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THE DEBATE OVER COURTNEY O’CONNELL OF COLUMBUS, NEBRASKA - A NIGHT OF ZANY FUN
By Mike Buzzelli
07/29/2009
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 A ridiculous law still on the books in Nebraska resurfaces in a bar in Mat Smart’s wild comedy, The Debate over Courtney O’Connell of Columbus, Nebraska (Longest. Title. Ever.).
Scott “Scooner” Hooner (Jeff Galfer) interrupts the musical act, the Rustics (Natalie Myers, Preston Oliver and Ian Patrick), and challenges his ex-girlfriend’s new beau, James (Larry Herron) to a debate. The winner of the debate gets the girl, and the girl, Courtney O’Connell (Amy Ellenberger), agrees to go along with the charade.
Scott invokes the Morgan Morality law. Apparently, a law on the books in Nebraska states a man has the right to debate the new suitor of a woman if the man is the first person to have physical relations with said woman. Of course, it’s written in dense lawyer-speak, but that’s the gist of it.
Scooner’s friend, Thomas (Feodor Chin), moderates the proceedings. Things get crazy early on, but the show ramps up to ludicrous speed pretty quickly. There’s a wonderful WTF moment in Sunday’s performance (according to director Jen Chang, the show changes every night based on the audience participation).
There are a lot of surprises in the first act. The second act veers off in a wildly different direction and takes the audience back to origins of the bizarre Morgan Morality law in 1894. The show enters into high camp territory, but still retains its spirit.
 This show works because of its strong cast. Herron is a charismatic and charming lead. Galfer embraces his inner douche, but surprises with subtle moments of intimacy. It’s a solid performance. Chin and Ellenberger get a few moments to shine, but the first act boils down to the battle between Herron and Galfer’s characters, and they’re terrific.
Chang does a marvelous job bringing a sense of urgency into the production. When Galfer interrupts singer Natalie Myers of the Rustics at the beginning of the show, there is a “is this real?” moment for the audience. Chang keeps that “anything can happen” vibe throughout the show.
It’s a night of zany fun with Chang and the gang at the marquee destroying title, The Debate over Courtney O’Connell of Columbus, Nebraska.
-- Mike Buzzelli
Photos courtesy of Chalk Repertory Theatre
Chalk Repertory Theatre The Debate over Courtney O’Connell of Columbus, Nebraska runs from July 26 to August 24 at the Café Metropol located at 923 East 3rd St., Los Angeles, CA 90013
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