The Garage Theatre kicked off its 11th season with the fast-paced comedy “Goose and Tomtom.” This is the second time that The Garage Theatre has produced this manic comedy written by David Rabe and directed by Eric Hamme.
The highly suspenseful opening features a gun-clad, Tomtom (Paul Knox) quickly jumping awake after a very loud knock on the door. And from that moment on, there is non-stop dialogue and movement.
The tiny theater space that makes up the stage is covered with old newspaper, trash, items of clothing, and other random objects that create Tomtom’s apartment. The walls are made of thin wood and partially covered in old newspapers that have faded drawings. This is a small insight to one of Tomtom’s quirks that is later displayed throughout the show. There are only two doors, the front, which is thin, and another that alludes to more rooms of the apartment.
Through the front door, enters Goose (Matthew Anderson) at rapid gunpoint from Tomtom. Although it is quickly realized that they are best friends, these are two characters who are extremely paranoid, nervous and, at times, afraid of the outside world. But, of course, they live in a fictional place where witches can steal your soul, people can turn into animals and alien abductions can occur at any moment.
The characters that inhabit this fantastical world reflect the obscurities they’ve encountered. All the characters have a child-like nature. They make messes and act almost blindly on their impulses. They’re all also quick-tempered and volatile at times, especially Lorraine (Jessica Variz). She is Goose and Tomtom’s lady friend who has total control over the two men, and whose anger and desires perpetuate the action of the plot. Most of the times, she makes Goose and Tomtom do foolish things because they want to keep her happy.
Together, Anderson and Knox portray an interesting pair of characters. Although they are best friends, there are times when their relationship is unclear. It has tough times and violent moments mixed with tender, compassionate ones. Their manner of speaking is quick, irrational and explicit at times. They often contradict each other and have a habit of recounting events in sequential order to newcomers.
Although Anderson and Knox enthusiastically and energetically play these bizarre characters in this peculiar world, their efforts don’t go unnoticed through the muddled plot. The premise is that they are jewel thieves who have a mission to take back the jewels that were stolen from Lorraine. But this objective is not clear until the middle of the show.
The quick dialogue is also another variable that adds to the confusion. There are many instances where one of the characters goes off on a tangent and confuses the audience and themselves. But there are also moments of sincere tenderness, especially from Knox who has multiple monologues about the importance of inner beauty.
Between the bursts of fantastical stories, explicit language and confusing plot lines, lie moments of true comedy. Although maniacal, malicious and evil at times, Variz as Lorraine is a hilarious character whose hold on the two title characters is fascinating to watch as the plot unravels. She blatantly uses her sexuality and softness to manipulate Goose and Tomtom into whimpering little boys.
Overall, this production is put on with a valiant effort by the entire cast but, unfortunately, the muddled plot and the confusing dialogue make it hard to follow. Although it is made up of interesting characters and some funny dialogue, it lacks the focus that is needed to hold attention.
“Goose and Tomtom” runs every Thursday, Friday and Saturday until May 19. Performances start at 8 p.m. and cost $18 for general admission and $15 for students, teachers or seniors. For more information or to buy tickets, visit thegaragetheatre.org.
