[NoHo Arts District, CA] – A NoHo Arts theatre review of “Shagadelic: The Origins of Slang Words for Doing It” written and performed by Mike Blaha with an encore performance at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2023 on July 22.
“Shagadelic: The Origins of Slang Words for Doing It” is an absolutely hilarious and brilliantly clever solo show written and performed by the rather sublime Mike Blaha. If you have ever wondered where ‘shag’ or ‘boink’ or ‘hiding the sausage’ originates…then this is your kind of play.
Our guide on this academic journey through the language of the etymology of onanistic euphemisms is the learned Professor Fondler who has been assigned the dubious task of lecturing on this newly created college course. We are his students and, even though the audience is well over the average college age, the sniggering, tittering and general adolescent behaviour abounds and adds hugely to the enjoyment of this highly entertaining and wonderfully written show.
It put me in mind of the very best British sketch comedy. Particularly The Secret Policemen’s Ball, which I’m not even sure is still a thing, or like Black Adder or The Young Ones. Writers such as Ben Elton, Rowan Atkinson, Richard Curtis and the like…that odd kind of awkward ironic humor that the English do so well. Full of hidden jokes, cutting asides and a general undercurrent of anger and revenge…how fabulous!
This particular professor wanders of his topic from time to time, making badly veiled references to his recently cuckolded wife and the sad sack she is apparently shtupping. Mike Blaha makes for a riveting and remarkably believable Professor Fondler. The slight stoop, the tweed jacket, the moth-eaten bow tie. As his mind wanders while reciting the colloquial terms for a member, you can catch the slight sadness in his delivery. Anger tinged with regret, humiliation born by resignation to his fate. It’s truly delicious.
Funny, frighteningly informative and a joyful jaunt down the memory lane of smut and scandal. I absolutely loved it. Definitely one of the highlights of the Hollywood Fringe for me.
I believe “Shagadelic” is Edinburgh bound. And I am absolutely positive that the Scotts will be utterly thrilled!
When:
Encore performance on Saturday, July 22, 8:30pm
Where:
Asylum @ Stephanie Feury Studio Theatre (SFS Theatre mainstage)
5636 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038