Dallas Review: Theatre Too Presents “The Bippy Bobby Boo Show”

●      Shawn Stalter, Chief Dallas/Ft. Worth Critic

As the days grow shorter and the nights colder, ghosts, goblins and ghouls once again emerge to delight, entertain and inspire. Recently, these creatures of the night haunted the Theatre Too stage and treated audiences to a surreal, bizarre, and exceptionally entertaining performance of “The Bippy Bobby Boo Show.”

Written by Danielle Georgiou and Justin Locklear, this quirky, rapid-fire theatrical fever dream felt like a late-night variety show conjured straight out of an alternate dimension. Hosted by swanky ghost host with the most, Justin Locklear as “Bippy Bobby Boo,” the show was chock full of hilarious short skits, twisted standup comedy bits and spell-bound dance numbers all complete with a healthy dose of ghoulish swagger. Together, the spirits which have haunted the theatre for over fifty years came to life with stunning costumes courtesy of Danielle Georgiou. The live “Boo Band” kept the action rolling along and infused the air with a deep and infectious lounge vibe, skillfully managing the musical aesthetic of the show.

“Babette Stevens,” expertly played by Monet Lerner, conjured a spell-bindingly macabre, yet comedic, performance. Her riotously funny number had the audience rolling on the floor despite the slightly gory nature of her material. Stand up comedy courtesy of Omar Padilla as “Benito Camelo” also tickled the audience’s funny bone; especially those with Google Translate at the ready. The evocative performance by Colby Calhoun as “Lilith, Jr.”  of “Looking for the Perfect” (accompanied by the cast) took the audience on a simultaneously uproarious and sentimental emotional journey which beautifully rounded out this enigmatic and entrancing show. 

As a bonus, the performance even included a special guest from Theatre Three’s Dracula, Gloria Benavides. Her convincing portrayal of herself (but possessed by a feline phantom) was both enchanting and unnerving. “Nick, the Familiar,” played by Nick Leos, energized the audience from the outset with his well timed comedy and endearing character. At the end of the night, we all wandered from the theatre thankful for a chance to commune with the awesomely talented Theatre Too spirits.

“The Bippy Bobby Boo Show” delivers a mature-audiences performance explorings themes near and dear to the hearts of theatergoers and performance artists everywhere. Don’t miss out on a chance to ignite your Halloween spirit, groove and laugh out loud along with the delightful spirits at Theatre Too.

“The Bippy Bobby Boo Show,” directed and choreographed by Danielle Georgiou runs through November 2nd. The show stars Justin Locklear as “Bippy Bobby,” Nick Leos as “Nick, The Familiar,” Omar Padilla as “Benito Camelo,” Ruben Carrazana as “Harry Caramel,” Colby Calhoun as “Lilith Jr.,” Monet Lerner as “Babette Stevens and William Acker as “Ordinary Bill.” Boo-lette dancers include Kelli Howard, Elaina Alspach and Niki Davis, Boo Band members are Danny Anchando, Cory Kosel and Trey Pendergrass. Members of “Nick’s Dream Ballet Dancers” are Zoila Cruz, Kieran Disspain, Brittany McWhorter, Sarah Mendez, Sonia Mendez and Elizabeth Morales.

Learn more about upcoming shows and reserve your seat for a performance of “The Bippy Bobby Boo Show” by visiting www.Theatre3Dallas.com or connect directly to the Theatre Three Box Office at (214) 871-3300.

Photo credit:  Zane Pena