Reviewed: Gilbert Gottfried's "The Diet Show"
Photo by Stage 72
For someone who has the attention span of a fruit fly, you can only imagine how well I do at theater productions, movies, concerts, etc. After about 15-minutes, I get bored and antsy. Restless leg syndrome sets in and I find myself anxiously taking turns glancing between the exit door and my watch...
Toward the end of 2012, I was invited to view "The Diet Show," Gilbert Gottfried, Sean Pomper, and Karen Katz's comedy production starring past winners, finalists and contestants of the hit TV show, The Biggest Loser. Now, under any other circumstance, I wouldn't have even opened this email pitch had the word "Diet" not caught my eye. After reading the press release, however, I did something very out of character: I RSVP'd with a whole-hearted "YES!" Because, aside from the fact that I'm obsessed with the digital number on the scale, for much of my life, I've not-so-proudly worn the "diet whore" crown. So it's without even saying that I have a soft spot for anyone who struggles with their weight and appearance.
On Saturday night, I met my friend, Nicole, at Stage 72 for the 7pm performance of The Diet Show. The first thing that stood out was the small, intimate theater space - located above a Turkish restaurant - that boasted ornate detail and dark, gothic colors (think red, black, gold).
As we filed in to the theater, an employee noted that there was a 2-drink minimum per person. While that "rule" may annoy some, I was thrilled to hear that a) there was alcohol, and b) there was table-service!
Nicole and I scored a great front-row seat. Just as we received our cocktails - some chocolate-y martini thing for her, and a margarita for me - the lights began to dim. Show time!
The production was incredibly entertaining, hysterical, and tear-jerking. All at the same time. Imagine, if you will, eleven personal, heartfelt monologues given by former winners and contestants of The Biggest Loser. Not once did I look down at my watch...or yawn. Instead, I laughed. I nodded my head many times, both in agreement and in that sympathetic "I've been there before, too." And I bawled. The cast spoke about everything from food addiction, working out, and looking death in the eye to always making it a point to poke fun at themselves before anyone else could have the opportunity. Pretty heavy stuff. Especially when you, too, have been there.
I would recommend this show to anyone who appreciates a solid comedy routine and, on the serious side of things, has ever struggled with weight, dieting, poor self esteem, food addiction, etc. Hey, isn't that almost all of us?
For more information or to buy tickets, click here.
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Until we eat again,
Lindsay, The Lunch Belle