By Amanda VanNostrand.
Azuka Theatre is currently bringing its audience members on a trip around America (and a little bit through Mexico) in Bob: A Life in Five Acts. Written by San Franciscan native Peter Sinn Nachtrieb, this all-American show brings laughter and hope to its audience. Bob: A Life in Five Acts is being performed at Proscenium Theatre at The Drake until March 17th and will be enjoyed by all who appreciate the overcoming of adversity.
Everything about Bob and his life is simple to the point of unfortunate. From his birth in a White Castle to an education consisting of road trips with his adoptive mother, things do not seem to be in Bob’s favor. As death steals his mother away, Bob learns exponentially more about reality as he grows older and encounters the people and circumstances that bring about ironic, surprising, and entertaining stories making up Bob’s very life and being.
Sabriaya Shipley (Chorus), Claris Park (Chorus), Paul Harrold (Bob), Dan D’Albis (Chorus), and
Frank Jimenez (Chorus) in Azuka Theatre’s production of BOB: A Life In Five Acts.
There are five actors in Bob: A Life in Five Acts while the number of characters greatly exceeds this. Bob, played by Paul Harrold, is consistent throughout while members of the Chorus – Dan D’Albis, Frank Jimenez, Claris Park, and Sabriaya Shipley each portray a variety of people who affect Bob’s life. These five talented individuals are well prepared to impress in their roles and they bring their own sources of comedy to the stage as they play their parts. From unique, sarcastic dances to quick-witted lines and dry humor, Bob: A Life in Five Acts is truly funny.
Bob: A Life in Five Acts is unique because it is a straightforward show. From the set and costumes to the actual plot itself, no one occurrence makes this story; it is made up of five acts, all of which center around Bob as he becomes a man and his circumstances deliver him to each new phase of life. Audience members will fall for Bob because of the honesty with which he and the people walking alongside him live out their lives. Honesty, simplicity, and hope for the weary: this play has it all. A great show to see for anyone looking to laugh and feel impressed with the simplest of things.