Review of Mannequins

The creative mind of Jonathan Robertson returns to the KC Fringe with his newest production, a play that examines the fragility of the human mind and the power of auditory and visual stimulus via a television and a mannequin.

 A new play, Mannequins, playing on the Jerome Stage of the Unicorn Theatre, is a stand-alone piece that actually preceded his KC Fringe entry, Companions, from last year.  This play gives insight in the insanity of a woman as she slowly slides away from reality, a home, a husband, and begins her journey into her own private world of audio and electronic video stimulation.

With Kansas City favorites Manon Halliburton and David Fritts, the cast alone gives the audience a glimpse of the story and anticipated relationship between actors.  The two carry off the piece with sharp dialogue, an eerie sense of something amiss, and a cavalcade of expressions that keep the audience transfixed on them.

Robertson continues to develop thought provoking pieces with unique characters worthy of the old TV classic The Twilight Zone.  The audience feels they have entered into a new dimension with his works.  The show features some adult dialogue but not excessive strong language.  The play is a thought-provoking piece worthy of exploration and audience enjoyment.

Jonathan Robertson

Mannequins is a new sound play from the producer/director of Companions and The Audio Cart. Mannequins stars Manon Halliburton as a confused housewife, lost in her fantasy world of dolls, dress-up, and television. David Fritts, playing the Husband, makes every effort to reconcile sanity and normalcy in their marriage. Through audible projections of inner dialogue, this play explores what is real, what is tangible, and do those things really matter. Warning: Adult Language

Theatre | 60m | Rated PG | www.jonrobertsonsound.com