When Naomi Grossmans second self-penned show, Carnival Knowledge, premiered in LA, it enjoyed a sell-out, twice-extended run, and the actress was nominated for best solo performance at the LA Weekly Theatre Awards. You can see why. Carnival Knowledge: Love, Lust, and other Human Oddities is a tight, slick one-woman show which moves at the speed of a rollercoaster as Grossman takes the audience on a ride through her previous relationships. Ranging from a monosyllabic grad student, to Mexican arch-angel, with an exposed democrat, well-hung septuagenarian and home-owner from Ranch Cucamonga amongst others along the way, Grossmans list of ex-lovers is long and hilarious.She populates the almost-empty stage with well-observed, perfectly executed imitations; whether she is sitting splay-legged, chewing open mouthed, speaking with a laconic southern drawl or sensuous Spanish accent, Grossmans control is absolute. Her language shifts between the crude and the poetical, whilst her physical humour leaves the audience horrified and in stitches; her flexibility and comic timing is a winning combination. Given Grossmans talent and control over her form, the use of a voice-over feels superfluous, particularly at the moments when she carries the signposts of her life from one side of the stage to the other; a device that splits the show into episodes, it would have been less jarring had she just read the titles aloud. The show has been sold mainly on its sex, but although this dominates much of the action, and often generates the biggest laughs, the piece is equally defined by its search into the meaning of love at all ages. Grossmans show is funny, intelligent and at times moving, perfect for anyone who has ever been in a relationship or is about to embark upon one.
