The Naked Dead Elephant in the Middle of the Room (The Players Theatre)

BOTTOM LINE: irreverent, gratuitous, humorous, interactive, short
A Fun little piece about the creative process with some random nudity.

The Naked Dead Elephant calls itself "a satirical comedy with adult themes and nudity about creating a satirical comedy with adult themes and nudity." That about sums it up. It tells the story of a playwright trying to write a play for the Fringe Fest which we then see unfold in front of us as a play within a play within a play. If it sounds confusing, don't worry. You will follow this quick romp through the creative process with ease, I am sure.

Now, you might be saying that this premise sounds a lot like the currently running Broadway musical [title of show] and you would be correct. It's exactly like that-minus the music, plus some full-frontal nudity. While the comparisons are inevitable, this little show is by no means anywhere on the same plane of greatness as the brilliant [title of show], but that's OK. It's not great, but it's not bad either. And while there really isn't much of a plot, or conflict for that matter, somehow it works. There are some really good performances from Keith Broughton as the struggling playwright and Jim deOrophetis as his supportive boyfriend. If you are in the neighborhood and looking for a quick laugh, then The Naked Dead Elephant in the Middle of the Room is worth a look.

The Naked Dead Elephant in the Middle of the Room plays at the Players Theatre, 115 MacDougal St. south of W. 3rd. Show times: Saturday, August 16th at 8:15pm, Friday, August 22nd at 11:30, Sunday, August 24th at 1:45. Visit nakeddeadelephant.com or fringenyc.org.