Cape Cod theater: Cotuit's 'Guide to Pulling Off an Art Heist' is hilarious escapism
The two-woman powerhouse cast of Rachel Greenfeld as Havoc and Talia Hankin as Mayhem delivers a highly entertaining performance in “The Experts Guide to Pulling Off an Art Heist (in 17 Ridiculously Simple Steps)” at Cotuit Center for the Arts.
If you’re looking for a unique and fun theater experience, my money is on this hilarious production. It was pure escapism. You’ll need to sign an “NDA” promising not to tell the center's executive director David Kuehn anything. You can’t have him on your tail because you're going along with Havoc and Mayhem for the heist. Planning it in the same vicinity is tricky business. Buckle up.
The show: “The Experts Guide to Pulling Off an Art Heist (in 17 Ridiculously Simple Steps” was written by Talia Hankin and Celia Krefter, directed by Celia Krefter and presented by Cotuit Center for The Arts.
What it’s about: Mayhem and Havoc have unfinished business at Cotuit Center for The Arts — the last time they were there for an art heist it landed Mayhem in the slammer. Unbeknownst to either of them, they have both returned to finish the heist and are reunited. In this interactive performance, the audience learns too many secrets and becomes implicated. To roll with these two you’ll need to know the 17 ridiculously simple steps and how these love birds ended up there in the first place.
Highlight of the show: Hankin as Mayhem and Greenfeld as Havoc were equally extraordinary in their performance. Breaks in the audience's laughter were rare. There's no room for your mind to drift away from the performance, as both are extremely talented. Whether they are crediting their art-heisting hero, Nicolas Cage, for his groundbreaking heists in "National Treasure" or showing you how smooth criminals do it with an epic game of Twister, it is a hilarious spin on an art heist.
The production was set in the center's Black Box Theater, which is entirely blacked out. The use of spotlights and even disco party lighting made for such a unique experience. As the lights went out the actors could quickly change their props and get ready for the next scene without the audience seeing.
See it or not: Absolutely. The performance was not only fantastic, but it was a great time. The ending was phenomenal. This production was more entertaining than some that have a whole cast because of the two firecracker cast members. Keep in mind that this is an adult-centered performance, as some content is inappropriate for kids.
Worth noting: This production is a part of the Cotuit Center for The Arts pick-your-own ticket price program. To promote inclusivity, the lowest ticket option is $10. When buying tickets, this option will be listed as ‘Pick Your Price’ and seating will be marked in bright orange.
Fun fact: Talia Hankin is not only the energetic Mayhem but is also one of the writers. Celia Krefter is the other, and Krefter also directed and oversaw sound design.
If you go: Cotuit Center for The Arts, 4404 Falmouth Road, Cotuit, Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 4 p.m. until Sept. 3. Tickets range from $10- $50. You pick the price you want to pay. You can purchase tickets at https://ci.ovationtix.com/31005/production/1151646 or by calling the box office at 508-428-0669 x0.
Ambermae Rivard
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Cape Cod theater review: 'Experts Guide to Pulling Off an Art Heist'
