It's official. Dave Droxler has figured out how to get your project funded. Claim Christopher Walken is involved! Walken On Sunshine is a fluff comedy that knows what it is and never strays. The farcical play is mindless fun and entertainment about determination. Brothers Gavin and Quinn are trying to make a movie. They have a script. They have a lead. All they need is the money. After reading an article about Christopher Walken never turning down a project, Gavin accidentally tells a giant fib to their future investor, who also happens to be the boss of the girl of his dreams. With well-timed references and non-stop laughter, Walken On Sunshine honors the classic comedies we know and love. If you're a theatergoer looking for substance from a play that forces you to think, Droxler's play is not it. But who says that's what theater has to be all the time. You certainly could take the time to over-analyze Droxler's text but where's the fun in that? Just come for a laugh! When Droxler tried to be too smart, he hit some roadblocks. And that came through the unclear devise of Narrator. Partially playing narrator and scene or costume change cover, her purpose in this world was never defined as much as it needed to be. If she is only a device for Gabin, she shouldn't have been included in the actual scenes as characters.
Director Marcus Stevens kept the comedy flowing. It was a strong decision. His prime focus seemed to allow his company to go big to cover up the little holes. The staging was tight. Literally. Soho Playhouse served as an obstacle course for the cast at times. The inclusion of live music played and composed by James Rushin was the icing on the cake. This play may have faltered without it. It assisted in keeping the tempo constant.
Walken On Sunshine is fun, fun, fun. And that's all you can ask for. Does this play survive a future without Dave Droxler in it? That's a giant question mark that may have an unfortunate answer. There are very few people who can do what that talent can do.