October 16-22, 2003

artpicks

MacHomer

Theater

Even in this age of pushbutton standing ovations, the jumping, cheering mob that greeted the limited run of MacHomer last March was something different: the recognition of a brilliant, bona fide hit. Actor/writer Rick Miller's one-man retelling of Macbeth -- wherein he plays virtually every character on The Simpsons -- may sound like a clever gimmick. In fact, it's an astonishing one.

Miller is a dazzling mimic (Homer, Marge and Krusty are especially good, but they're all fine) and a storyteller extraordinaire. When he casts against type (Lady M is Marge?), he finds something to make us rethink both Shakespeare and Groening. With the aid of some animation, a live-action cam and even a few finger puppets, MacHomer comes to glorious life. As I wrote in response to the last engagement, The currently troubled Royal Shakespeare Company could learn a trick or three from Mr. Miller.

That stint was an SRO sellout. Happily, the clever folks at Penn Presents (who know a good thing when they have one) have brought back Miller and friends for four performances. This is certain to be another sellout engagement so stop reading, and call now!

MacHomer, Fri., Oct. 17, 8 p.m., Sat., Oct 18, 2 and 8 p.m., and Sun., Oct. 19, 3 p.m., $23-$38, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900.

—David Anthony Fox