It's not easy to make light of a recession that costs hundreds of billions of dollars and sent investors, banks and governments into a tailspin. But performers and co-creators Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza do a pretty good job in Spent, on now until November 28th, at Factory Theatre.
Created in collaboration with director duo Michele Smith and Dean Gilmour, Spent takes comedic aim at the 2008 fiscal crisis, born on Wall Street. Through a series of vignettes, in which Jain and Paolozza play dozens of characters, they weave together the story of two former Bay street traders whose attempt at suicide makes international new. In one elaborate scene, the two are plunged into the depths of hell and square of with the Devil himself, who of course they also play. The show tackles the darker elements with a light hand leaving the audience entertained rather than depressed.
While it might be fair criticism to say Spent fails to hit very hard, preferring the humorous to the profound, there are moments of serious reflection. In one scene, the actors re-create the House of Representatives Oversight Committee investigation of Lehman Brother executive Richard Fuld. Pitting Paolozza against Jain, as US Representative Henry Waxman, to great effect. The scenes in Spent are well crafted, entertaining and pointedly drive home the message, financial crises make excellent fodder for comedy.
Spent is well worth the night out at the theatre and we highly recommend it. Click the header for more information or to get tickets.
