Dominique Solerno’s The Box Show is a well-conceived theatrical piece which sees this talented and versatile performer performing a plethora of different characters, all from within a talented and versatile box. Solerno’s range of characters and situations is impressive, with generally distinct personalities reflected through the show, even if many of the voices are a tad similar.
A talented and versatile performer performing within a talented and versatile box
As required - and expected - when designing a whole show around a concept such as this, the box is incorporated effectively into each skit, sometimes seeing swinging doors segregating different characters into different sections, sometimes seeing skits framed around box-like locations, such as a car, ring box and womb. Most of the ideas are solid, though the material often feels settled upon, rather than played for maximum comedy effect, or utilising the box in the boxiest ways possible. A sketch about the Trojan War, for example, sees various characters planning the war out, but doesn’t transport our heroes inside the horse, as was expected at the skit’s outset.
Some highlights include the one-woman-four-legs segment, while others such as the skit set within a recording booth feel like padding. There are a few lulls towards the middle, though a really solid last quarter ends the show on a high. I’m sure many people’s favourite section would be Salerno’s affectionate take on Frida Kahlo, probably incorporated due to her passion for the subject rather than optimal box usage.
The show is consistently entertaining, regularly amusing and Dominique’s performances and manipulation of her surroundings are impressive throughout, though one gets the feeling there are some absolutely perfect uses for the novel set that could make this a five star show which Salerno has yet to conceive. Hopefully the concepts and writing can elevate the show towards its potential in future iterations. If you like the sound of the show and are happy to see a theatrically impressive piece rather than a comically hilarious one, this shouldn't disappoint.
