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'Blah, blah, blah,' is worth talking about
Ever wonder how Neil Armstrong came up with the line about one giant step for man? And just what "Casablanca" is really about? And, OK here's one: Try imagining what "Waiting for Godot" would sound like if you tried to pitch it as a script to a Hollywood executive ("So . . . these guys just wait and talk about Godot?")? And c'mon admit it: You daydream about your life being a movie, every move at the center of the big screen, don't you? Lowell Bartholomee has the chutzpah to give life to these and other wacky notions and private fantasies in "Blah, blah, blah," his collection of 14 sketches now playing in a simply staged production at the Blue Theater. Some of these skits have been seen before on Austin stages, like "Dear Courtney," which was part of the recent "Celebrity Crush" gig. Standing at opposite sides of the stage, two fans of the alt-rocker turned professional widow, Courtney Love, read their letters to the star: One adores her, one berates her. In other words, they're both fans in the true sense of the word — fanatics. There's an undercurrent of pathos in a number of the skits that adds ballast to the humor. "Bob's Birthday" takes us on a most remarkable emotional journey as a man stages his own surprise party — and is the only one in attendance. And in "Dutch" two beer-drinking buddies connect briefly after one has just died. Bartholomee's wild imaginings benefit from some sharp comedic acting. Richard S. Fisher is pure kinetic weirdness, while Judson L. Jones imbues his oddness with an endearing sense of empathy in all the right places. And Joey Hood gives spirited and energetic interpretation to a wide range of characters. Even in the stifling heat of the Blue Theater on Friday night, "Blah, blah, blah" was cool and funny. "Blah, blah, blah" continues through Aug. 10 at the Blue Theater, 916 Springdale Road. Performances are at 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday. $8-12, 927-1118.
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