Theater Review : Sweeping ‘Madness’ From These Monsters

The Fabulous Monsters’ “Voluptuous Madness” at Highways splices four ethnically far-flung folk tales--from the ancient epic of Gilgamesh to the Celtic fable of the changeling child--with original linking narration. Conceived, designed, written and directed by company founder Richard Prior, “Madness” is funny, visually dazzling and often profound. It is also unsynthesized, a sprawling stream-of-conscious-ness catch-all for Prior’s sweeping but unrefined vision. In this outing, at least, call them the Fabulous-to-a-Fault Monsters.

The costumes, designed by Prior and Teresa Shea, are stunning--glittering, bizarre creations straight out of a fever dream.

Eclectic music by percussionist Theo Welch and keyboardist Simon Hugi propels the action. Choreographer Richie Marin’s Eastern-influenced dances go hand in hand with Kevin Hincker’s masterly fight choreography. Jerry Browning’s versatile lighting, Steven Fitzpatrick’s makeup and Paul Hersey’s headdresses contribute to the overall sumptuousness. The athletic performers, including Prior, execute multiple roles with the intensity and precision of theatrical acolytes.

Thematically, things are a bit less pristine. Prior opens with a leaden and high-falutin hypothesis about the atavistic role of storytelling in history. Similar missteps occur as the action swings between low humor and the trance-like austerity of religious ritual. Set in the afterlife, the narration between stories is overlong and confusing.

Even so, the jumbled whole is consistently fascinating. Monsters perennial Bennett Schneider, in extravagant drag, almost teeters away with the show on his 6-inch spike heels.

BE THERE

“Voluptuous Madness,” Highways, 1651 18th St., Santa Monica. Friday-Sunday, 8:30 p.m. Ends Sunday. $15. (310) 315-1459. Running time: 2 hours, 30 minutes.