Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Neil D’Astolfo gives a vivacious, larger-than-life solo performance as MISTER MISS AMERICA

• By drediman
• July 13, 2022
• No Comments

This week also saw the Off-Broadway opening of Mister Miss America by Neil D’Astolfo, who also stars in the piece. The amusing play arrives at the Rattlestick Playwrights Theater by way of All For One Theater, a theater company dedicated to the nurturing and presentation of solo shows. Mr. D’Astolfo’s work tells the fictitious story of one Derek Tyler Taylor, who defiantly and flamboyantly competes in the 86th Annual Miss Southwestern Virginia Pageant as its one and only male contestant.

I’m happy to report that Mr. D’Astolfo gives a tour de force solo performance – his Derek is sassy, catty, and altogether larger-than-life, and the way he delivers the play’s onslaught of zingers invariably tickles the funny bone. Indeed, the actor seizes the stage with voracious intensity that’s as frightening as it is fabulous. In terms of sheer entertainment, the highlight of his performance is undoubtedly the talent portion of the pageant, during which Derek vivaciously lip syncs to a mash-up of Patti LuPone, Britney Spears, and Joan Crawford. Not only is the show-stopping segment fun, it’s also impeccably executed with controlled abandon. But the slight, decidedly old fashioned Mister Miss America isn’t only about campy fun; the play also poignantly touches upon themes of acceptance and resilience.

The inspired staging is the work of Tony Speciale, whose direction works beautifully within the physically restrictive confines of the Rattlestick’s tiny stage, seamlessly transitioning between the play’s on and offstage scenes and elegantly breaking the fourth wall when needed. In particular, he stages the “onstage” swimsuit, talent, and question-and-answer portions of the pageant with wit and keen observation (thanks in part to some hilarious voiceover work).

RECOMMENDED

MISTER MISS AMERICA
Off-Broadway, Play
All For One Theater at Rattlestick Playwrights Theater
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Through August 7