I came to this venue for the first time to see the play Always Coming Soon: The Future, after winning free admission for a friend and I from Yelp. The Performance Garage is on an otherwise empty block of Brandywine in the Art Museum Area. I arrived just before show time and it wasn't hard to find due to the thrown open doors and people milling about.
You check in at a front desk (one person taking names for admission and another selling drink and food tickets (2 for $3 or 5 for $5). It was a bit hectic and crowded, but they made sure everyone got through and checked in before show time. The stage was close to the seats, and no matter where you sat at this theater you got a good view of the elevated stage. The acoustics were not spectacular, which forced the performers to use microphones. I understand this is largely a dance theater, so normally the acoustics issue wouldn't be as much of a problem. I liked the intimacy of the theater--the inexpensive nature of the food and drinks sold (one ticket for popcorn and soda, two for beers), and would definitely come back to see another show here.
Review of Always Coming Soon: The Future
I tried and tried to find a review of this play/musical online, but had no luck whatsoever. I saw that it was performed in a couple of different cities, but I could only find the show descriptor, no doubt provided by the playwright/composer. The description was incredibly cryptic and I had no idea what to expect at this show.
The performance began once you walked past the lobby into the "garage." You were directed through a hallway with a zombie yelling things through a megaphone. Then you were deposited where more zombies were selling the refreshments, including fresh air (the first clue that the performance was taking place in some future dystopic society).
I'm not totally sure that I followed the plot after that (perhaps others had this issue as well, hence no reviews). It takes place some time after 2022 after a huge world war that resulted in some people, but not all, becoming zombies. I would say that It was possibly commentary on our society's commercialism, genetic modification, Monsanto, belief in god (or the government) to do what is right for us without, environmental neglect, or obsession with focusing on the present and not thinking about the future. As a whole, for me, there were too many criticisms, with little focus on each, so you really only got "big picture" commentary.
I would characterize the show as more of a performance than a play or musical. The actors did great work--the show required a lot of hamming it up to the audience--both physically and verbally, which requires a lot of talent and the performers did a spectacular job.
It was an unusual experience, but I am glad I went and would be down to see another BRAT Productions show in the future. read more