THE LOVE LIST

The Little Fish Theatre in the heart of San Pedro is a fifty seat venue just blocks away from the busy port of Los Angeles. The theatre, inside a converted municipal building, is a shining example of the many small theatres that survive on the loyalty of an enthusiastic subscriber base and a dedication to all aspects of a successful performance. The attention to detail at The Little Fish Theater shows both in how the theatre is run and in the performance of their most recent offering, The Love List.

The Love List is a crowd pleasing romantic comedy farce that steers clear of being traditional, while still appealing to a wide range of audiences. Bill (David Graham) has just celebrated his fiftieth birthday. It quickly becomes clear that over the past half a century, he has loved and lost and moved on. More focused on work than pursuing love, his cluttered apartment is a tribute to career-driven bachelorhood. When urged by his friend and formerly successful novelist Leon (Bert Pigg) to fill out a “love list” and apply to a gypsy run dating service, Bill starts the applications almost by accident. However, before either of them can turn it in, Justine (Kimberly Patterson) arrives at the door and billows into their lives as if she had always been there. As expected, the laughs abound and this silly comedy shows that it has heart as well, but above all, it leaves you feeling good about the fun you have had.

Stephanie Coltrin’s sure-handed direction uses every inch of the intimate space as she conducts this whirlwind comedy to its uproarious climax. The script holds up well and set, lighting, and sound designs fit the space and add an air of authenticity to this madcap farce. It is the strength and cohesion of the three-member ensemble cast, however, that lifts this show above other similarly crafted productions. Graham never has a moment’s rest as he delivers a hilarious rendition of a man endeavoring to live with one foot in each of his known worlds. Bert Pigg is droll and persuasive as the catalyst for the play’s action, falling convincingly into the madness of the situation. Patterson proficiently plays every character trait subscribed to her with both humor and believability. In the end, it is the energy created when all three characters are on stage together that propels the show forward and make this Little Fish production a big success.

The Love List runs through April 7th 2012 at the Little Fish Theatre San Pedro. http://www.littlefishtheatre.org/wp/