perversity …”

- LA Weekly

“…Kidnapped is fascinating…it ranges from the naughty to the downright lunatic.”

- LA Times

October 16 – December 18

Fridays and Saturdays, 8pm

(dark November 26 &27)

***SPECIAL OFFER

Print out your favorite Craigslist posting for $5 off!***

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in a world of anonymity? Say anything you want? Be anyone you can? Even if people think it is bizarre or disturbing? Kidnapped by Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift is an eerie and risqué new comedy that explores the carnivalesque, cult-like phenomenon that is Craigslist, bringing actual postings to life from the website with scripted material and music. This unique and creative one-hour play tells the true stories that are locked inside an online community that has shaped and inspired today's internet generation. There’s a place for you here. There’s a place here for everyone, straight, gay, lesbian, bi-sexual, transgender or questioning. We all have a dark side, you know.

Fri. and Sat., 8pm, and Sun., 7pm

One Thu. Show - Nov.11, 8pm

Late Night Shows - Sat., Oct. 23rd and Sat., Nov. 6th, 10pm

Pay What You Can (at the door) Sun., Oct. 24th and 31st, 7pm

The Elephant Lab Theatre

6322 Santa Monica Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90038 (just west of Vine)

Tickets $20

Make reservations here or at (323) 860-8786

starring Eric Bunton, Jennifer Etienne Eckert, David Goryl, Patrick Hancock, Brett Mack, Dawn Merkel, John Charles Meyer, Amy Motta, Marina Mouhibian, Christopher Mur, Danny Parker-Lopes, Alison Zatta

(Alternating cast, click here for performance schedule.)

lighting design Adam Hunter

set design Adam Hunter

costume design Marina Mouhibian

choreography Scott Hislop

publicity Eric Bunton

photography Jeff E Photo

graphic design Churchie Graphic Design

New Postings! New Cast! New Show!

See John Charles Meyer in "The Taqwacores"

John Charles Meyer - who is presently appearing with us in Kidnapped By Craigslist: The Graveyard Shift, and who has previously been in bobrauschenbergamerica, and Terminus Americana - is also in the feature film The Taqwacores, which opens tomorrow night in the Los Angeles area.

You can see it at either the Sunset 5 - 8000 Sunset Blvd. in West Hollywood, or the Edwards University Town Center in Irvine.

For Sunset 5 screenings, you can buy tickets here, and here for the Edwards University Town Center.

The Taqwacores is a feature film about the Muslim punk rock scene (yes, you read that correctly), but the core of the story deals with the complexities of being young and Muslim in modern-day America. With a humble budget, a cast of unknowns, and a first-time director, the film has gone on to win festival awards around the globe and find a distributor for limited theatrical release in the US and France. The only caveat I offer is this: I have a very small role; you’ll catch me on-screen for a mere couple of minutes. But it is a bold and beautifully-crafted movie with a timely and important message. I may be a bit biased of course, but the critics agree:

“One of the Ten Best Films from Sundance 2010”
-Time Out London

“Sure to appeal to fans of Trainspotting, Fight Club, anything by Gus Van Sant...”
-Los Angeles Times

“Busting out with strong vision.”
-The Huffington Post