What: Earth Leader: Son of 聭Bub
Where: Wood Hall, Victoria Conservatory of Music, 907 Pandora Ave.
When: Aug. 26, 31, Sept. 1, 2
Rating: 2 1芒聛聞2 stars (out of five)
Victoria musician/comedian Richard Leon Gauthier has stepped out with his quirky, comedic look at a man struggling with mental illness.
It聮s a peculiar piece. Certainly, as a performer, Gauthier has strengths. He聮s a superior singer and guitarist 聴 the songs he offers are the show聮s highlights. Although he seemed a touch nervous (this was the inaugural performance), Gauthier spoke well, sometimes displaying an off-beat charisma.
Where Earth Leader: Son of 聭Bub falters is the material. Gauthier struggles to find humour in dark subjects. For instance, a stand-up routine includes an ill-conceived bit about getting raped as a child by a relative. And Gauthier聮s riffs on mental illness (the protagonist believes he聮s receiving 聯thought transmissions聰 via TV programs) are puzzling and just plain strange.
There is potential here. Gauthier has musicianship, natural charm and a rare ability to convey vulnerability. The show needs reworking, however.
