Neo-Futurists INFINITE WRENCH Review – Bringing Back a Late Night Classic

At the end of 2016, the Neo-Futurists announced their Andersonville late-night theatre staple, Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind, would play its last show on December 31st. The original production always offered audience members a unique experience unlike any other show. When it seemed like the show was coming to an end, it was much to the dismay of loyal fans and followers, including this reviewer. However, good news is ahead! The Neo-Futurists have created a new late-night standby that will fill any fan’s needs.

The Neo-Futurists Perform in Tight Time Window

Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind was performed with the tagline 30 plays in 60 minutes, where, true to its word, the cast would attempt to perform 30 plays written by ensemble members in the prescribed 60 minutes. This format needed to change when Neo-Futurist founder Greg Allen wanted to take the Too Much Light trademark in a different direction.

Without their standard show they’ve been performing for 28 years, it seemed like the Neo-Futurists would be destined for disaster. I’m happy to report they’ve managed to create a show that follows the same format of Too Much Light but is now titled THE INFINITE WRENCH. Here, the company performs a certain amount of plays in a certain amount of minutes. Each of these plays is still written by an ensemble member and the ensemble members still play themselves onstage.

Join a Team and Root For Your Color

The major difference between the two shows is the way the plays are called out. The audience still has their “menu” or a piece of paper with play titles on it. Before, audience members were instructed to call out the number of the play they wanted. Now, audience members are assigned a team color and call out that color to select one of the plays under that color’s team.

If your color manages to get all of their plays seen before time runs out, your picture is taken to live on in infamy. Other than that, THE INFINITE WRENCH is just as fun and high-energy as its predecessor.

For Those Newcomers Out There

If you’ve never seen the show before – know that this show is for you if you’re a fan of frantic energy, fast theatre, and original plays written about different life experiences.

The time limit keeps the cast constantly moving as they change sets and gather props as they change from one play to another. But if they don’t finish all the plays before time is up, then that’s the show! Each play is also about two minutes so if you didn’t like or didn’t quite grasp what the previous play was about, the show moves to the next one in a flash.

You’ll see plays about every subject under the sun - from a light hearted experience of trying to open a bag of pork rinds after just applying hand lotion to a more political play hypothesizing what would happen in a perfect world. Then of course you’ll get the completely out of the ordinary with a play called “Reverse Rapunzel.” Every single time you go is different and full of surprises.

The Neo-Futurists have not disappointed with their new take on their old classic. They are as punchy and thought-provoking as ever. Old fans and new faces will enjoy THE INFINITE WRENCH (hopefully) for years to come.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

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When:

Thru April 30,  2020

Where

For more information and to watch this play visit Neo-Futurists website.

Tickets

$3+

Check for Half-Price Deals from Hot Tix:

Images courtesy of Neo-Futurists.

Note: Picture This Post reviews are excerpted by Theatre in Chicago

About the Author

Alexis is a theater reviewer, travel bug, media specialist, and burger & beer enthusiast. During the day she works in the advertising business as a senior communications designer. When night falls, or when she can escape to New York, she’s hitting the theaters to see as many shows as she can. And whenever she’s not at her desk or in the audience, she’s out seeking the best burger and beer offerings in Chicago.

Editor's Note:  Click here to read more Picture this Post articles by Alexis Bugajski