The ensemble of HOOPLA TRAIN. Photo by John Schaidler.
In order to enjoy the appealing Hoopla Train (Sod House Theater, various venues, through Oct 15; visit sodhousetheater.com for specific info), it helps to make a commitment: to beer. Avoid hard liquor. You don’t wanna get snaky drunk. You want that not-quite-sober, not-quite-out-of-control level of nirvana that only beer provides. At last night’s performance (at the Eagles Club) I had one beer. I should have had three.
To call Hoopla Train a play is not entirely accurate. But what the heck, I’m feeling generous. The play features a bunch of goony, fright wig-wearing, ugly-costume-clad, whip wielding performers. Whiplash Lulu’s turn with a bullwhip is easily worth the price of a beer — the wonderful Andrea Wollenberg, and gosh can she dance, too. Uke picking. Dan Somebody does a brilliant song, which I’m guessing is called “One More Minute”. The lean, lithe and lovely Kimberly Richardson does the best single roller skate ballet you’re ever seen – Garçon! One more over here! Richardson, along with Darcy Engen and Elise Langer is one third of the grinning and talented Triplets. Luverne Seifert does a hootful duet with Engen (I think), detailing, through pieces of popular songs, the deterioration of their marriage. There’s Eriq Nelson with his fuzzy antlers. Jim Lichtscheidl plays the put-upon, cat-herding MC. Lichtscheidl also directs, for which we must forgive him.
All these artists stage a Keilloresque radio play, Hoopla Train, for our edification. Hoopla Train doesn’t give a date (that I can recall) but I’m guessing that the play is set in the 1940s or 50s. There’s some zippy polka music, provided by the Chmielewski (the correct spelling; I got it from the program) Funtime Band. Lots of polka dancing.
Oh, and a talent contest.
The Hoopla Train that I saw had an under-rehearsed, semi-improvised feel. This added mightily, imo, to its considerable charm. The actors all had fun; I bet you will, too.
Here’s what I suggest: meet your chums at a taproom. Have a couple. Then go to the performance venue and see Hoopla Train. Have a couple more. Then maybe a beercap after the show. You’ll have a grand time.
John Olive is a writer living in Minneapolis. His book, Tell Me A Story In The Dark, about the magic of bedtime stories, has been published. Please visit John’s informational website.