Los Angeles Review: THE PRESENT
JILL WEINLEIN - Chief Los Angeles Theater Critic
Less than a year ago, I attended a performance by master illusionist and storyteller Helder Guimarães’ at the Geffen Playhouse. It was one of those mesmerizing experiences, as Guimarães’ shared personal stories about his life in Invisible Tango, inside the intimate Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater. I remember walking away enchanted with his storytelling and in awe by his gift of magic.
During the Covid-19 pandemic when local and state leaders urged everyone except essential workers to stay home, the Geffen Playhouse went dark.
Mark Shakman, artistic director at the Geffen Playhouse knew “the show must go on” and approached Guimarães. Even though live theatre is not in the cards right now, if anyone can conjure up a way to entertain Geffen patrons and fans, Guimarães’ is a performer who can work his magic.
Together they created “The Present", a Geffen Stayhouse world premier presented via a Zoom platform, where ticket holders can watch from the comfort of their own home.
The demand for watching a Geffen production surprised everyone. When tickets became available for “The Present”, the initial one-month run sold out in less than hour. Then an added second month also sold out. Now on Monday, May 18 at 10 a.m., tickets will be available for dates extended through August 16, 2020.
Guimarães crafted his new show for an audience of a maximum of 25 participants. Each ticket holder receives a sealed mystery package mailed to their home before the performance date, creating a new sense of excitement to theater.
Then detailed instructions are emailed to ticket holders up to 48 hours before showtime guiding participants about the Zoom Platform and what to expect.
A few minutes before the show begins, a Geffen House Manager welcomes participants as they ring the doorbell to enter the Zoom platform. The night I participated in the show, Mel the House Manager checked to make sure microphones and speakers were working, and requested that each attendee held up their sealed present as their ticket.
The virtual performance is similar to real theater, as the Zoom audience has a voice and the opportunity to participate, and applaud.
Mel made sure that the 70 minute performance went smoothly. She muted microphones when needed and typed message requests in the Zoom Chat box.
As Guimaraes sat at a table, he shared with his audience that this is actually his second quarantine in his life. The first time was when he was eleven years old, after a car accident that left him hospitalized with a concussion and in a coma.
We soon learn his grandfather was an important caregiver during his first quarantine, and this performance of “The Present” is an ode to this caring and loving patriarch.
As we opened our box and examined the contents, the items inside are revealed throughout the course of Guimarães’ performance. He instructs when and how to use each item, as he shares his childhood story, leaving audiences speechless and in awe.
Using his signature mind-bending illusions, Guimarães leads Zoom participants through a funny, moving and ultimately heartfelt story of lessons he learned when he least expected it. The virtual and physical experience that takes place in his hands, also happens in everyones hands participating through his guidance.
Even thought the show is not exactly the same as live theater, in a way it is better. One doesn’t need to dress up, drive and park a car, and sit shoulder to shoulder close to a group of strangers. Most of the Zoom participants were dressed casual, some were seated on a couch in their family room, others were watching in their bedroom.
Guimarães helps the audience forget for 70 minutes about sickness, loss and isolation due to the pandemic. He uplifts a group of strangers, and ends with “What we are living through now, will always be our personal story to tell.”
Tickets for the newly released tickets go on sale on Monday, May 18 at 10 a.m., for date extended through August 6.
The Present is written and Performed by Helder Guimarães
Directed by Frank Marshall
Previews: Thursday, May 7 – Wednesday, May 13, 2020
Opening Night: Thursday, May 14, 2020, closing night: Sunday, August 16, 2020
PRODUCTION TEAM
Production Design Consultant François-Pierre Couture
Costume Design Consultant E.B. Brooks
Lighting Design Consultant Daniel Ionazzi
Dramaturg Amy Levinson
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Monday No performance
Tuesday – Friday 8:00 p.m. PT
Saturday 3:00 and 8:00 p.m. PT
Sunday 2:00 and 7:00 p.m. PT
Running time: 70 minutes with no intermission.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets are currently priced at $85.00 per household. Available by phone at 310.208.2028 or online at www.geffenplayhouse.org. Fees may apply.