Review: Nick & Juanita - Livin' in my dreams

A while ago, during Dancing on the Edge, I was lucky enough to see Tara Cheyenne-Friedenberg's newest solo work, Nick & Juanita. This hilarious dancetheatre piece had the audience laughing great big belly laughs, from start to finish. Tara is a consummate performer. She shines on stage, filling up the entire space with her intense presence. She commits wholeheartedly to each role she takes on, infusing every cell in her body with all the little nuances that really bring a character to life. Read on for a full review of the show...

This is the second of her works that I've seen, (I also saw 2005's BANGer) and both times I left the theatre satisfied, impressed and still giggling at some of her "witty banter". Her performance on Monday evening was spot-on as usual. The music (composed/designed by Marc Stewart) and lighting (James Proudfoot) complimented the work perfectly, providing seamless transitions from one scene/character to the next.

The basic narrative runs like this: Nick is an obnoxious, self-absorbed, cheesy daytime talk show host. He has a thing for women, but can't seem to attract anyone unless they are just as desparate as he is. He talks a lot, but never really says anything. Underneath his outgoing exterior, he's really a pretty lonely guy, a glutton for attention, seeking some sort of a meaningful connection with the rest of the world. He puts the moves on Juanita, a loud, brash, know-it-all Latina whose heart has a habit of ignoring her rational brain, ending up falling for any guy who looks her way and tells her she's beautiful. Nick stands Juanita up at the bar, and we see it all unfold through two great monologues.

Whether she was playing Nick or Juanita, Tara had impeccable timing. Combined with amazing technique, bodily control and jokes that had everyone laughing, every aspect of this show was enjoyable and accessible - for everyone in the audience, regardless of their background in dance (or lack thereof).

I'd look for Nick & Juanita to be a strong contender for the People's Choice awards - the winner is soon to be announced!

Photo by Marc Stewart, from the DOTE website.