This modern adaptation of Buchner’s 1895 play by the Lincoln Company was an interesting re-working of the satiric comedy. The script was bought up to date by setting the show in Las Vegas where two families lose a bet, meaning they force their children into marriage. Leonce and Lena are the two children in question; who then flee their tyrannical parents to try and escape said marriage. By chance meeting, they realise that maybe there is such thing as ‘love at first sight.’
The Lincoln Company pulled off this show with energy and passion. At points, the script was highly entertaining, with topical witty one-liners keeping the audience laughing. I did feel however that a lot of acting was over-the-top. I do appreciate that this could have very easily been the point of the piece; being satire it should not be taken too seriously. Despite this, ear piercing screaming and moaning from the character of Rosetta (Leonce’s crazy ex-girlfriend) often got a little too much for me.
Nonetheless, the show is undeniably good fun and has all the plot twists and ridiculous characters you could ever want in a comedy. Undercover Mexicans, outrageous parents, even more outrageous ex-lovers, love-sick best friends, cougars and cowboys, this show is sure to give you laugh after laugh. A touching performance from the character of Val, Leonce’s childhood best friend who has eternally loved him really added true sentiment to the piece. Additionally, the subtle chemistry between Leonce and Lena was a great contrast to the hyperbolic nature of the parents, who can only be described as caricatures.
I would recommend the show for an hour of hit and miss gags but parts of the adaptation, like the constant references to Twitter, did not always work. The traditional love story between the two leads seemed quite old fashioned compared to the more up-to-date references in other parts of the script. Despite this, the Lincoln Company put on a great show and knows how to keep their audiences entertained.
