Bullet for Adolf

Reviewed by Paula Citron

Bullet for Adolf
Children at Play Productions
Written by Woody Harrelson and Frankie Hyman
Directed by Woody Harrelson
Performed by Brandon Coffey, David Coomber, Thomas Gough, Tashieka McTaggart, Billy Petrovski, Ronnie Rowe, Vanessa Smythe and Meghan Swaby
Hart House Theatre
Apr. 19 to May 7, 2011

Sitting in the audience for Bullet for Adolf, a firm fact emerged. The mostly university students were convulsed in laughter. As someone well beyond university years, I found the show mildly amusing, punctuated by the odd clever one-liner.

Bullet for Adolf has had lots of hype because it is directed by TV/movie star Woody Harrelson, who also co-wrote the play with Frankie Hyman. The storyline is based on the men’ experience working in construction in Houston in 1983.

Among the characters are the laid-back Harrelson clone, and the driven Hyman clone. There is also an unrepentant Nazi, a white guy who acts and talks more Black than the Blacks, a total yes man, and on the distaff side, a trio of feminists.

The actors are mostly recent graduates from various theatre schools, so they have a lot of energy. I’m assuming the pacing and rhythm are getting better with each performance.

Bullet for Adolf continues at Hart House Theatre until May 7.