Theater Review: The ‘Stuff’ that journeys are made of
“The Complete and Authoritative Tour of Holy Stuff” is a multi-media presentation, continuing through at 8 p.m. March 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. March 12, Touchstone Theatre, Bethlehem, about what makes us tick and rings our bells.
It’s around the world in 80 mimes as Emma Ackerman, who created and performs the one-woman show, continuing at 8 p.m. March 10 and 11 and 2 p.m. March 12, wordlessly leads the audience through a series of vignettes about the search for the meaning of life.
The 65-minute performance, with no intermission, takes the form of an audio tour. The selfies fad, the taking of one’s photograph with a cell phone camera, is a major theme. Call it “Around the World in 80 Selfies.” Think a Disney World of the Mind.
An uncredited narrator chattily leads us through the locations in 16 scenes. “You are here. You are not here,” the voice intones with just a touch of malice as world landmarks whiz by.
“Holy Stuff” begins with “The All-Natural Holiness Emporium,” includes “At the Shrine of Television,” “Game Show: Are You a True Believer?” and “Sacrament of the Ball of Foot,” and concludes with “The Gift Shoppe by the Exit.”
Ackerman, a Touchstone Ensemble member, navigates a maze diagram emblazoned on the stage floor as videos, photographs and images in the Video Design by Dan Maher, coinciding with each scene are shown on a large screen above the stage. Jp Jordan, Touchstone Artistic Director, directed the ambitious show and designed the set.
Music plays a major role in “Holy Stuff,” with Gregorian chants and other recorded music enhancing the sense of adventure.
Ackerman, whose denim jacket and leggings outfit is that of a young tourist, is effervescent with a bright-eyed countenance and constant smile.
The journey of her unnamed character of “Holy Stuff’ becomes the audience’s journey with many thoughtful signposts, and selfies, along the way.
Tickets: touchstone.org, 610-867-1689