Frigid New York: The Hefner Monologues

By Le-Anne

5 POINTS OR LESS
one-man show • based on true stories • anecdotal • clever writing

BOTTOM LINE: A one-man show about the life of a black sheep trying to discover who he is.

Upon looking at the title The Hefner Monologues one might expect to hear the charismatic tales of a modern-day Casanova, or perhaps true stories inspired by the infamous namesake. Well, the above is partly true. While the original Playboy does have an influence on our subject, (they are related to each other, albeit somewhat estranged), this comedy is focused on anything but a “playboy.” Playwright and performer, John Hefner, spins endearing tales and laugh-out-loud anecdotes of his very un-Hef-like life in this one man show of strife, first loves, and coming of age, in the shadow of this notable name. Hefner’s performance is endearing as he fumbles through his amusing and awkward history. The use of specificity in his writing provides for instant camaraderie with the audience. A particular “X-Files” reference was greeted with guffaws from the house. One may identify with a job at Bennigan’s, a trip to JoAnn Fabrics, or that life-changing experience during a trip abroad. His description of his first encounter with the elusive alcoholic elixir, absinthe, is entertaining, modern-day poetry. The Hefner Monologues is making a tour of festivals all over North America. Check out the website www.TheHefner.com for more information.

(The Hefner Monologues is at The Red Room, 85 E. 4th St., NYC. Thurs., Mar. 05 @ 10:30pm, Fri., Mar. 06 @ 7:30pm, Sun., Mar. 08 at 1pm. Tickets are $12 available by calling Smarttix at 212-868-4444 or online at www.FRIGIDnewyork.info)