They’re fun to watch, and fun to imitate.
So when I received word that mimes from the CHS Theatre would be performing at the Chandler Center for The Arts, my Tuesday morning went from tiring to ecstatic.
The mime show titled Mimespace.com, began promptly at 7 p.m., and immediately, it caught my attention. The introductory scene, “Intruders de la Masques,” was fantastic, thanks to music, the synchronized action between all the actors and the two blacklights that lit up the stage.
Mimes of the Caribbean: An awesome duo scene involving two pirates looking for treasure, it provided some comedy.
Dinner Party: Four mimes having dinner, nicely done scene.
Busted: The first confusing scene of the night. I think a pair of mimes were trying to break into a safe, but I could be wrong.
Who Wants It?: Decent scene concerning two thirsty mimes who are hoodwinked of their items in exchange for an empty bottle of water.
Stuck on You!: Two mimes are stuck together at the wrist by some item. A tad bit confusing.
Lost: Enough said.
Stop Her!: Confusing, once more.
Halloween Fright Night: This is the part where I summarize the scene. Unfortunately, because it was confusing, I can’t really say much.
Food Fight: A bunch of mimes who begin to throw food at each other, an okay scene.
Street Bots: This one was my favorite. There’s something about two mime robots harmoniously street fighting to techno music that keeps audiences entertained. The scene was reminiscent of the robot in the popular movie “Euro Trip”.
Dress Up!: A sour scene because of difficulties with the audio.
That One Show: Another gem in the show where mimes imitate good old Charlie Brown, missed punts and all.
Piñata Massacre: Although the title speaks for itself, I didn’t get it. I don’t even remember seeing a piñata.
Campfire Fiasco: A really long scene where a family of mimes go camping.
Babysitter Nightmare: This scene provided some comedic relief. What could be better than a babysitter who’s stuck outside with a pair of mime children inside a house?
Party Time: A decent premise, although it was clearly told.
Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better: It could’ve been better.
Welcome to My Nightmare: An eerie scene where a mime is unaware some statutes are actually moving, and eventually strangle her. A dark stage, haunting music, and flawless acting made this a fine scene.
Nerd Club: Some nerd tries to enter a nightclub, but is continually blocked by a bouncer. The premise of the scene was good enough, but add to that the fact that “Satisfaction” by Benny Benassi was played in the background, and you have yourself an outstanding scene.
Night Sounds: Just like the introductory scene, this scene proved to be excellently done. The stage turned dark, and all of the actors began a cacophony of noises you would typically hear at night: owls, cats, trash cans, thunder, etc.
All in all, the hour-long production was a nice way to end a Wednesday night. Despite confusing scenes, the mimes did their job: entertain. As I finish writing this story, I’m going to do what everyone else will do: imitate mimes.